Black River Cypress Preserve

Originally claimed by the Winyah tribe dating back to the 1500s, the land passed through 29 owners from the colonial settlers to the current management by the Butler Conservation and Park Builders International. The Black Cypress Preserve was set aside for education and recreation in 2015 and covers over 1,000 acres. Trails for hiking, biking, and kayaking are available on the Swampside tract and the nearby Peninsula tract run by the Nature Conservancy.

For our trip we are likely sticking to the Swampside tract and unlike the typical SCAN outing, it will be guided. The guides will be there to keep us on trail, advise us, and be prepared to stop whenever we come across something interesting. Please bring your own food and water, pack it in/pack it for this adventure. According to the map it looks like there are a couple locations for restrooms and several pavilions on the property that we could lunch at if a location along the trail does not present itself. The longest section of trail from the vehicles appears to be a little bit more than 3.5 miles round trip.

Please note that the start time is 10am and the gates will only be open from 9:30am to 10:15am. After that time they have advised me that we are out of luck for getting anyone else into the lot.

If possible, please let me know as early as possible if you think you are attending as they may be able to provide additional guides and allow us more flexibility depending on the number of people attending.

We will be required to sign a waiver before we begin but it will be available to sign upon your arrival.

The preserve has had several people we are familiar with out to the property to do some surveying.
* Dr. Richard Porcher and Celie Dailey did a vascular plant survey and the results can be accessed here:
https://www.cypresspreserve.org/…/Plant-Survey-BRCP…
* Dr. Whit Gibbons and Parker Gibbons did a vertebrate study in 2022 found here:
https://www.cypresspreserve.org/…/DRAFT-BRCP-REPORT-07…

They also have set up an eBird hot spot which can be located here:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L12555082

All of this can be found along with additional history on their website.
https://www.cypresspreserve.org/

Directions:
Location: 16368 County Line Rd (SC 41), Andrews, SC 29510
GPS: 33.498812, -79.534083
Time: 6/24/23 @ 10am (gates open 9:30, close 10:15)

Notes – Bring food and drinks for a lunch out on the trails, bathrooms are available on site.

Columbia and points North head towards Sumter and continue or get on Hwy 378 East
Turn Right on SC 527 and continue through Kingstree for about 48 miles to Hwy 41
Turn Left on SC 41 then the entrance is about a half mile on your right; there will be a sign by the gate.
Charleston and points South Access SC 41 and head towards Francis Marion National Forest and through Andrews SC
After Hwy 521 breaks away from SC41 it is less than 4 miles till the sign and gate will be on your right

Due to the need for guides please notify Todd Johnston if you plan on attending to better accommodate our group.

Please note the preserve’s guidelines below:
Park Rules & Etiquette:
• Motorized vehicles are not permitted beyond the visitor parking lot.
• Bikes are stationed in the visitor parking lot. There are multiple bike shed locations throughout the property (see map). Bikes can be used and dropped off at any of the bike shed locations.
• Please leave bikes at one of the bike sheds prior to leaving the property. In the event a bike has a flat tire or some other issue, please notify your guide or a staff member.
Hiking and biking are the only means of transportation allowed on the trails and roads. There are no exceptions.
• Personal bicycles may be used, however, E-bikes or any other motorized vehicles are not permitted.
• Picnicking is encouraged at BRCP. We are a carry in/carry out facility. Leave no trace. All food, drink, and other waste must be carried out.
• There are two pavilions along/near Swampside Trail available for guest use: Sweetbay Pond Pavilion & Johns Lake Pavilion (refer to map). There is a port-o-let and bike shed at Sweetbay Pond Site.
• Grand Junction has a bike shed, vault toilet, and picnic table.
• We encourage everyone to use a recyclable water container. Please refrain from using plastic bottles on the property.
• Pets are not permitted, nor should they be left in one’s car.
• Smoking, hunting, fishing, or metal detecting is not permitted.
• No collection of plants or animals. This includes collecting wildflowers or other wild plants and their seeds, collecting mushrooms, and otherwise removing or damaging
any plants or trees.
• There are several private buildings that are marked with “Authorized Personnel Only” signs. Please heed the request.
• Once you reach Sweetbay Pond on the Swampside Trail, the remainder of Swampside Trail is designated for hiking only.
• We attempt to schedule multiple groups each day and parking is limited. We ask that all individuals in your group not to linger after your visitation is complete.

Helpful items to wear and bring:
• Supportive and comfortable footwear
• Recyclable water bottle
• Protection from the sun. We encourage everyone to wear a hat and sunscreen. A backpack is helpful to carry a water receptacle, map, raincoat, or an extra layer of clothing.
• Binoculars
• EpiPen or something similar for those with severe reactions to insect bites.