South Carolina

To avoid the regret of cutting your trip too short, go ahead and book a campsite. Come as a walk-in or reserve your site.  Either way, you will have to check in at the Park Office.  Upon check-in, you will receive your map and general information.  Check-in time for camping is 2PM. The only publi...

I started exploring this park when I was about 14 years old. My mom was a huge fan of the park and took us to it as kids. However, I did not realize that there was a path until I was roughly 20 years old. That path is beautiful. It is a paved loop that covers about 0.4 miles. There are smaller pa...

This trail is located on the Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge. The trail is very well marked and well maintained so it's easy to access. But, it also runs right along several marshes and swamps so the wildlife is incredible. While walking near Ibis Pond you'll see several types of birds. When you ...

This tucked away trail is well-hidden. I actually needed air in my tire and this was the closest gas station. As I was circling the parking lot to see if they had an air pump, I saw there was a sign that read "14 Creek Mile Trail". As I'm an adventure lover, I immediately parked my car and follow...

Location: From the intersection of US276 & SC11, head Northwest on US276.  Drive to the top of the mountain, 1 mile past the visitor's center, and The Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area and trail head will be on your right.  After parking in the Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area, the trailhead is l...

By all appearances, Sand Hills State Forest is well-maintained and seldom-used. This particular adventure refers to the Sugarloaf Mountain Recreation Area, but there's more of the forest to explore.  Sugarloaf mountain is a geographical oddity that provides a pleasant view of the scrub-pine fore...

If you're looking for a longer hike in Congaree National Park than just the Boardwalk Loop, try adding another 2.0 miles to the Boardwalk Loop by hiking the Weston Lake Trail.   From the visitor's center, take the Boardwalk Trail and stay straight at the intersection with the Bluff Trail. The ele...

Carolina Bays go by different names. In the Mid Atlantic they're known as Maryland Basins or Delmarva Bays. Sometimes they're generically referred to as pocosins, an Algonquin word for "swamp on a hill." But these elliptical depressions don't always contain bodies of water; instead they derive th...

Spoonauger falls housed in Sumter National Forest, received its name after the Spoonauger family which historically lived above the falls. From Walhalla SC, drive north on Highway 28 until it meets SC 107 (right under 10 miles). Take a slight right onto SC 107 and drive another 10 miles until yo...

Nestled in between Augusta GA and Aiken SC, Redcliffe Plantation is one of the many large historic plantations in South Carolina. Built in 1859, it was once home to Hames Henry Hammond, an extremely successful businessman, congressman, governor, and senator.  The Greek-Revival style plantation ho...

This loop hike near Kershaw, SC is somewhat strenuous at some points, but altogether not too bad.  The scenery is beautiful with great views and a waterfall! Be sure to pack plenty of water if you hike on a hot day. 

This view never gets old and it is super easy to access. It's also only like half a mile down and then half a mile back up, so if you do watch the sunset, the walk back is easy. The trail is out by Glassy Mountain Church in Pickens, SC and it's accessible year round. The hike is very simple, and ...

From Columbia SC, take I-26 South towards Orangeburg. Stay on this road for 31.5 miles and then take exit 136 to merge onto SC-6 E towards St. Matthews. Continue about 34 miles until you enter the town of Santee. Turn left onto I-95 Northbound and continue another 3 miles. You will see a large wo...

Lake Conestee Nature Park Loop is a family-friendly loop trail located near Greenville, South Carolina. This trail makes for a great stroll and opportunity to do some birdwatching along the route. There are plenty of insects in the warmer months, so you may want to consider packing repellent. 

Hike or row through this old growth swamp forest – there is an easy boardwalk trail, as well as opportunities for canoe and kayaking guided tours. You can also learn a lot about the habitat at the visitor center.

The trail to the Matthews Creek cable bridge crossing is easy. The cable crossing is fine - fun for some and a do-able challenge for others.  After the creek, to get to Moonshine Falls, turn RIGHT at the post which indicates a trail both left and right. This is the Naturaland Trail in Caesars Hea...