The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Black Cohosh, a medicinal herb that grows naturally in the region, often is used to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. © Kristine Hartvigsen

Open to the Public

Yes

Things To Do

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Plan Your Visit

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Get Directions

Come hike our new trail at Nine Times Preserve! In the winter of 2012, approximately 1.7 miles of trail were installed to help highlight the different community types throughout the preserve. Funding from the Recreational Trails Program through the SC Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism made the trail installation possible.

The Nature Conservancy officially welcomed the public to the Nine Times Preserve at a dedication ceremony on May 2, 2009. This land deal began when Upstate Forever purchased Nine Times Preserve from Crescent Resources in 2007. The Nature Conservancy then took ownership, combining a $1.5 million grant from the South Carolina Conservation Bank and private donations from individuals and foundations.

The 560‑acre nature preserve is one of the most biologically significant properties in the southeast. The Nature Conservancy owns and manages the preserve to help promote healthy native plant communities and wildlife populations. Nine Times Preserve is also designated as a state Wildlife Management Area under an agreement with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, which oversees fishing and hunting on the property.

Located where the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains meet the Piedmont, the preserve is a 15‑minute drive from the town of Pickens. The land contains five mountains and harbors more than 134 species of native wildflowers. It also is home to seven distinct forest types, unique rock outcrop plant communities and trout, black bears, and peregrine falcons. Are you a birdwatcher? See a checklist of the Birds of Nine Times Preserve.

For more information
The Nature Conservancy
27 Cleveland Street, Suite 203
Greenville, SC  29601

Things To Do

Download the trail map.

Plan Your Visit

Open year-round, dawn to dusk. Are you a birdwatcher? Download a pdf file of our Nine Times Preserve Bird Checklist here.

Directions

From Highway 11 going west (away from Greenville toward Oconee County)

• At the Highway 11 and Highway 178 intersection continue west on Highway 11 for 4. 7 miles
• Turn left (south) on Eastatoee Creek Road (note: do not turn at the first Eastatoee Creek Road at 2. 7 miles)
• After the turn on Eastatoee Creek Road you will see Antioch Baptist Church on the right. Go past the church for .5 mile to the E. Preston McDaniel Road intersection. There is a parking area on the left before the bridge for the west entrance to the preserve.
• Across the bridge there is an old railroad bed trail that is a perfect foot path to look at spring wildflowers. The trail is less than .25 mile but is the highlight area for flowers.
• The preserve continues on the right side (south) of E. Preston McDaniel Road for 1.9 miles. At the very east end of the preserve E. Preston McDaniel Road intersects with Nine Times Road. There is a parking area on the right side of the road. You can park here and go up the logging road past the gate for a hike that is moderate to difficult.

From Highway 11 going east (away from Oconee County toward Greenville)

• At the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 133, travel east a few miles to Long Shoals Wayside Park
• Continue east after this park for 1.6 miles to Eastatoee Creek Road
• Turn right (south) on Eastatoee Creek Road
• After the turn on Eastatoee Creek Road you will see Antioch Baptist Church on the right. Go past the church for .5 mile to the E. Preston McDaniel Road intersection. There is a parking area on the left before the bridge for the west entrance to the preserve.
• Across the bridge there is an old railroad bed trail that is a perfect foot path to look at spring wildflowers. The trail is less than .25 mile but is the highlight area for flowers.
• The preserve continues on the right side (south) of E. Preston McDaniel Road for 1.9 miles. At the very east end of the preserve, E. Preston McDaniel Road intersects with Nine Times Road. There is a parking area on the right side of the road. You can park here and go up the logging road past the gate for a hike that is moderate to difficult.

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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