The 13 Secret Parks Of South Carolina You've Never Heard Of But Need To Visit
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Robin Jarvis
Author
If you don’t normally travel the state on a regular basis, then you may not be familiar with the many parks and preserves you can find in the Palmetto State. From a new park built entirely upon a boardwalk along the Charleston harbor to a breathtaking nature preserve featuring the ruins of a historic textile mill, South Carolina is blessed with some amazing “secret” parks. Some are so secret they’re hiding in plain sight. Take a look at 13 of these below and then start plotting your strategy to visit them all.
Shem Creek Park opened in 2011 adjacent to the city's famous restaurant alley on Shem Creek. The park boasts long range marsh vistas, a front row seat for watching boats come and go into Shem Creek and a 2,200 foot long boardwalk that seems to go on forever before stopping just short of the Charleson Harbor. Find it at Shrimp Boat Ln., Mt Pleasant, SC 29464.
You may be wondering how a state park could make a list of "secret" parks. The state has 47 such parks and historic sites and it's nearly impossible even on their budget to promote them all as much as they deserve. Besides, most people who are familiar with historic Poinsett Bridge often think they're one in the same, when in fact they're 175 miles apart. This state park is located in the high hills of the Santee area and boasts hiking and biking trails as well as a campground. Head to the "mountains in the Midlands" to discover this hidden gem in the Palmetto State. Poinsett State Park is located at 6660 Poinsett Park Rd., Wedgefield, SC 29168.
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Explore the Reedy River along the 2.2 mile trail at this nature park located near Fountain Inn. The park also offers beautiful views of the shoals and wide waterfall. You'll find this park at Cedar Falls Rd., Fountain Inn, SC 29644.
Winding along the beautiful Waccamaw River adjacent to downtown Conway, the River Walk is a lush oasis just waiting to be explored. Stroll along the boardwalk and admire the stillness of the black river flowing alongside. Access this park via 2nd Ave., Conway, SC 29526.
Meander along the short loop trail to discover a 10-foot waterfall appropriately called "Horseshoe Falls" at this little known state historic site not far from Interstate 26 in Clinton. The excursion will be an educational one too, as this site was significant during the Revolutionary War. It's located at 398 State Park Rd., Clinton, SC 29325.
You'll have a fun day of exploration on your hands at this South Carolina state park. From camping to hiking along Lynches River, this park dishes up a true outdoor adventure, including a spring that bubbles up and out of a fountain. Find Lee State Park at 487 Loop Rd., Bishopville, SC 29010.
Explore a reproduction of a complete colonial settlement at this North Augusta gem. The park boasts picnic areas and is the site of community concerts and annual events. Find it at 218-, 236 W Spring Grove Ave., North Augusta, SC 29841.
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Access beautiful Lake Keowee from this peninsula-bound county park along the shore. The park includes campsites with electricity, a beach and boat access. South Cove County Park is located at 1099 S Cove Rd., Seneca, SC 29672.
Explore the ruins of an old historic textile mill and the old post office at this riverside park. Amenities include a dog park and a picnic area. Pelham Mill Park is located at 2770 E Phillips Rd., Greenville, SC 29615.
Home to annual festivals like the popular Okra Strut, the town park in Irmo is the gathering place for the community. Relax in the comfort of mature shade trees and take a wistful walk under them as well. Irmo's fantastic Town Park is located at 1249 Lexington Ave., Irmo, SC 29063.
This beauty is home to the annual South Carolina Festival of Flowers Triathalon. It's easy to see why folks who live on Lake Greenwood believe it's the prettiest lake in the state. This state park is another prime example of underrated parks in the Palmetto State that just don't get the love and admiration they deserve. Find it (and soon) at 302 State Park Rd., Ninety Six, SC 29666.
Hit a secluded beach at this little known park in Hilton Head. You'll make your way down a short sandy path cut through the foliage to get to this unspoiled spot in the Lowcountry. Managed by Hilton Head, the park offers showers and restrooms for your convenience. Find it at 120 Mitchellville Rd., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.
As seen in the short video above from YouTube user Upstate Aerial, LLC, Glendale Shoals is a breathtaking experience. Explore the unbelievable ruins of a textile mill in this Upstate park. Now a centerpiece for the ghost town that refused to die, this preserve is a beautiful park located alongside a flowing river with a ribbon shoal waterfall dropping beneath an old iron bridge. Find it at Emma Cudd Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29302.
With so many fantastic parks all over the state we’re certain there are many more worthy spots than just the ones on this little list. Feel free to add your favorite park in the comments on Facebook!
For a more in depth look at the last park on this list read all about the little ghost town in South Carolina that refuses to die.
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