Turkey Oak Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding

The inner loop of the Turkey Oak Trail is a short and easy run through a mostly pine forest, but turkey oaks, blackjack oaks, and hickory trees can be viewed as well.

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.

There's a sign about 0.8 miles into the trail where you can potentially view the rare red cockaded woodpecker. At 0.9 miles, there is a lone picnic table you can use to enjoy a snack while taking in the sights and sounds of the forest.

Just past the picnic table, there is a trail sign where you can venture to the right to take the longer outer loop of the Turkey Oak Trail or you can stick to the left to continue on the short loop.

At this point, be on the lookout for a small, white arrow sign pinned to a tree that indicates a sharp turn to the left. If you aren't careful, you'll find yourself off trail down a service road heading towards private property. After this, the remaining stroll back to your vehicle will be quick and simple.

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.