Eastatoee Ridge on Highway 11

  • Location: Highway 11, Pickens County

  • Size: 106 acres

  • Habitat: Oak and hickory forest bordering Eastatoee River

  • Public Use: Pending

  • Partners: SCCB and SCDNR

  • Year Protected: 2024

There are four federally designated National Scenic Byways in South Carolina. The designation is given to corridors that contain scenic, historic, and cultural significance while offering travelers an alternate route to the interstate system. The Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway 11 runs 120 miles through Spartanburg, Greenville, Pickens, Oconee, and Cherokee Counties. It is recognized for its scenic and recreational assets. The designation, however, does not provide any material protections nor ensure that the corridor's private and undeveloped lands will remain so. In many parts of Oconee and Spartanburg Counties, the Scenic Highway looks no different than a suburban road, lined with developments and commercial retail. 

Eastatoee Ridge Property Boundary

For over 12 years, Naturaland Trust has spearheaded the effort to protect thousands of acres of critical lands along Highway 11 in Greenville, Pickens, and Oconee Counties. Eastatoee Ridge is vital to that effort. With over half a mile of frontage on Highway 11, Eastatoee Ridge adjoins SCDNR’s Jocassee Gorges Natural Area and Naturaland Trust’s recently purchased Gilstrap Mountain. Once acquired and protected, Eastatoee Ridge will complete a 4-mile contiguous stretch of protected Highway in Pickens County on the north side of the road. One of the most popular trout fishing destinations in the Upstate is the Eastatoee River. Cool water coming from the mountains and foothills of the Jocassee Gorges Natural Area contributes to the health of this river and attracts tens of thousands of visitors a year. SCDNR has several fishing access points along this stretch that Naturaland Trust has helped acquire and provide. When standing in the stream and looking up, Eastatoee Ridge looms overhead.

This acquisition will keep the ridge lines, ephemeral streams, and lush forests intact for wildlife, water quality and the scenic experience of anglers and travelers in this area. We thank the former owner, Randy Kimlin, for working with us to protect this historic and important property.