9 South Carolina Natural Wonders You Need To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List For 2020

If it feels like you’re already into the month of May but your year of adventure has yet to begin, then just know you’re not alone. We’re all waiting patiently and plotting both long and short trips to places we may, truthfully, have taken for granted before the pandemic hit. But things happen and our perspective changes, right? As your ever-growing bucket list evolves, be sure to add to it at least some of the following natural wonders in South Carolina – and prepare to enjoy them to the fullest.

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Known for its pristine, crystal clear water, Lake Jocassee is among the last great places on Earth. Although the lake itself isn't "natural," this man-made reservoir offers a mountain lake setting like no other found in South Carolina. Devils Fork State Park in Salem has the best public access to the lake and a great big beach for swimming. Read more about Lake Jocassee in this previous article.

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Charleston's Angel Oak tree is considered to be between 400 and 1,500 years old. She's survived storm after storm, and yet still thrives. Keep reading to get the full scoop on the Angel Oak tree, including park open/close hours.

alltrails/Stephen Shields

Deep in the woods of Jones Gap State Park is a colossal 100-foot waterfall that spills in free-fall form over a rock ledge before it cascades further down stream. Hiking here can be a challenge for the inexperienced hiker, but for those who are up to the journey a truly mesmerizing view awaits. Learn more about this 4.3-mile hike and see images of the trail and the waterfall in this previous article about Rainbow Falls.

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Spending a day exploring the beauty of a bona fide swamp may not be at the top of your list, but you'll be so glad you did. Shuttered for years after hurricane damage, Cypress Gardnes took their time recovering and reopened to the public just last year. Learn all about the guided and self-guided boat tours, walking paths, and their huge butterfly house in this previous article.

Trover/Ryan Watts

If there's one place in South Carolina that simply must be seen to be believed, it's Forty Acre Rock, found within the Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve. Learn all about what makes this rock so extraordinary by reading more details in this previous article.

Google Maps/Doug Jefferson

As the only national park in South Carolina, Congaree N.P. is a must-visit. Whether you see the park on foot on one of the many trails or by boat, you'll be among some of the oldest living trees in the world. Learn all about visiting Congaree National Park in this full article.

Google maps/Gina Bagwell

Whether you explore Table Rock from the base and enjoy all that Table Rock State Park has to offer (trails, two lakes, fishing, swimming, paddle boats), or you're drawn to the nearly four-hour hike to the summit, you'll be glad you spent time appreciating this natural wonder up close. Learn more about Table Rock in this previous feature.

Google Local/Gary Heaton

Also known as Fred W. Symmes Chapel, Pretty Place was built in 1941 on the edge of a mountain cliff. The open-air chapel is part of Camp YMCA Greenville, where seasonal camps of kids get to enjoy services within the chapel. Fortunately, the chapel is also open to the public — but only during very specific hours. Learn more about this inspirational spot in nature from this previous article about Pretty Place Chapel.

TripAdvisor/Rhonda H

With more than 180 miles of coastline, South Carolina's coast offers many beaches, each with a unique vibe and subset of activities. But if it's fossils you seek, then you'll want to plan a visit to Folly Beach, the fossil capital of the state. Learn more about the loads of fossils at Folly Beach in this article.

Prepare for a world of adventure as you explore some of South Carolina’s most beautiful natural settings and best features this year!