Laurel Fork Heritage Preserve

Directions

Laurel Fork, located in Pickens County, is surrounded by the DNR’s Jocassee Gorges Natural Area. From the town of Pickens, travel north on US Highway 178 past the intersection with SC Highway 11. Proceed through the Rocky Bottom community and turn left on Horsepasture Road (approximately 8 miles from the Highway 11 intersection).  Follow this road (gravel) for 3.2 miles to Laurel Fork Gap, where the preserve boundary begins. Do not block any gates. Horsepasture Road is currently open to motorized vehicles year-round, but may be temporarily closed for roadwork or maintenance. Opening and closing dates for the portion of the road beyond the gate are posted at major entry points. Horsepasture Road to Laurel Fork Gap may be periodically closed because of funding shortfalls, road repairs or wildfires. 

There are three routes hikers may use to access the property via the Foothills Trail:

• from the parking area near the intersection of Horsepasture Road with US.178 (a 3.2 mile hike)
• park at a pull-off near Laurel Fork Gap and walk up Canebreak Road (about one-half mile)
• via a spur trail from the Laurel Fork boat access on Lake Jocassee (about 3.3 miles).

Visitors can also walk Horsepasture Road to the preserve, which is approximately three miles. A short hiking trail linking Horsepasture Road with Old Laurel Fork Creek Road allows access to upper Laurel Fork Creek. 

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