Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve

This 1,622-acre preserve is home to the rare and state-listed endangered gopher tortoise, a keystone reptile that provides shelter for many species of animals in its 30-foot long underground burrows, which are about 10 to 15 feet deep. The preserve is the northern most known location of the large terrestrial tortoises, which have stumpy, elephantine hind feet. Visitors might also spot wildlife such as deer, wild turkey, quail, fox squirrels, barred owls, red-tailed hawks, bluebirds, prairie and pine warblers, white-eyed vireos and brown-headed nuthatches.

The preserve also boasts a longleaf pine/wiregrass community that is one of the most endangered in the Southeast and provides habitat for rare flora and fauna. 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 with 78,000 acres.

Hiking and limited horseback riding. No motorized vehicles. Open for public use from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.