Pacolet Heritage Preserve

This is a nice shady hike down to the Pacolet River ending where an old bridge once stood. The preserve protects two areas that were once a soapstone quarries used by the Native Americans thousands of years ago. More information about soapstone and the history of the area can be found here: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=55086 The trail starts by the information sign and is wide and easy at first. You’ll go down a hill and cross a bridge and the path begins to narrow, but is still easy for younger walkers. You’ll briefly see the river before the trail turns away for a little bit. You’ll pass one more bridge before reaching the end of the trail where an old bridge once stood.  There are some rocks to climb on around there, or you could wander down the river on a narrow trail. Return back the way you came. Some younger hikers might have trouble with the uphill back, but it shouldn’t be a problem for older kids.