- Question: What makes South Carolina special in terms of natural beauty?
- Answer: Boasting more than 80,000 acres of protected land, South Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful parks in the country.
- Question: What is South Carolina best known for in terms of its natural landscapes?
- Answer: The state is best known for the beaches and marshes of its coastline.
- Question: What other types of terrain can be found in South Carolina?
- Answer: South Carolina also offers a wide variety of terrain, including towering mountains, beautiful forests criss-crossed by streams and rivers, and even sand dunes.
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1. Lake Conestee Nature Park
Walk boardwalk trails and spot wildlife on an unusual nature trip.
Lake Conestee was formed by the damming of the Reedy River in the late 1890s, and in the early 2000s, it was turned into a wetlands through the work of a local conservation organization. Today, the Lake Conestee Nature Park is a popular recreation destination that encompasses approximately 400 acres of forest and wetlands. The park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including more than 200 species of birds, which has made it a popular destination with birdwatchers. It also offers 12 miles of walking trails, including 1 mile of boardwalk and 6 miles of paved trails.
601 Fork Shoals Rd, Greenville, SC 29605, Phone: 864-277-2004
2. Barnwell State Park
Fish quiet lakes and enjoy wooded camping on an affordable weekend.
Barnwell State Park was created by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, and many of the buildings that were built during this time are still standing, including five cabins and four picnic shelters. The most popular activity in the park is fishing; three small lakes can be found here, and non-motorized boats are permitted on all of them. Boats and fishing rods are available for rent on site. More than 20 campsites are available to anyone who would like to spend the night in the park, and there is also a beautiful nature trail that winds its way around one of the lakes.
223 State Park Rd, Blackville, SC 29817, Phone: 803-284-2212
3. Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Explore colonial ruins and visit animals on an educational trip.
Created to preserve the site of the state's earliest British settlement, the Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site is a great place to learn about the fascinating history of South Carolina. The 665-acre park offers plenty of things to see and do, including a replica 17th-century ship, a natural habitat zoo filled with animals like bears and bison, and a Visitor's Center with a dozen rooms full of interactive exhibits. There are also six miles of trails running through the park, including a history trail that can explored with the help of a self-guided audio tour.
1500 Old Towne Rd, Charleston, SC 29407, Phone: 843-852-4200
4. Cheraw State Park
Golf scenic fairways and paddle calm waters on a relaxing getaway.
Home to an 18-hole championship golf course nestled in a pine forest, Cheraw State Park was one of the first state parks created in South Carolina. The park is best known for its golf course, but it's also home to a 300-acre lake, which visitors are welcome to fish in or explore by non-motorized boat. The park offers two campsites that can only be accessed by boat, but there are also seventeen vehicle-accessible sites along the shore of the lake. Visitors who would prefer to spend the night without the hassle of setting up camp can rent one of the park's nine cabins.
100 State Park Rd, Cheraw, SC 29520, Phone: 843-537-9656
5. Chester State Park
Hike forested trails and fish from the pier on a family trip.
Situated in the state's peaceful Piedmont Region, Chester State Park is centered around a 160-acre lake that provides plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. A 1.3-mile-long trail runs around the perimeter of the lake, and there is also a foot bridge spanning the lake that serves as an excellent spot for fishing or nature watching. Boats can be rented from the on-site boathouse, and all visitors are welcome to use the park's boat launch. When not enjoying the lake, visitors can picnic, mountain bike, or play a round of disc golf on one of the park's two courses.
759 State Park Rd, Chester, SC 29706, Phone: 803-385-2680
6. Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
Walk among ruins and learn history on a quick historic visit.
Set on the Ashley River, the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site is home to a wonderful collection of archaeological artifacts that tell the story of the state's colonial days. Archaeologists are still working to unearth some of the structures in the park, but there are still plenty of things for visitors to see, including a church with a brick bell tower, wharves used for shipping logs, and a well-preserved fort made of tabby, an oyster-shell concrete. The park also offers an interpretive trail dotted with signs and exhibits detailing the history of the site and its artifacts.
300 State Park Rd, Summerville, SC 29485, Phone: 843-873-1740
7. Croft State Park
Ride horses or bike wooded trails on an exciting outdoor trip.
Found just outside the town of Spartanburg, Croft State Park is located on the site of a former army training camp. The park is most popular as a destination for equestrians; in addition to over 20 miles of equestrian trails, it offers an equestrian center with a large arena that regularly hosts shows and a stable with stalls available for rent. However, there are many other things in the park to keep visitors entertained as well, including more than 20 miles of bike trails, 2.5 miles of trails designated for hikers only, a campground, and a large lake perfect for fishing and swimming.
450 Croft State Park Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302, Phone: 864-585-1283
8. Devil's Fork State Park
Kayak clear water and camp lakeside on a romantic summer escape.
Located on the edge of the Sumter National Forest, Devil's Fork State Park is the only public access point to the beautiful 7500-acre Lake Jocassee. The lake offers the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including canoeing, fishing, swimming, and SCUBA diving; the lake water is exceptionally clear, and fascinating features like old roads and signs can be seen on the bottom. There are also plenty of accommodation options for visitors to choose from, including more than 70 campsites for tents and RVs, 20 beautiful waterfront villas, and a peaceful campground that can only be accessed by boat.
161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676, Phone: 864-944-2639
9. Dreher Island State Park
Boat across Lake Murray and picnic under pines on an easy trip.
Only 30 miles away from Columbia, Dreher Island State Park stretches across three islands on the 50,000-acre Lake Murray, including the entirety of the lake's largest island. There are three boat launches for visitors who want to fish or boat, and the park also offers several fishing shelters equipped with Wi-Fi and catch-and-release tanks. Other popular activities here include hiking on the park's three trails, tent and RV camping, and picnicking under one of the park's shelters. The park is open every day from dawn to dusk, and a small admission fee is charged for visitors over the age of 15.
3677 State Park Rd, Prosperity, SC 29127, Phone: 803-364-4152
10. Edisto Beach State Park
Stroll the shoreline and explore trails on a peaceful beach weekend.
Stretching along the South Carolina coast, Edisto Beach State Park holds the honor of being home to the state's largest handicap-accessible trail system. These trails are also suitable for hiking and biking, and they're an excellent way to explore the park and enjoy its natural beauty. Visitors can also learn about the area's nature in the Environmental Learning Center or stroll along the park's beautiful 1.5 miles of beach, which offer two ocean view picnic shelters and plenty of shells for beachcombers. A small admission fee is charged to visit the park, but children under the age of 5 can visit for free.
8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, Phone: 843-869-2156
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