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Summary: This moderately strenuous, out and back trail provides a unique break from the normal terrain of South Carolina. Starting from the lower trailhead, you will wind through a sandy, high grass, but well marked section that is very easy to follow. You will pass through a thick forest, where you may see many different types of animals, such as Prairie warblers, indigo buntings, red-tailed hawks, vireos, cottontail rabbits, and deer. Continuing along flat creek, you will come to a beaver pond, which is small, but full of water lilies and very colorful during the summer months. You will pass a small waterfall as you make the moderate climb to your destination, the vast opening on top of a huge standing rock called Forty Acre Rock. Though actually 14 acres, it is still a breathtaking site. During the spring, water collects in depressions and you will be treated to the sight of a variety of specialized plants such as lichens, mosses, sedum, and the endangered pool sprite. Trailhead: Upon entering Lancaster from Hwy-521 exit onto 521-Bypass heading south, exit on Hwy-903, drive app. 15 miles till you see old Flat Creek School on the left, continue straight on Hwy-601 for app. 2 miles till you cross the first bridge, turn onto the first left and look for the signs and parking lots on the left side of the road. (Lat:34.668 Lon:-80.527) Trail Guides for Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve: Hiking South Carolina Trails by Allen deHart (Globe-Pequot Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: DNR Heritage Trust Program (803) 734-3893 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by John Ghent, who has posted 12 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by llama on 10/10/2011 Error: Reserved Word Found: ; 
Reviewed by Tab on 6/22/2011 I happen to be one of those rednecks that frequent the area because I live here. The people who leave beer bottles and spray paint the rock are a bunch of teenagers who dont give a damn. 
Reviewed by Anna on 6/17/2011 To all the redneck bashers: Last time I checked, 40-acre rock was located in South Carolina. And those "rednecks" are the locals, who are not obsessed with material things. The fact that they are "rednecks" is part of the reason why you have a beautiful, secluded place like this to enjoy that has not been overtaken by Starbucks and crackerbox McMansions. Thank God it has not been taken over by a bunch of yuppies who feel the need to watch, guard, and punish all those who dare not to be ardent conservationists. If you are so concerned about the trash and grafitti, then by all means, pick the trash up and cover up the grafitti. Try being proactive instead of just complaining and whining. If you don't like it, GO BACK HOME!!!
Reviewed by Dixe Defender on 3/20/2011 Yesterday, 03/19/11 my younger brother Alex and I took our very first trip from our home in Chester County to 40 Acre Rock. After getting turned around by the lack of signs, we opted (because of the lateness of the day) to part at the upper entrance and walk the 20-30 min walk on the sandy trail. I have to say I was impressed by the site of the huge rock. The place was perfect desolation surrounded by serious woodland. I had never dreamed such a place was so close by and plan on going back soon. I hated the graffiti (thankfully not as bad as I thought they would be) and there was evidence of campfires with garbage in them (actually aside from leaving garbage it would be a great place to camp for the night, but I doubt I'd try it.)
Reviewed by Christina on 10/5/2010 I've been hiking 40 Acre Rock regularly this year and have a bit of advice about the graffiti and trash... I pick up trash when I go, as do many other regulars. YOU can also pick up trash while you are there to help out. A more pristine hike can be had entering from the lower trailhead & around the beaver pond, ending at the big rock (graffiti rednecks seem to enter only from the upper trailhead and wreak most of their havoc on the big rock and waterfall). I don't understand why parking areas are not patrolled at night or why a resident 'ranger' station cannot be built to keep an eye on things. Next time I go I'm taking a can of rock-colored spraypaint to cover graffiti (from time to time I see this done, I'm not sure by who). Help
Reviewed by BIGFOOT on 9/22/2010 Hello this fine and wonderful day.I just found this site last week and left a note about rednecks trashing the place.I guess cleaning up some of the trash for over ten years,to embarrased to share this place of beauty to my kids with such trash,I go on so. But this saturday night the rednecks form Hell drove over both metal barriers and drove down onto the rock and built a fire and threw beer cans in all direction around fire pit that was still burning at noon when i found it. If there is anyone out there that gives a cern, you might ask J.R.
Reviewed by grover charles on 9/10/2010 Being the oldest human sacrifice area in the country, and the home of 7 endangered plants,this place has wild boars, cyotoes,etc. So all the people with kids should not thinking this as a park.But most of all,the rednecks should stop busting glass bottles,and leaving beer cans everywhere.No man owns this earth. Love it or leave it for those who care,and clean up after you. Peace
Reviewed by RR on 4/22/2010 Took the southern entry in from the parking lot near 601. Beautiful hike, had a great time. Trails were marked in some areas and not in others (white, red, yellow and heritage trail markers ). On DNR trail instructions, need to have which trail is what color (nature trail vs main trail?). A better map with distance scale would be nice. Beaver pond overlook is fantastic! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: South Carolina Hiking, South Carolina Trails, South Carolina Hikes, Lancaster County Hiking, Lancaster County Trails, Lancaster County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
