Bald Rock Heritage Preserve

Bald Rock is owned and managed by the SC Department of Natural Resources. The property adjoins Caesars Head State Park and is part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. The rock for which the preserve is named is a popular tourist attraction. It provides scenic, panoramic views of the east side of Table Rock Mountain and the surrounding foothills of Pickens and Greenville counties.
The preserve contains a complex of granite outcrops, seeps and waterslides surrounded by a mosaic of mixed pines and hardwoods. Lichens and mosses have colonized portions of the rock outcrops. Joined with forces of weather, these pioneer species create pockets and cracks in the granite, which are filled with sand and organic matter. Some display patches of herbaceous plants.
The preserve protects two headwater streams that are essential in maintaining several groups of rare plant species. They include the nationally threatened plant species, piedmont ragwort, and the state threatened plant species, grass-of-parnassus. Additional rare species that have been documented nearby include the New England cottontail, woodrat and northern long-eared bat.
A trailhead is located across the gravel road from the parking area. The 0.6 mile trail, marked with blue blazes, leads to the rock overlook.
(Source: SCDNR)

 

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