Hikers are invited to join the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) on Friday, March 16 for a 5.5-mile hike at Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve, the third hike of PAC’s spring hiking series.  PAC Land Protection Specialist Pam Torlina will lead the hike from the trailhead off Oak Grove Road to the South Pacolet River.
The 5.5-mile hike is 2.75 miles out and 2.75 miles back. It starts out as relatively easy, winding through new growth forest and along several streams, gradually becoming moderately strenuous as the trail ascends Squirrel Mountain through a rich hardwood forest with beautiful rock outcroppings.
After reaching the ridge top, the trail descends Squirrel Mountain through a lush cove forest to the South Pacolet River, at the base of Chestnut Ridge.
Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve is a 1,881-acre preserve in northern Greenville County, named for the mountain within its boundaries that protects White Irisette (Sisyrinchium dichotomum), a federally endangered plant.
White Irisette is found on only a few scattered mountain slopes in western N.C. and northern S.C. and flourishes on several of PAC’s protected properties. Difficult to distinguish in the best of circumstances, the tiny irisette will not be blooming this time of year, but many spring ephemerals will be open for hikers to enjoy.
The forest at Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve varies from early successional to mature upland and cove hardwoods, and hikers may see and hear songbirds just arriving from their wintering grounds in South America. The property is part of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Management Area program, allowing hiking, nature viewing, fishing and some types of hunting.
If you are interested in attending the PAC hike at the Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve, please contact the PAC office to sign up by phone at 828-859-5060 or e-mail landprotection@pacolet.org.