Here’s The Ultimate Bucket List For South Carolinians Who Are Obsessed With Nature

In need of a change of scenery in your life? Why not venture out of your usual circle and explore some of the best and most beautiful spots in nature in South Carolina? We’ve rounded up the ultimate bucket list of places to experience, so get to reading – and then start planning.

trover/Chelsea Rosen

Those who have experienced Lake Jocassee firsthand will readily admit it's one of the most beautiful places in the state. The lake is filled with crystal clear water and public access is not easy to come by. The best place to dip your toes in this gorgeous body of water is by way of a day (or a much longer stay) at Devils Fork State Park.

Learn more about Lake Jocassee here.

Google Local/ANTIHERO

The highest peak in the Palmetto State has a brand new tower attraction that's not only accessible for everyone, it also boasts views of at least 50 miles in every direction. You can see four states from this spot in nature!

Learn all about Sassafras Tower here.

TripAdvisor/management (Charleston Fossil Adventures)

There are many reasons to visit the Edge of America (a.k.a. Folly Beach), but if you're a nature enthusiast who loves scavenging for fossils, then you can hit a real payload here. Anyone can find them, but if you want to know where the real honey hole is, you'll book a tour with Charleston Fossil Adventures.

Learn more about finding fossils at Folly Beach here.

Facebook/South Cove County Park

Looking for a day in the sun (and shade)? Then head to Lake Keowee and South Cove County Park's sandy beach. The park has numerous other activities for day-use visitors, plus a lakeside campground if you want to extend the fun for an overnight or longer. Learn more on the official website.

And discover six more county parks with sandy beaches you can sink your toes into here.

TripAdvisor/AmberLeigh H

Take a short hike from the parking area to discover a hidden natural water slide and swimming hole in the woods. A local's secret, Long Shoals Wayside Park offers hours of entertaining fun in the sun and water. For the best experience, bring a raft or tube to soften the ride down the slide.

Learn more about this hidden swimming hole in South Carolina here.

Google Local/Erick Thomas

Pack a day trip cooler and drive on over to Landsford Canal State Park, which features (among other things) a trail that follows the Catawba River. During the month of May, the world's largest stand of rocky shoal spider lilies blooms on the river and this park is THE BEST place to witness the magic.

Learn more about the park and the blooming season from this previous article!

Google Local/Jennifer Perry

For just one family outing, renting an entire campground for the night may be a bit on the excessive side (not that we're judging), however; if you have a group that loves to camp together (family reunion, scouts, other youth groups, church groups, you get the drift here... ), then just $448 per night seems much more reasonable to have the entire campground to yourselves. That's actually what Crescent Group Campground on Lake Hartwell is all about: group camping. The campground has room for more than 300 guests.

alltrails/Wade Parker

When most people think of the history of South Carolina, thoughts naturally turn to the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. But most people don't consider the geological history of our lands. Hiding in this historical park are rocks that are clear evidence of an ancient volcanic arc that once dominated the landscape. Take the trail to see it for yourself!

Learn more about the volcanic history of South Carolina in this previous article.

Flickr/Alistair Nicol

Discover the untouched beauty and undeniable allure of this remote beach along the South Carolina coast. It's entirely undeveloped and accessible via a sandy path that's actually a lot longer than it looks, so be sure to get here early for the long walk out to see this one in person!

Learn more about the driftwood beach at Botany Bay here.

What are some of your favorite spots in South Carolina? Did we leave any of them off this bucket list? Feel free to add some input in the discussion on Facebook!