Ways to Celebrate National Public Lands Day in South Carolina

By Sarah Wells
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Date Published: October 24, 2024

National Public Lands Day was at the end of September, and at R&V we’ve spent the last few weeks celebrating by exploring the natural spaces and places in our own home states!

This land truly is your land, so let’s celebrate these public lands together.

Every corner of South Carolina offers someplace beautiful to discover, from the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the serene coastline.

South Carolina’s National Parks, Forests, Reserves, and Memorials

All national parks that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone on September 28, 2024 in celebration of National Public Lands Day, so if you don’t already have a Parks Pass, this is a prime opportunity to explore!

Check out these national parks, reserves, and memorials sprinkled throughout South Carolina:

Congaree National Park: Explore the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the U.S. Congaree spans 26,000 acres in central South Carolina, near the town of Cayce, about 20 miles southeast of Columbia.
Sumter National Forest: This forest covers about 370,000 acres and is located in the central part of the state. Folks flock to Sumter for hiking, camping, fishing and exploring the forest’s diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, clear streams, and rich wildlife habitats.
Francis Marion National Forest: Situated near Charleston, this forest spans over 250,000 acres and is famous for its coastal plain landscapes, salt marshes, and extensive pine forests. The forest provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. For National Public Lands Day, the South Carolina Wildlife Federation is hosting a Nature Walk along the Awendaw Passage of the Palmetto Trail.
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site Trail: Known for offering visitors a scenic and educational experience through the historic grounds of the site that once belonged to Charles Pinckney, a key figure in early American history and a signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Kings Mountain National Military Park: Discover the site of a pivotal battle in the American Revolution, with well-preserved historic structures and informative exhibits.
Cowpens National Battlefield: Experience the historic battlefield where American forces won a decisive victory during the Revolutionary War.
Fort Sumter National Monument: Visit the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861, with guided tours of the fort and its historical significance. You have to take a ferry to visit the fort, which was constructed on a man-made island in Charleston Harbor.

South Carolina State and County Parks

Image: Matt Briney

Interspersed between and around national parks are the hidden gems of state and county parks. The parks system in our country isn’t like a sports league, where the national parks are somehow superior to local or state parks. The distinction indicates which government officials are responsible for managing that park. So don’t discount local and state parks as inferior to national parks—all of these parks are fantastic places to experience the unique wonders of God’s creation.

As of 2024, South Carolina has more than 90,000 acres of land and water, spread out over 47 different parks. Here are five you won’t want to miss:

Table Rock State Park: Hike to breathtaking views and explore serene mountain lakes. About 40 miles southwest of Greenville, Table Rock Mountain offers stunning overlooks of the surrounding landscape.
Hunting Island State Park: This island state park is right off the coast of the darling town of Beaufort, South Carolina, which is one of our family’s favorite vacation destinations. Hunting Island features pristine beaches, a historic lighthouse, and thick forest vegetation that creeps all the way to the shore.
Myrtle Beach State Park: Relax on the sandy shores and explore maritime forest trails. This state park is famous for its long, sandy beaches and well-preserved coastal forests.
Caesars Head State Park: Take in panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Caesars Head is about 30 miles northwest of Greenville and is known for its dramatic cliff views and the nearby Raven Cliff Falls.
Lake Hartwell State Park: Perfect for boating, fishing, and camping on Lake Hartwell, just over 70 miles northeast of Greenville.

But don’t overlook the local and county parks! Altogether, South Carolina is home to over 250 county parks, spread out across the state. There are certainly too many to list and plenty more to explore beyond what is doable in one day.

If you’re looking for parks in upstate South Carolina, consider Cleveland Park in Greenville, Lake Hartwell Park in Anderson, or Tyger River Park in Spartanburg.

Residents in the Midlands should check out Sesquicentennial Park in Columbia, Saluda Shoals Park in Irmo, or Harris Pasture Park in Richland.

And all y’all in the Lowcountry, put the James Island County Park and Morris Island Lighthouse Park, both in Charleston, on your hit list, next to Mitchellville Freedom Park on Hilton Head Island.

South Carolina Municipal and Metro Parks

If you aren’t up for a wilderness adventure and want to stay within city limits, South Carolina has several beautiful municipal and metro parks that are perfect for day hikes, biking, picnics, and other recreational releases:

Columbia’s Finlay Park: This central urban park has plenty of green space and a playground that’s perfect for helping your kiddos burn off some energy.
Charleston’s Marion Square: Marion Square is a centrally located historic park with expansive grassy areas, serving as the perfect setting for picnics and community events.
Greenville’s Cleveland Park: Cleveland Park features a large lake, playgrounds, and scenic walking trails.