An Expansive Preserve With Boardwalk Trails And Natural Paths, Caw Caw Interpretive Center In South Carolina Is A Must-Visit

The cooler months make exploring the Lowcountry of South Carolina a joy. Save the hot days of summer for the beach and take this opportunity to get to know the wild inland areas found along the coast of South Carolina, like Caw Caw Interpretive Center. This 654-acre locale was once part of a rice plantation and is now part of Charleston County Parks.

Not only is the area rich in natural sights, it's also loaded with history. Stroll through and see if you can imagine it when it was a thriving rice plantation.

You'll find it just south of Charleston on Highway 17. The hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Note: Dogs and bikes are not allowed.)

Caw Caw has a 3.1-mile loop trail that winds through the preserve and features a variety of terrain from boardwalks to natural paths.

Water features abound, as this truly is a marsh environment.

Prepare to spot loads of wildlife. Alligators, herons, and more are commonplace here. The center hosts regular morning bird walks with a limit of 10 people. Bring your binoculars and a camera! The cost for the bird walk is $9, unless you have a Gold Pass.

In addition to the loop trail, the center features another three miles of easy footpaths from which to explore the area.

Bring plenty of water, and even a picnic, and stay a while. Just remember to pack out with you everything that your brought in - and don't feed the alligators.

On top of this being a former 17th and 18th century rice plantation, Caw Caw was also an important site in the Stono Rebellion, one of the biggest slave uprisings in the British colonies. The rebellion took place on September 9, 1739.

There are so many places we all drive right on by every single day without stopping, but Caw Caw is definitely worth a visit.

Have you already discovered Caw Caw Interpretive Center, a Charleston County Park? Give some feedback in our comments! Learn more about the 3.1-mile Caw Caw Trail from our friends at AllTrails.

While you're on this side of Charleston, head over to Angel Oak Restaurant for lunch!