New Tall Pines WMA in Mountain Area

New WMA public land in S.C. mountains

If you ever wish that South Carolina would expand their public lands program, then there is cause for a little celebration. Using a broad base of funding support, in the name of habitat conservation, the state is adding 1,757-acres of untamed mountain area for public hunting, fishing, hiking and paddling. This tract of land is now called Tall Pines Wildlife Management Area and it borders a mile of the South Saluda River. A gravel parking lot next to a gorgeous mountain lake with clear green water is the gateway to explore the many trails at Tall Pines.

            

Conifer cones litter the ground at Tall Pines WMA

Attrition at the waterline creates aquatic habitat

I found the Tall Pines WMA by traveling eight miles north of Travelers Rest in Greenville County. The last town before Tall Pines is called Cleveland, South Carolina. Cleveland is home to weekend activity at Burly Bill’s BBQ when bikers cruising the winding mountain roads stop for some sustenance. Before turning onto Moody Bridge Road, you cross the South Saluda River, and I could see anglers fishing for mountain trout in this picturesque stream. The rest of the route to Tall Pines and the property itself are draped in the natural beauty of the foothills.

            

My visit to Tall Pines included seeing lots of wildlife, like the wild turkey hen that crossed the road right before arriving at the parking area where a butterfly was fluttering. An island in the middle of the lake is home to what looks like an old chimney or lighthouse. The lake is surrounded on all sides by mountain ridges, complete with the tall trees that represent an intact ecosystem and create a beautiful vista.

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries about S.C. State Parks click Cheraw State Park - Hickory Knob State Park - Edisto Beach - Huntington Beach - Myrtle Beach - Hampton Plantation - Barnwell / Tornado - Hunting Island

To view past blog entries about managed properties click on Congaree National Park - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Botany Bay WMA / Coastal Geology - Donnelly WMA / Night Sounds - Belfast WMA / Benefit - Bear Island WMA / Birding 

Evidence of those who came here in the past