Not long ago, we showed you some amazing and very popular drone footage of Forty Acre Rock in South Carolina. At the end of that article we asked for requests of other locations you'd like to see from an aerial perspective. Table Rock was one of the most requested locations.
Table Rock State Park is located in northern Pickens County in South Carolina. The trail leading up to the summit of Table Rock is a steadily climbing three and a half mile journey. But the payoff at the top is a million dollar view of Table Rock Reservoir and Caesars Head mountain. This is, at the very least, what you can see standing on top of Table Rock.
Now take a look at this breathtaking 360-degree aerial view from high above and circling Table Rock.
You could hike the Table Rock Trail a hundred times and never get that view, right? A special thanks to "Dread Xepplin" for capturing and editing this amazing drone footage.
What other places in South Carolina would you like to see drone footage from? Tell us in our comments below or on our Facebook page.
Do you know the name of the most visited state park in the Palmetto State? That's an easy one to at least guess. Of course, it's one of the five state parks on the beach: Hunting Island State Park. And what a beautiful destination any time of year. But what about the lesser-known parks in the system? How much do you know about Hamilton Branch State Park in South Carolina? Come along with us now to find out a little more about this hidden gem on the western border of the state that's one of the best parks in South Carolina especially if you love places that aren't crowded!
advertisement
It may not be the beach, but Hamilton Branch State Park is not without eye-popping water views of its own!
Hamilton Branch State Park opened in 1972 and the state did a wonderful job of carving the campsites right into the flora of the forest and getting so many of them close to the water. You'll likely have no troubles securing a site that wows everyone in the family.
Whether you bring a camper, an RV, or a tent, the campground here is equipped with everything you need for a pleasurable experience.
And in 2021, the park debuted a new peninsula camping area (in Area H) with exclusive tent-only sites, including a premier site at the end of the Point where campers have some added amenities. But the best part could be that you're surrounded on three sides by beautiful Lake Strom Thurmond.
Lake Strom Thurmond, for those who aren't from South Carolina, is a reservoir created from damming up the Savannah River and four other rivers. Technically, it's the 3rd largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi. And since South Carolina is on the eastern shoreline of the Savannah River... that means the campground faces the west making for unbelievable sunsets - over the water.
Next, the many lagoons along Lake Strom Thurmond are perfect for exploring via arm power (that's kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes, by the way).
Have a bigger vessel with an engine? There are two ramps for launching located right in the state park. It couldn't be any easier to spend a beautiful day on the water here.
Need more to do? How about hiking a Hamilton Branch State Park trail (actually, there are two great trails; one of them perfect for biking, too!), a playground, picnic shelters, bird watching, fishing, and even bike rentals at the park office round out a long list of activities you'll find at the park that's one of the true hidden gems in South Carolina.
And let's not forget swimming! In many cases, visitors are able to swim right in front of their own camp site.
Please note: swimming is at your own risk. The state does not provide life guards.
Go ahead. Check out Hamilton Branch State Park in South Carolina. It's right on Lake Strom Thurmond. Chances are great that you'll love this underrated spot, one of the best parks in South Carolina.
For more on South Carolina's most visited state park (mentioned above) keep reading our prior article, With A Lighthouse, Camping, And Boardwalk Trails, Hunting Island State Park In South Carolina Truly Has It All!
There’s something intrinsically rewarding about traveling to far-off destinations. Don’t you agree? Even here in South Carolina, when it feels like almost everywhere has been put on the map, we’re amazed by the hidden gems there are to uncover. Today we’re featuring a destination in South Carolina that isn’t quite off-the-grid, but it certainly qualifies as remote. Oconee State Park in Mountain Rest, SC, surrounded by majestic mountains, is a picture-perfect place to escape. Curious to learn more? Come with us to explore one of the best state parks in South Carolina.
advertisement
Tucked away in Mountain Rest, South Carolina awaits one of the state's oldest parks: Oconee State Park.
The park is situated in the northwestern corner of the state, making it one of the most remote parks in South Carolina. It was established by the Civilian Conservation Corps, also known as the CCC, in the 1930s.
As for things to do at Oconee State Park, you'll find no shortage of options. Hiking is one of the most popular options, and the park offers six unique trails to choose from.
Spending time out on the water is another great option. Canoes, paddleboats, and jon boats are stationed along the lakeshore, waiting for adventurers to take them out.
No matter what kind of adventure you're looking for, you'll agree that a trip to Oconee State Park is well worth it from just about anywhere in South Carolina.
Take a closer look at what makes Oconee State Park so special when you watch the brief video below, courtesy of South Carolina ETV:
advertisement
Have you ever visited this remote state park in South Carolina? What was your experience like? Feel free to tell us all about it in the comments below - we'd love to hear from you! And, if you're planning on taking a road trip to the park, don't forget to check out our ultimate road trip packing list!
