Bald Rock Heritage Preserve

Pray allow me to recount my recent excursion to that lofty and windswept marvel known as Bald Rock, a place where Nature herself appears to have paused in her labors and declared, “This shall be magnificent.” Upon reaching the grand overlook, I found myself quite overcome by the spectacle. Vast ridges rolled away like the folds of an emerald velvet curtain, and the air carried that crisp mountain freshness which persuades one they have added years to their life merely by breathing. Indeed, from this noble perch one may gaze clear across the land toward Greenville, which lies below like a civilized jewel set amidst untamed wilderness. It is a view most stirring to the soul and entirely worth the journey. Alas — and here I must clutch my pearls just a touch — the approach to this scenic paradise proved mildly perplexing. The entrance, having apparently been relocated by unseen authorities, led to a brief period of uncertainty and carriage… I mean, carriage-like… repositioning. One cannot help but feel that a sign or two, placed with greater forethought, would spare future visitors the same befuddlement. It was not a grave hardship, but enough to inspire a muttered “Oh dear” beneath one’s breath. Yet once properly arrived, all such trifles dissolved like morning mist. The grandeur of the overlook far outweighs any confusion of entry, and the reward is a panorama so splendid it might convince even the most stubborn homebody to take to the hills. In conclusion, Bald Rock is a destination most worthy of one’s time, boots, and sense of adventure — provided one approaches with patience, curiosity, and perhaps a willingness to forgive a slightly mischievous entrance road.

This was a great hike though it was longer than expected. It’s kid and pet friendly. There used to be a road side lot to walk right up. That is now blocked off and there’s an official lot with about a mile and a half trail out and back. There are two look out spots along the route, a smaller “bald rock” and then the main bald rock. Lots of grafiti on the rock, unfortunately.

The view from here is great. It is a nice place to sit on the rock and relax. Bad thing they have closed the parking area and cut down the bridge so you have to walk across rocks. Parking is about a quarter mile down the road. State and local officials were tired of all the issues caused by non-caring individuals. It is still a nice place to visit.

Beautiful views, beautiful landscape. About a 12-15 min walk from the parking lot to Bald Rock. However, for those that aren’t familiar with the area, do not attempt to go down to the parking lot without an awd. Stay at the top and walk if you need to (it’s only 10 mins to the trailhead). It’s very easy to get stuck trying to come back up the driveway. If you find yourself in that situation (like I did, as there are little to no warnings about the steep gravel hill), turn the other way and go all the way down Persimmon Ridge, where you will meet back up with the paved road eventually. Hope this helps someone else stay out of the atrocious driveway situation that was somehow approved.

Beautiful views. However, the change on how to get to bald rock is trash. You need 4 wheel drive as it's all gravel Rd and not compacted. Its easy (but very bumpy) to get down to the parking lot but is super hard to get up the mountain to leave for spinning tires in the loose gravel. I used to recommend bald rock for those who wanted to get out in nature but couldn't do a real hike. That's not the case anymore it's a .5 mile hike to bald rock and then up the mtn to get the same views you used to could pull off for. I recommend using the dirt pull off on the left when coming up the mtn and walking behind the guard rail if you're not able to hike it in.