The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina

Nine Times Preserve

The Nature Conservancy officially welcomed the public to the Nine Times Preserve at a dedication ceremony on May 2. The 560‑acre nature preserve is one of the most biologically significant properties in the southeast and is now available to the public for hiking, hunting, birding and other nature activities.

The Nature Conservancy owns and manages the preserve. The preserve is designated as a state Wildlife Management Area under an agreement with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, which will oversee fishing and hunting on the property.

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.

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 over 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.

Hours
Open year-round, dawn to dusk

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 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 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.