13 Fun Adventures You Can Have At South Carolina's Sesquicentennial State Park
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Robin Jarvis
Author
Adventures abound in South Carolina all the way from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean. And while the mountains and the coast are both epic places to explore, there are endless ways to have fun in the other areas of the Palmetto State, too. Sesquicentennial State Park, for example, is centrally located just 11 miles from the state capital and makes a great day trip destination from anywhere in the state. It’s also one of the most underrated state parks in the system.
Sesqui has more than six miles of bike trails that are ideal for biking or hiking (and even more miles of trails that are just for walking and hiking). You'll enjoy the peaceful forest scenery featuring a mixture of towering pine and hardwood trees as you ride the trails.
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Picnic tables are available throughout the picnic area on a first-come, first-serve basis at no charge. (Groups are limited to two tables at one time.) Or, reserve one of the seven picnic shelters and picnic pads within the park and invite the whole gang out for a day of fun.
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Fishing is another great way to enjoy the 30-acre park lake, which is what my family chose to do when we visited this beautiful park for an afternoon outing. Bass and bream are what you're most likely to catch here, and a valid South Carolina fishing license is required.
Wander the forest, stroll by the lake, or just walk the dog. Anyway you look at it, there's a full day's worth of hiking available — and without epic mountain summits to conquer.
The 30-acre lake is a perfectly picturesque spot to paddle upon the glistening water and enjoy reconnecting with nature and the great outdoors. Note: No swimming or wading is allowed in this lake!
Sesqui has 84 campsites that have electric and water — and RV's are welcome, with eight of those sites having sewer hookups!
There are five primitive camping areas in the park that each accommodate up to 50 people.
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Whether you're leaf peeping in the fall, or want to check out the new spring growth, Sesquicentennial State Park's expansive 1,419 acres have plenty seasonal beauty to see and admire.
The park was created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 and there are many scenic areas along Jackson Creek which runs through the middle of the park. The Sandhills Hiking Trail is an easy two-mile hike featuring two gorgeous waterfalls. Check out AllTrails for information on the different trails at this state park.
Nothing feels better or more refreshing on a hot summer day than playing in the water. The only splash pad found at any of the South Carolina state parks sports 26 different spray attractions, so getting bored here is never a worry.
In addition to the 12 miles of trails to wander with your four-legged friends, the park also sports a popular two-acre park that's just for dogs.
While photo opportunities abound within the nearby capital city, the acres and acres of park at Sesqui provide a unique venue from which to capture breathtaking moments in a truly remarkable setting.
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Grab a friend or the kids (or come alone!) and attend a nature outing. Explore nature trails and attend educational events designed to enhance your overall park experience. (See the Sesquicentennial State Park website for information on upcoming events.)
Sesqui's lodge retreat features nice accommodations that include dormitory-style rooms. The lodge retreat includes a kitchen and a large dining hall/meeting room. The lodge is ideal for groups of up to 30 people and is often the go-to spot for family reunions, with some members staying at the lodge and others staying at the campground.
Got any little monkeys in your crew? Some of the trees in this park are perfect for them, which we discovered on our first visit to the park to meet up with some friends who were camping here!
With so many ways to enjoy Sesquicentennial State Park, you’ll be planning a new adventure in no time!
Note: Dogs using the dog park must obtain a permit from the park office, including a photo ID. The park is open year-round. For hours of operation, park entry fee, and more information in general, visit the Sesquicentennial State Park website.
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More to Explore
Sesquicentennial State Park & Related Info
What are the best family-friendly hikes in South Carolina?
You have so many options for family friendly hikes in South Carolina, but some of our top recommendations include:
- Francis Beidler Forest in Four Holes Swamp in Harleyville – A trail totalling almost two miles that winds through an Audubon wildlife sanctuary and delivers incredible sensory rewards. (And don’t let that name, "Four Holes Swamp", scare you away!)
- South Carolina Botanical Garden in Clemson – A hike through this 295-acre sanctuary offers something for everyone in the family, including scheduled activities for children.
- Hitchcock Woods in Aiken – One of the largest urban forests in the nation, this outdoor lovers paradise offers over 2,000 acres with 15 trails and unique things to see such as the chalk cliffs that are like a miniature Grand Canyon in South Carolina!
Find more family-friendly hkes in South Carolina.
Featured Addresses
Sesquicentennial State Park, 9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223, USA