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
Mark Hall, Jocassee Gorges Manager
(864) 878-9071
Hours of Operation
The area is open during daylight hours year-round.
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
Laurel Fork Heritage preserve covers 1,000 acres in Pickens County. This mountain property features - cove hardwoods, upland mied hardwoods, a stand of very large tulip poplars, and pine ridges. The tract protects the headwaters of Laurel Fork creek but the property does not extend to the well-known Laurel Fork Falls which lies within the 'Jocassee Gorges." Laurel Fork Heritage Preserve is bisected by the Foothills Trail, where backpacking and primitive camping is allowed. A small waterfall, Virginia Hawkins Falls, lies just off the Foothills Trail near the western boundary of the preserve. The preserve lies within the Jocassee Gorges, and some management is done in conjunction with the Jocassee Gorges Natural Area. Hunting is allowed in accordance with regulations for Game Zone 1 of the Franklin Gravely Wildlife Management Area. Fishing, with a valid SC Fishing license is permitted, but most fishing opportunities are downstream of the preserve where Laurel Fork becomes a larger stream.
'Jocassee Gorges' roads which enter or border the preserve include Horsepasture, Canebreak, Laurel Fork and Standing Rock Road. Canebreak and Horsepastrue Roads are green-gated, which means they are open seasonally where they pass through the preserve. For current gate opening dates and special notices regarding the roads, please check the Jim Timmerman Natural Area at Jocassee Gorges link. Motorized vehicles and ATVS are allowed when green gated roads are open, as specified by regulation for the Jocassee Gorges. Horses and mountain bikes are allowed on all roads unless posted otherwise within the Jocassee Gorges. Only foot trail is allowed of the Foothills Trail.
The preserve protects six species of regional or state concern. Of those, lettuce-leaf saxifrage requires moist rock and seepage slopes; bristle fern demands shaded crevices and grottoes in sandy or acidic rocks; and Dutchman’s pipe grows in rich woods, coves, and stream banks. Two uncommon mammalian inhabitants of the area are the Appalachian cottontail and the eastern woodrat.