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Bryson Children’s Nature Walk

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

A TENTATIVE date for the Bryson Children’s Nature Walk site grand opening and ribbon cutting has been set in conjunction with the Clemson Area Chamber for November 5, 2026, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM pending completion of major site features.

The major site features at various levels of completion include:

  • 1.5-mile educational nature trail
  • Boardwalk and pond overlook
  • Children’s vegetable gardens
  • Children’s Outdoor Learning Center/Center for Environmental and Agricultural Education
  • Parking area
  • SCDOT entrance apron

Major Site features to be begun include:

  • Front entrance drive
  • Certain trail fencing for aesthetic, safety, and compliance purposes

Donation Funding Needs:

This entire project is built on 63 acres of donated land from the Bryson estate complete with a Conservation Easement which prohibits future development. The site capital improvements are funded entirely with donations and grants and no town funds at all.

The largest current funding need is for the front entrance drive; however, donations are always welcome and appreciated to continue construction in process and to ensure upkeep of the site and its capital improvements for perpetuity.

Click here to stay up to date with the latest news and developments!

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.