After last week's visit to Forty Acre Rock, I found myself heading to Columbia SC. The route went right by the preserve, so a revisit was on the agenda. Again parking at the lower lot, we walked the approach trail to the largest rock, passing Naked Falls, above. Trout Lilies were abundant in this area.
Trout Lily
The rock loomed above and the hike was short but steep, passing some Bloodroot trailside.
Entering the rock surface in this shaded area, we are greeted with mosses and lichen. We step carefully through these areas.
Elf Orpine makes its appearance right away. Virtually, every pool is lined with this red succulent.
The granite surface is reminiscent of some other haunts, Rocky Face and Stone Mountain (NC).
There is more water on the rock this visit. Small rivulets meander down the rock surface.
Oval pools dominate the highest portion of the rock. Note the lichen encircling the pools.
Still on the largest rock above, we can see another rock surface with a valley between us. We managed to walk between the two with only a slight descent and ascent.
Now, on the second largest rock surface, we see many more Eastern Red Cedars and more of the surface is covered in lichens.
A shady spot supports some healthy Reindeer Lichen.
The Elf Orpine looks like splotches of red paint on the rock surface.
This very small Dandelion like flower and plant is in one of the pools which has accumulated a little soil. Its leaves are much like a common dandelion but a bit more rounded. Cat's Ear Dandelion?
Note: Jane says Kirgia.
Continuing on this rock surface, we follow a narrow rock ledge which made a nice passageway to this shady moss covered rock surface. We are very close to a private property inholding. From here, we drop down in the wood to the waterfall below.
Right beside the waterfall is a cave, below. It looks like decades of spray paint have been applied here.
After viewing the cave which goes back about 20 feet, we head back to Naked Falls and the Trout Lilies.
Top of Naked Falls
Bloodroot among Trout Lily leaves
Taking the long route back to the parking area, we get a close up view of this beaver constructed pond. There is one nice overlook of the pond atop a granite rock. Canada Geese are honking at our presence.
Hepatica
Just before returning to the parking area, some large boulders are trailside, one sitting atop another.
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