Last updated: April 9, 2022
Thing to Do
Cowpens Nature Trail

NPS Photo / Mike Puckett
The park's 2-mile Nature Trail leads you through varied habitat -- from floodplain to forest -- typical of the South Carolina upcountry. Sycamores, hollies, hickories, cedars, and 12 species of oak shade the trail. Look carefully on the forest floor for fan club moss and dwarf flower heartleaf (leaf), a threatened species. Of the 500 plus plant species in the park, most are native.
Morning and evening are the best times to spot wild turkeys, white tailed deer browsing on tender underbrush, and cottontail rabbits and gray squirrels scurrying for cover at the sound of your footsteps. As you cross the footbridges, look for turtles sunning on rocks, as well as frogs, salamanders, and perhaps snakes.
Morning and evening are the best times to spot wild turkeys, white tailed deer browsing on tender underbrush, and cottontail rabbits and gray squirrels scurrying for cover at the sound of your footsteps. As you cross the footbridges, look for turtles sunning on rocks, as well as frogs, salamanders, and perhaps snakes.
Details
Duration
25-90 Minutes
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed on the trail on a 6 foot leash and as long as their waste is picked up.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Cowpens Nature Trail
The Cowpens Nature Trail is located in the South East portion of the park next to the Picnic Shelter.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
The trail is open sunup to sundown.
Accessibility Information
The trail is 2-miles long, about 1.5ft wide, unimproved dirt, bridges over the creek, and has stairs at the end.