Brasstown Creek Heritage Preserve
Contact Information
SC Department of Natural Resources311 Natural Resources Drive
Clemson, SC 29631
Mary Bunch, Preserve Manager
(864) 654-6738 ext. 15
Tom Swayngham, Region 1 Coordinator
(864) 654-1671 ext. 21
Hours of Operation
The area is open only during daylight hours.
Contributions to the Endangered Wildlife Fund on the South Carolina Income Tax Form help to make the identification and management of these preserves possible.
Photographs
Description
The Brasstown Creek Heritage Preserve bounds the Sumter National Forest, US Army Corps land, and Georgia Power land along the western border of Oconee County. The preserve provides habitat for several rare plant species, such as Piedmont strawberry, and an unusual plant community, the Pitch Pine Heath. Black bear, found throughout the South Carolina mountains, are also found on this preserve.
The Pitch Pine Heath community is rare, and is thought to be a fire-dependent community. This community occurs on dry ridgetops where the clay, sometimes sandy, soils are thin and rocky.
A rare plant species occurring in this community is turkey beard. Turkey beard is considered very rare throughout its range, particularly here in South Carolina.
Rare plants which occur in the rich hardwood coves of this preserve include: Piedmont Strawberry, Southern Nodding Trillium, Rough Sedge, Bitter Cress and a species of Purple Sweet Pinesap, a plant that parasitizes the roots of certain tree species. This species is found only in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and is exceedingly rare.
Hunting is allowed in accordance with Game Zone 1, Chauga WMA regulations.
A small paved parking area lies near a restricted access gate, beside the Tugaloo River. Visitors are encouraged to use the generally flat road behind the gate for hiking, and for foot access for hunting and fishing, etc. Fishing is allowed, with a license, in the Tugaloo River and Brasstown Creek.