Starting from the parking area you will pass under the power lines and come to a fork. You can take either leg and continue to a stepping stone crossing of Peter’s Creek. After a short walk, a spur trail to the right crosses the creek and ends at Martin’s Mill Dam, which is over 100 years old. Please do not walk on the dam. Returning to the main trail, you will make a large loop through a forest of oaks, hickories, ashes, hackberries, and elm, part of which is on old roads. A feature of this area is the rare dwarf-flowered heartleaf plant. You may encounter a variety of wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, snakes, a wide variety of song birds, and possibly a red fox.

Peter’s Creek may be hard to cross following a hard rain. Insect repellent is recommended during the warm months. Removing any plants, animals, or artifacts from this site is prohibited.

Note: There are areas that require a couple of stream crossings - you might get your feet wet - and can take from two or three hours. A flood caused by a tropical storm washed two large footbridges away. Efforts are underway to replace those bridges.

Hours: Dawn to dusk

From Exit 79 on I-85 in Spartanburg, drive south on Gossett Road to Cannon’s Campground Road. Turn right then left onto Kelly Road and turn right onto a dirt road shortly after the entrances to Ray Circle. The parking area is on the right at the power lines.