Bald Rock Heritage Preserve worth the day trip

PICKENS COUNTY — Pickens County is known for being replete with outdoor opportunities for the stalwart hiker and beginner, with waterfalls and parks galore, and anyone willing to take a short drive will find sights they may not have known were there.

Bald Rock Heritage Preserve is located just minutes across the county line inside of neighboring Greenville County — and mere minutes from the Pumpkintown Opry off scenic S.C 11.

While you might have heard of Bald Rock, if you have never been there it is worth the time.

With a breathtaking view of Table Rock and a spectacular vantage point of Pickens County from a slightly different perspective, this short trip will show you the area from a different angle. And take the time to wander and explore, you will find a running stream and some crumbling buildings which defy explanation as to their origins and purpose.

The rock promontory itself is partially covered in graffiti, which in most cases takes away from a pristine outdoor adventure, but in this case nearly every piece is a positive note from declarations of love to words to live by.

Trees, rocks, wildlife, and a view — you can’t go wrong when you are willing to go off the beaten path.

Bald Rock provides a unique view of Table Rock and gives some perspective as to how imposing it can be.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0050.jpgBald Rock provides a unique view of Table Rock and gives some perspective as to how imposing it can be. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

Views of Pickens County from a different direction tell the tale of how beautiful our home truly is.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0056.jpgViews of Pickens County from a different direction tell the tale of how beautiful our home truly is. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

Although it is a steep climb and you should wear the appropriate footwear, Bald Rock is worth the effort no matter your skills.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0063.jpgAlthough it is a steep climb and you should wear the appropriate footwear, Bald Rock is worth the effort no matter your skills. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

Don’t be too offended by the graffiti — you are likely to be inspired by some of the sage words shared.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0065.jpgDon’t be too offended by the graffiti — you are likely to be inspired by some of the sage words shared. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

While hiking at Bald Rock, listen for it and follow. It’s the sound of rushing water and a relaxing stream to enjoy a quiet moment by.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0069.jpgWhile hiking at Bald Rock, listen for it and follow. It’s the sound of rushing water and a relaxing stream to enjoy a quiet moment by. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

Throughout the preserve there are nooks and crannies much like this one that evidence indicates are enjoyed by hikers and day trippers.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0074.jpgThroughout the preserve there are nooks and crannies much like this one that evidence indicates are enjoyed by hikers and day trippers. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

You can see for miles with Bald Rock’s expansive view over the Upstate and Pickens County.

http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_DSC_0075.jpgYou can see for miles with Bald Rock’s expansive view over the Upstate and Pickens County. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel