Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve

Located in Aiken County, SC.

The preserve is managed by SC DNR: Official web site

© SCGreatOutdoors

Photo tour

This wildlife sanctuary in rural Aiken County was set up to provide a place for gopher tortoises to survive and prosper It is owned by the state government and is listed as a wildlife viewing area. Other interesting flora and fauna can be found here as well. From time to time, prescribed burns are conducted in order to provide more ground-level food for the tortoises. There are some hiking trails throughout the preserve which consists mainly of sand and small pine trees, plus a pond. Thanks to Lee Hyder for providing information about this area.

Videos

• Expeditions with Patrick McMillan Gopher Tortoise

Features and Facilities

• Hiking trails
• Horse trails

Water Features

• pond

Public Restrooms

• No

Hours of Operation

• Always open

Admission or Parking Fee

• Free

How to Get There

• Take I-20 to exit #18 and go south on SC #19 for 9.1 kilometers (5.7 miles) into downtown Aiken, SC. Turn left onto US #78 and go southeast 21.6 km. (13.4 mi.) to the community of Windsor. Turn left onto Spring Branch Road (#212) and go east 8.7 km. (5.4 mi.). Turn right onto Oak Ridge Club Road and look for a parking area on the right.

Latitude 33.50558, Longitude -81.41257 [PK433]

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[012-04-17]