The Florence Nature Preserve
The Florence Nature Preserve, owned by CMLC and located in Gerton, is a special treasure in the upper Hickory Nut Gorge. The 600-acre property was donated to CMLC in two phases (1996 and 2001) by Dr. Tom and Glenna Florence. CMLC leads hikes here twice a year. Visitors are also welcome to visit the property on their own.For a good history of this project, read this article.
For a map of the property showing hiking trails, click here.
To learn about upcoming hikes at the Florence Preserve, contact CMLC at 828-697-5777 or outreach@carolinamountain.org.
**Trailhead closed:
Parking along the road at Florence Nature Preserve's blue trailhead will be closed to the public as of Saturday, July 24th 2010. We do not have funding to contribute to the maintenance of Kelly Hill Road.
We request that hikers park in the gravel parking lot at the intersection of Gerton Highway (74A) and Kelly Hill Road and walk up Kelly Hill Rd to the trail head.
Map showing intersection of Kelly Hill Rd and Gerton Hwy
