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Chandler / Ashmore Heritage Preserve
July 25, 2020 @ 10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Ashmore Heritage Preserve
Greenville County, SC
Trip Leader: Rita Zollinger
Greenville County, SC
Trip Leader: Rita Zollinger
Ashmore Heritage Preserve is 1,125 acres part of the Mountain Bridge Passage Trail and the Caesar Head Wildlife Management Area.
Come to the upstate where it is cooler to explore this beautiful area. There are pines, hickories, magnolias and oaks, balds, waterfalls, creeks, beaver pond and lake. There are plenty of flowers in bloom, birds, mushrooms and butterflies. Can you find the Indian Paint Brush, Grass of Parnassus, Pitcher plants, sundews and the green salamander? Look out for the piedmont ragwort which grows on a granitic outcrop and the fire-dependent turkeybeard, which is on the special concern list. Near the beginning of the trail, you will see a bat roost. I imagine this was built for the state-endangered Rafinesque’s big-eared bats.
Trails are jeep wide roads with rip rap and single-track dirt. The yellow-orange trail takes you to the balds, cascades, creek crossings and a waterfall. The trail goes uphill to the waterfall. Ascend slowly to enjoy all the flowers, listening to the creek. Look for short spur trails to enjoy the water features and to the bald. This is a miniature version of Bald Rock.
The red trail is a loop trail to Lake Wattacoo. Lots of brim and dragonflies can be seen. This trail goes up, then down to the lake, level around the lake then uphill and back down to the parking area.
Directions: Persimmon Ridge Road, Cleveland, SC
From I-26 west towards Asheville, take exit 5, left on Hwy 11, west. Continue 25.6 miles.
At the intersection of 276 and Hwy 11 in Cleveland, merge right. Go 4.4 miles.
Turn right onto Persimmon Ridge road. Go 0.8 miles to parking. Persimmon Ridge road starts off paved then turns into gravel, but easy to drive. Parking is on the right.
There are no restrooms here, so plan accordingly.
Dinner:
Monte Alban Mexican and Seafood
2832 Geer Hwy, Marietta, SC 29661
Just 4.9 miles south on 276 from the 276 and Hwy 11 intersection in Cleveland.
https://www.facebook.com/Monte-Alban-610179596096138/