Molly’s Rock Picnic
Trail Activities: t
- Walk
- Hike
Length:
Type:
Surface:
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Features: t
- Parking
- Picnic Area
- Restrooms
- Pets
- No Fee
- No Camping
Summary:
The Molly’s Rock Picnic Area, built on the site of an old homestead, is located near a massive granite boulder known locally as Molly’s Rock. The origin of this name is uncertain because there are several different accounts of its source. The picnic shelter was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) sometime between 1936 and 1942.
Begin this gently rolling 0.7-mile loop, hiking only, interpretive trail at the parking area, and follow the paved path toward the pond. Cross the grass into the woods just to the left, where you will see the first of a series of signs about "forest recycling." You will walk gently rolling terrain, cross footbridges, and wade through tall grass in places, as you wind through a pine, bamboo, and hardwood forest. Follow the white blazes out of the woods, and along the far side of the pond. You will cross the end of the pond on a footbridge and walk up some stairs to return to the parking area. Use insect repellant to deter biting flies and mosquitoes. A pavilion, picnic tables, primitive facilities, and a pump handle faucet are located near the parking area. Pets are allowed on leashes.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Directions:From Exit 74 on I-26 near Newberry: Drive northeast on SC34. At us176 turn left, drive approximately 2.7 miles, and turn right at the Molly’s Rock Picnic Area sign. Drive .5 mile and turn left at the stone pillars. The picnic area and trailhead are straight ahead.
1 Comment
Sumter National Forest | Enoree Ranger District | 20 Work Center Road, Whitmire, SC 29178 | (803) 276-4810 | Email
Download | Coordinates | |
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Trail Segments (Paths) Trail Features (Points of Interest) |
Lat: 34.38896989153764 Long: -81.54364135294570 |
This is a beautiful little park/trail. There are many picnic tables spaced well apart for social distance. The pit toilet was super clean. At first the trail seemed like mostly pines and Christmas fern but when we started seeing birds we saw a lot of them. If you do the trail clockwise, it winds uphill and then there is a bench overlooking a large interesting wet bottomlands. We found the bird-watching excellent from here. I expect it would be great during Spring migration as well because you are looking out into the tree tops.