Turkey Oak Trail - Outer Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Lake · Wildflowers · Wildlife

After entering Cheraw State Park from the main entrance, take a right at the next stop sign and drive 1.25 miles to the trailhead on the left. The road is rough and watch out for golfers crossing by foot or golf cart.

Follow the signs along the inner loop until you see the sign that shows "4.5 Mi. Looptrail" to the right, approximately a mile into the hike if heading counter clockwise. It will be just after a lone picnic table and the spur trail for viewing the red cockaded woodpecker.

At around 2.5 miles, you'll come to a swampy area of Lake Juniper. Head right for an overlook or go left to stay on the trail. At this point, keep an eye out for the blazes as there are a couple of spots that may lead you off-trail if not careful.

Eventually, the trail meets again with the inner loop and will take you back to the parking area.

This trail in Cheraw State Park is contributed by Brian Moore, author and creator of RidgeTrekker.com.

Red cockaded woodpacker, snakes, lizards, deer, and a variety of other species of birds can be encountered along the trail.

You'll see pine trees, turkey oaks, blackjack oaks, and hickory trees, and lower to the ground you can see a native species of iris called Blue Flags in the spring and rose pagonia orchids in the summer.