The Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at Jocassee Gorges (Jocassee) is South Carolina's premier mountain property. It is located in northern Pickens County and eastern Oconee County and surrounds Lake Jocassee. The property is heavily wooded with hardwood forests and white pine woodlands, and contains many streams bordered by large yellow poplar and eastern hemlock. Jocassee is home to many rare and unusual plants and animals. It was purchased by the SCDNR in 1998 because of the unique biology present, the special recreational opportunities it provides, and the simple fact that it is a large, rugged and remote property. Bird watching, hiking, fishing and hunting are traditional uses on Jocassee. Birds range from uncommon Swainson's warblers in the dense hemlock/rhododendron thickets to the broad-winged hawks that patrol the open woodlands. Hikers enjoy the wildflower displays that can be seen along the Foothills and Palmetto Trails. Cold, free-flowing headwater streams support wild trout populations. Hunting for black bear, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, squirrel and raccoon has been popular in Jocassee for many decades. Jocassee is especially popular in the spring when wildflowers are blooming and again in the fall when colors are often spectacular. The area has over 200 miles of old logging roads for wandering and exploring.