About: The Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve is actively managed to support the Gopher Tortoise. This is the northernmost population of this declining animal. There are over 16 miles of trails on the property. Much of the preserve is a classic sandhills pine wire grass habitat and hosts the birds commonly found in such places.
Grassland birds such as Painted and Indigo Buntings, Blue Grosbeaks, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and Red-headed Woodpeckers are also abundant in the correct seasons. Northern Bobwhite and Bachman's Sparrows can be easily found in the correct seasons. The area also hosts many wildflowers and a diverse butterfly and dragonfly population. On the south end of the property below the Long Cane parking area is a shallow, narrow stream/pond that hosts a stand of American White Cedar. It can be very hot in mid-summer so be prepared with plenty of water.
Location: Located outside of Windsor in Aiken County, the Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve Wildlife Management Area is on State Hwy 212.
Hours: Dawn to dusk. During the August to January deer hunting season, it is best to visit on a Sunday.
Link: https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/south-carolina/aiken-gopher-tortoise-heritage-preserve
