Aiken Gopher Tortoise HP

The approximately 1,700-acre preserve is home to the rare and state-listed endangered gopher tortoise, a keystone reptile that provides shelter for many other species of animals in its 30-foot long underground burrows, which are about 10 to 15 feet deep. The preserve is the northernmost known location of the large, terrestrial tortoises, which have stumpy, elephantine hind feet.

Managed and owned by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, the preserve also boasts a longleaf pine/wiregrass community that is one of the most endangered in the Southeast. Longleaf ecosystems once covered about 90 million acres in the southeastern United States. Today, only about 3 million acres remain. Aiken County has more longleaf pine than any other county in the state - 78,000 acres, or about one-fifth of the state's longleaf acreage. The sandy soil supports longleaf pine, turkey and blackjack oaks, as well as wildflowers and wildlife.

Traveling from Columbia?  Let's meet at the Hardee's at 496 Piney Grove Rd. (Piney Grove Rd. exit) at 8.  Please contact Betsy Russell (803-749-7986) if you wish to carpool.

DNR gives coordinates as:  33.505386, -81.4125107

Please dress for the weather.  Bring a hat, water, sunscreen and wear hiking boots.

For more information, check out these sites:

Aiken Gopher Tortoise HP and WMA | SCDNR Public Lands

SCDNR - RAWA - Gopher Tortoise

Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve