The Oconee Bell Nature Trail winds creek-side through a pristine mountain cove, resplendent in early spring with a profusion of Oconee Bells in bloom. The hiking and caching adventures in this area of SC are unparalleled. Make a day of it at magnificent Devils Fork State Park…or better yet, spend a week here!
Special thanks to Park Superintendent Kevin Evans for his help to secure permission to place this, my namesake cache.
Devils Fork State Park
Days and Hours of Operation: Late spring to mid-fall, 7am-9pm, daily; late fall to mid-spring, 7am-6pm, daily; Office, 9am-5pm, daily
Parking: is available inside Devils Fork State Park. Coords for parking (note: this is at the sign at the beginning of the OBNT)
N 34 57.128 W 082 56.709
Admission fee is $8 adults; $5/SC seniors (age 65 & older); $4 children ages 6-15; ages 5 & under, free, but is well worth it!
Shortiagalacifolia, also known as Oconee bells is a special and cherished plant of the Jocassee Gorges. Although the range of Oconee Bells does not extend far beyond this area, its reputation does. People come from miles around to photograph the white flower carpets that can be seen from the Oconee Bell Nature Trail in Devils Fork State Park.
Picture by Rob Travis, Rob Travis Photography and GlassFeather.com (used by permission)
Oconee Bells were first [scientifically] collected by Andre Michaux in 1787, probably in Oconee County. About 50 years later, Asa Gray, a prominent botanist of the time, examined the dried plant specimen and named the plant. For decades, Gray searched unsuccessfully for Oconee Bells. The plant eluded botanists for almost a century until the son of an herb collector rediscovered it in McDowell County, N.C. Today, Oconee Bells can be seen growing in some shady streamside areas in the Jocassee Gorges. It is a low-growing, perennial herb with thick, shiny leaves that resemble the leaves of the more common Galax (that’s where part of its scientific name comes from). In early spring, it blooms with a profusion of white bell-shaped flowers.
Adapted from: ”Jocassee Journal” (Vol. 2, #2)
See also: ”Jocassee Journal” (Vol. 1, #1)
(used by permission)
Trail Description: This easy, 1-mile loop within Devils Fork State Park gets its name from a rare wild flower that has gorgeous white blooms. Starting from the rear of the park office, this plainly marked (white trailblazes) and well-maintained trail winds through a predominantly hardwood forest and follows a creek that provides surreal sounds that add to its charm. Throughout the trail you will find benches that provide a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sounds of the lively forest. The trail is also endowed with a small pond that is a great place to view pond life. The Oconee Bells Nature Trail is a wonderful addition to the many activities presented in Devils Fork State Park.
Length: 1-mile loop
Here's a cool video by Friends of Jocassee that features the highlights of the OBNT and the botanical history and mystery of the Oconee Bells: The Story of the Oconee Bell.
Directions: From Walhalla, drive north on SC 11 for approximately 13.5 miles, and turn left onto Jocassee Rd. (Oconee County S-37-25). Continue driving 4 miles on this winding road and bear right at the sign that clearly points to the park office. The trailhead is behind the park office at the bottom of the hill. You can park in the boat ramp parking lot behind the park office.
Camping: Call 1-866-345-PARK (7275) or go online at SouthCarolinaParks.com to make your reservations today!
Park Information: Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Circle, Salem, SC, 29676, Telephone: 864-944-2639.
Adapted from: SC Trails.net
TOP,LOF (Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints)