South Carolina's State Parks

How many of South Carolina's state parks have you visited? Jay and I have a goal to visit all 47. So far we have hiked and biked in 12 of them ranging from Edisto Beach State Park on the coast to Caesars Head State Park in the mountains. We do day trips, but we also rent cabins (or camp) for longer visits. The cabins, many of them Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)-era cabins, usually have kitchens and fireplaces, making them a great place to stay.

Cabin at Barnwell State Park

Not only do state parks provide great outdoor facilities.  They are also an important part of the history of South Carolina. South Carolina's park system began during the Great Depression. Workers with the Civilian Conservation Corps carved out 15 parks, including Oconee, Paris Mountain, Table Rock, Kings Mountain. State parks were “to save the pieces; to preserve typical portions of our beautiful State for ourselves and posterity.” In the 1950s, road improvements, the abundance of automobiles, and relative affluence increased mobility and leisure time increasing attendance at state parks. In 1960, historic sites such as  Old Dorchester, a pre-Revolutionary War village  on the Ashley River, and Rose Hill, an antebellum plantation, were added to the park system. The civil rights movement affected the parks as it did all areas of society. Separate facilities had been provided for white and black citizens, although they were never equal as claimed. In 1961, a class action suit was filed to integrate the parks and in July, an order was issued for the state parks to comply. In 1967, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) was created. Its primary functions were to promote tourism in the state, operate the state parks system, and assist local governments in the development of recreation facilities and programs. Over the years, the parks have changed to meet the needs of South Carolina's residents and visitors.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2012/01/29/2132150/state-parks-aim-to-become-self.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy

When Gov. Nikki Haley took office last year, she asked for a review of the parks system with the question if the Department of Natural Resources would more efficiently administer the parks.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2012/01/29/2132150/state-parks-aim-to-become-self.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy

In January, after a yearlong review, it was decided that state parks will remain within PRT with a goal of making park operations pay for themselves by the end of 2013. Although people are paying to visit parks and purchasing park passports, this overlooks the fact that like our national parks, infrastructure needs to be upgraded. The lack of support for places that are significant part of South Carolina's natural and cultural heritage is not surprising, but it is disappointing. The future of South Carolina's parks depend upon public support, so get out there and visit one.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2012/01/29/2132150/state-parks-aim-to-become-self.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2012/01/29/2132150/state-parks-aim-to-become-self.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy

Ducks at Sesquicentennial State Park

Sesquicentennial is the closest State Park to Columbia. The park located just off Two Notch Road has camp grounds, hiking and biking trails and canoe rentals. We aren't triathletes, but there isn't much better than biking the 6 miles of mountain bike trails and paddling around the lake. Beware though, the trail is sandy, which makes for an interesting ride. It's also a great place for a picnic.

Biking Manchester State Forest

Fire ring at Poinsett State Park

Another favorite park for mountain biking is Poinsett State Park near Sumter. The park is within bicycling distance of Manchester State Forest. My favorite trail to bike is the 10 mile K-3.  It is well-marked and has a nice balance of technical and fun. Along with the ruins of a grist mill, Poinsett also has hiking trails and a lake in which you can rent canoes or paddle boats. In between the CCC-era cabins there is a large communal fire ring.

   

Jay at the Old Water Wheel

Most recently, we visited Oconee State Park in Pickens County, South Carolina. With it's CCC-era cabins, lakes, and trails, it is a great mountain getaway. There are trails around the lake and the park serves as the southern trailhead to the Foothills Trail. It was a drizzly winter weekend while we were there. We alternated between the fireplace and the outdoors. The Old Waterwheel Trail is a must see. This shouldn't be confused with replicated water wheel near the lake. The park website also boasts of square dancing in the summer.

Setting up the screen tent

Edisto Beach State Park is one of my favorite places. The beach is beau to camp. There are pro's and con's for both campgrounds - ocean-side or near the salt marsh. To book ocean-side, you need to make sure to book in advance and consider whether your campsite will have shade. One of the best ways to get around the island is via bicycle. There are a number of shops in Edisto that rent bicycles.

Andrea checks out the shell mound

If you book in advance, they will deliver them to your camp site!  The campgrounds near the salt marsh are encircled with bicycle and walking trails. The Spanish Mount trail leads to the wetland area along Scott’s Creek and Spanish Mount, a large shell mound dated to around 2,000 B.C.  Remember to stay off the mound and leave the artifacts as you found them.

Stay tuned for some more updates on our travels to South Carolina's State Parks. And don't forget to support your favorite state and local parks.

- JB