Bryson Children’s Nature Walk is a 63 acre site donated to and owned by the Town of Six Mile with greenspace protections maintained via a Conservation Easement with the Land Trust Non-Profit, Upstate Forever. Upstate Forever manages and monitors the site for compliance with the Conservation Easement. In addition, Upstate Forever will also approve site practices and provide advice on potential grant funding opportunities for perpetuity. A Forest Management Plan/Site Plan maps out site usage and greenspace/water quality preservation practices in compliance with the Conservation Easement. Plans for the site include greenspace and water quality protection, trails, a boardwalk and overlook at the pond area, a garden area for children’s onsite experience with garden vegetables, and ultimately a Children’s Outdoor Nature Learning Center.
This project is funded entirely through grants and private donations — no town funds are used for capital improvements. Help bring these spaces to life!
Current Site Information and Progress
Planned features include:
- Nature trails with educational signs
- Boardwalk and pond overlook
- Children’s vegetable gardens
- Outdoor learning center
Project Progress:
- Children’s Garden Area anticipated opening Spring 2026!
- The trail is essentially complete, including colorful children’s signage and interpretive plant markers created by the former renowned local naturalist Dennis Chastain.
- Parking and Children’s Garden are under construction. The Children’s Garden will feature accessible 4’x8′ plots and raised beds, letting children experience gardening first-hand.
Funding is still needed for:
- Front entrance & drive (SCDOT)
- Boardwalk & pond overlook
- Children’s Garden area
- Children’s Outdoor Learning Center
Maps
*Click on image of maps to enlarge.
TRAIL RULES AND SAFETY TIPS AT BRYSON CHILDREN’S NATURE WALK
THIS IS A CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROTECTED SITE
Follow all trail safety rules. Trail usage is at your own risk. Town of Six Mile assumes no risk of accidents on trail or site.
Hours of operation: Between thirty (30) minutes before sunrise and thirty (30) minutes after sunset.
- Hike the trail at your own risk. Owner not responsible for accidents.
- No fires, fireworks or combustible materials on this site.
- No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail, this includes mountain bikes.
- No horses.
- No camping.
- No hunting.
- Do not litter!!! Do not discard litter on the site and do not deface any part of the premises. This site is protected under a Conservation Easement with Upstate Forever which monitors for site compliance. The SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and the Pickens County Sheriff’s Department also monitor the site. Respect and protect the natural beauty at the site.
- Cell Phone Reception: Cell connectivity could be limited or non-existent. Tell a responsible person where you are going and when you plan on returning.
- Do not walk off-trail: Do not walk off-trail or enter closed areas or other landowner’s property. CUTTING ACROSS SWITCHBACKS ERODES THE HILLSIDE AND EVENTUALLY DESTROYS THE TRAIL. Plus, walking off-trail increases your chance of suffering an injury.
- Never feed, touch, or remove wildlife: Do not approach or attempt to move sick or injured wildlife. Please report any encounters with aggressive, sick or injured animals to SCDNR. Do not take food items on a hike. Bears have an extremely sensitive sense of smell and will sometimes aggressively approach hikers who have food with them.
- Do not alter or remove plants.
- Ticks: Tick populations can increase depending on the season. Take the following precautions to avoid them:
- Walk in the middle of trails.
- Use insect repellent.
- Tuck your pants into your socks.
- After taking off gear, check for hitchhiking ticks.
- Always do a “tick check” with assistance.
Garden Area Rules and Information
- Children must always be supervised by adults
- Walk on pathways, NOT on garden beds
- Instruct children on safe use and handling of garden tools and equipment