To learn more about the sites included in the newly opened Reconstruction Era National Historic Site, make the Visitors Center in Beaufort your first stop. Camping in South Carolina: Best South Carolina Campgrounds 2023 | Hipcamp Explore the most popular national-parks in South Carolina with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. She loves to tackle her dreams head on and takes life by storm. Harry Hampton Visitor Center is the perfect place to start a visit to the park. In the short period of just one day, experience eight of the most historically significant National Parks to visit in South Carolina. It's preserved in this park because it became the site of the first land battle of the American Revolution. He said any bears would be rare and would be only visiting the park, not living there. This place is special in that it preserves the site of the first permanent English settlement in the Carolinas. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties! You can follow the Commemorative Motor Route which uses existing state highways marked with the distinctive trail logo, or you can explore 87 miles of walkable pathways. Established in the early 1700s, this crossroads town was so named because of its location 96 miles from the nearest Keowee village. National Parks in South Carolina also includes 6 National Natural Landmarks, 1,171 places recorded by the Heritage Documentation Program and over 1.4 objects in the South Carolina National Park Museum Collections. National Parks in South Carolina - Everything Everywhere Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park, Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, The Best National Parks And Sites In Texas, The Best Things To Do In Abingdon, Virginia, Meet the Visionary Historian Honoring the African American Experience Through National Parks, Florida National Parks You Should Plan To Visit And Explore, The Best State Parks In North Carolina For Every Adventure, 15 Best Places To Camp In Tennessee For Every Type Of Camper, Top 20 Memorial Day Weekend Destinations in the South, 15 Best Lakes In Tennessee For Relaxing By The Water, Experience The Subtle Magic Of Beaufort, South Carolina, The 50 Best Small Towns In The South 2023, Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. Walk in the footsteps of the soldiers that fought and died during the battle, and then visit the visitors center. South Carolina National Parks include 2 National Heritage Areas, 1 National Trail managed by the Park Service, 1,531 National Register of Historic Places Listings and 76 National Historic Landmarks. Thomas Jefferson considered the victory at Kings Mountain "the turn of the tide of success.". Learn more about this, Cowpens National Battlefield | Visitor Center, 4001 Chesnee Hwy, Gaffney, SC 29341, USA, Ninety Six was a settlement founded in the early 1700s in the backwoods of South Carolina. Gwen is an author, artist, illustrator, graphic designer, mother, wife, and part-time super hero. 8 National Parks In South Carolina In 2023 - Travel2Next Visitors can take a guided tour, or wander freely throughout the space before catching the ferry back to Charleston. 1. Myrtle Beach State Park also offers visitors the opportunity to fish, swim, hike, and camp. The Southeast harbors its own climbing magic among its ancient mountains and leafy canopies. Congaree National Park is just half an hours drive from Columbia, South Carolina, and within a few hours of Charleston and Greenville as well as Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Kings Mountain National Military Park commemorates an important battle of the American Revolution. This park is beautiful. The Dry Tortugas are a group of tropical islands located in the Gulf of Mexico, just 70 miles out of Key West. Find the perfect South Carolina vacation rental on Tripping.com. I do believe its one of our hidden gems.. As Charleston blazed a path towards secession to preserve slavery, construction on a new fort, Fort Sumter, proceeded. I prefer the Cedar Mountain hike to the Big Rock, though I think I'm in the minority there. This is the most visited state park in South Carolina and is part of the ACE basin. This newer national park unit was established in 2017 in the Beaufort area. National Parks Of South Carolina - National Park Obsessed Congaree National Park Congaree National Park is home to one of the country's most extensive collections of champion trees, the largest species of their kind. The trees you can kayak or canoe through are some of the oldest in the world, making this spot really unique and memorable to visit. 8 EPIC South Carolina National Parks to Visit (Expert Guide + Photos) The Old Beaufort Firehouse in downtown Beaufort serves as the new parks visitor center and offers a good starting point for your visit. The closest major airport is the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. What are the best parks in South Carolina for nature lovers? 25 Best South Carolina State Parks - VacationIdea.com 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. 2. Three major events take place at Cowpens each year in January, July, and October. The programming explores the original frontier settlement that was established herewhich included an earthen star-shaped fortas well as the South's first land battle during the Revolutionary War. Covering over 7,000 acres, 5 waterfalls, hiking trails, fishing, and camping, Caesars Head State Park is absolutely breathtaking. Southern National Parks You Should Visit The park is open year-round and offers the opportunity to walk boardwalks through the largest remaining tract of Southern old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. Established only in 2019, Reconstruction Era National Historical Park is a work in progress, its aim to spotlight nationally important places and events throughout Beaufort County that reflect this stormy time. On the fateful day, Gen Daniel Morgan strategically deployed his Continental troops here against Lt Col Banastre Tarletons forces. The single most popular state park in South Carolina is Hunting Island State Park, which sees more than one million visitors every year. This gorgeous county park features hiking trails, splash pads, parks for the children, as well as a teaching center and canopy walk. Tom Walker/Getty Images Half a million caribou migrate through Kobuk Valley National Park, tracking across the sculpted dunes. Two forts stand at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. It is not spread out like Civil War battlefieldsit is more centered on one area. Visit this historic site to learn about the years after the Civil War, as the US worked to integrate newly freed enslaved people into society. Dont forget to book for a South Carolina vacation rental, because once you see one of these sites, youll want to stay for more. Not many gave the Patriots a chance at victory but the determination for Freedom powered their way to defeating the British. Definately coming back. We wouldn't have the diversity of plant life, he said. Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. If you love the natural beauty of waterfalls, then the King Creek Falls Trail near Mountain Rest is for you. Best national parks in South Carolina | AllTrails All rights reserved. We have never been here before and happen to find website while searching for a place to camp around Lake Hartwell. Love South Carolina? The falls are 100-feet tall and surrounded by gorgeous landscapes, with incredible hikes to experience it all. Primordial cypresses, giant upland pines and water tupelos count among its towering specimens the highest concentration of champion-size trees (aka the biggest of their species) anywhere in North America. You can also visit Penn Center (pictured above). 70 Reviews Myrtle Beach, SC Myrtle Beach State Park Campground 62 Reviews Murrells Inlet, SC Huntington Beach State Park Campground 38 Reviews PLAN YOUR TRIP South Carolina Camping View Map Camping in South Carolina By Alex Murphy From sandy beaches to mountain state parks, South Carolina is a great destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. Today, the historic building houses a cultural and educational center. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. When you're looking for a fun trip that the whole family can get excited about, visiting a national park is always a good bet. This is the site of the Battle of Musgrove Mill in the Revolutionary War. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. Myrtle Beach State Park image by danielle.golon is licensed under CC BY 2.0. After emancipation, the edifice became a school for formerly enslaved individuals, and today it hosts an active church congregation. Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Hunting Island State Park, Beaufort Co., SC William/Flickr Dan J/Flickr For more of our states fascinating history, take a peek at these 12 random facts about South Carolina that you may not already know are true. Here are some of the best things to do. Established in 2003 and often referred to as the "Redwoods of the East," Congaree National Park is home to the largest and tallest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. If youre looking to visit the top attractions for couples, solo travelers and families in Durham, North Carolina, start with these 12 places. Congaree National Park (South Carolina) - Distance: 105 miles - Driving time: 2.1 hours Be sure to stop by the visitor center for a trail map, and pack some bug spray in warmer months. Let out your inner explorer in one of the prettiest states in the country. The park is open year-round and offers the opportunity to tour Charles Pinckney's Snee Farm. The period of time when the United States processed/struggled with how to integrate millions of freed slaves into social, political, economic, and labor systems. Congaree offers several free ranger-led programs, which can be found on its schedule of events online, but most adventures are self-guided. You are reading "25 Best South Carolina State Parks". Best Times to Visit South Carolina for Smaller Crowds . Suffice it to say that it goes up to 3,000 ft. in elevation for amazing views and please, take your camera or binoculars. Ten of these unique, round cabins sit on a pier over Lake . This defeat was a big setback for British General Lord Charles Cornwallis's plan to move north. Located in west central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park provides visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Tours last about 2 hours and 15 minutes and depart from two different locations, Liberty Square, and Patriots Point. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina Phone: (865) 436-1200 State: Tennessee/North Carolina URL: https://www.nps.gov/grsm The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The Corridor is made up of many historically and culturally significant places with the majority of them in South Carolina. an incredible park experience that provided an amazing view of the forest including great experiences with wildlife. Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie NHP are located in southeastern South Carolina in Charleston Harbor. 11 Best National Parks in the Southeast | NOC Here's how to get a tag, The 5 best places to climb in the southeastern US, The top things to do in South Carolina for a true taste of the Palmetto State, Top 12 things to do in North Carolina: from mountain escapes to the Outer Banks and grand castles, Top 11 things to do in Fayetteville, North Carolina, for couples, families and history buffs, Top 12 things to do in Georgia for summertime fun, The 14 best things to do in Wilmington, North Carolina, Top 12 things to do in Durham, North Carolina from lemurs to baseball games, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Congaree National Park. At Ninety-Six National Historic Site, settlers struggled against the harsh backcountry to survive, Cherokee Indians hunted and fought to keep their land, two towns and a trading post was formed and abandoned to the elements, and two Revolutionary War battles that claimed over 100 lives took place here. Depending on the time of year parts of the boardwalk may be closed due to flooding. Here are the best national park experiences in South Carolina. If thats not enough, the park also protects the eastern USs largest tract of old-growth bottomland forest, low-lying land thats periodically covered by water throughout the year. 20 Florida Beaches That Could Pass For the Caribbean, The Best National Parks And Sites In Texas, 8 Best National Parks To Visit In South Carolina, The Best State Parks In Every Southern State 2023, Florida National Parks You Should Plan To Visit And Explore, The Souths Best State Parks For Camping And Hiking, The Best State Parks In Florida For A Sunny, Any-Season Escape, 15 Best State Parks In Kentucky For Any Adventure, 15 Best Lakes In Tennessee For Relaxing By The Water, 10 Best Lakes In Texas For A Lone Star Getaway. Congaree National Park also offers an accessible boardwalk hike for everyone to enjoy, as well as numerous canoeing, birding, and camping experiences. 4 guests There are all kinds of wonderful things to do outside in South Carolina, no matter where youre located and what your preferred activities are. Look out for the massive loblolly pine, which rises to over 170ft tall. Explore more along the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, a 330-mile route through Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina that follows the path of the American militia leading up to the battle of Kings Mountain. Stop by the visitor's center and museum and take a guided or self-guided tour of Fort Moultrie. There, you'll find rivers including the Congaree and Wateree, as well as opportunities for camping, fishing, and paddling canoes and kayaks. I understand that they cannot get any volunteers to oversee the visitors touring the house, nor are they able or willing to pay someone, IF they could find anyone willing to work! The battle occurred on January 17, 1781, near present-day Gaffney. This historic trail stretches across four states. It was the British loyalists (of whom there were many living among the community) that emerged the victor of this significant conflict. The years from 1861-1898 are considered the Reconstruction Era. The national historic site is located in 1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. This classic military tactic, known as a double envelopment, was one of only a few in history. From the airport, you can expect a 40-minute drive along I-85 S to reach Kings Mountain. Fort Sumter is located on an island in Charleston Harbor and is only accessible by boat. 6. Charles Pinckney not only signed the Constitution, but also went on to hold three terms (non-consecutive) as the Governor of South Carolina, as well as serving in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The site is only a small a portion of what remains of his sprawling estate, which was mostly converted into the nearby Snee Farm housing development. South Carolina's appeal is vast and varied. From baseball to bluegrass, road trips to wildlife, there are endless fantastic experiences to have across the US. Nestled at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you will find over 3,000 acres of natural beauty, waterfalls, rare views off of Pinnacle Mountain, hiking, camping, as well as a nature center that offers educational programs. It is especially popular during fall when the abundant foliage is at its fiery multicolored best. Greenes forces ultimately failed though the British were so weakened, they moved their post to Charleston. This is a gem of a national park! 7 Great South Carolina National Parks | Park Ranger John This designated wilderness area is located in central South Carolina and is a sanctuary for diverse plant and animal life. You can also paddle along the Congaree River, its dark, tannic-dyed waters hiding turtles, frogs and other watery life. The Confederate troops occupied the installation, making it a symbol of resistance though constant shelling from Union troops over the course of the war virtually destroyed it. Farm tours are also available. These numbers are just a sample of the National Park Service's work. It's also historically significant, as it was once home to Native Americans and later a refuge for escaped enslaved people. The barrier island has incredible sights that you can enjoy from the trails or campsites. It's open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Monday and Tuesday. Powered by Mai Theme, 15 Fun North Carolina Road Trips For Your Bucket List. in South Carolina. What is the most popular park in South Carolina? One of Americas least-visited national parks is actually among the easiest to reach. He also contributed to the creation of this historic document. In the summertime, Manchester says, one or two gators hang out in Weston Lake and head out by winter. Learn more here. Alabama. This unit of the national park service sites in South Carolina preserves part of the Snee Farm by Charles Pinckney. During the battle, the Patriot forces defeated the Loyalists. You can see Loblolly pine, tupelo, bald cypress and oak species as you walk along the boardwalk. The battle was the first major patriot victory to occur after the British invasion of Charleston, SC in May 1780. The battle was the first major patriot victory to occur after the British invasion of Charleston, SC in May 1780." Spots like the Rainbow Falls near Marietta are absolutely enchanting. Try to schedule your visit during one of the three main special events at the park: Anniversary in January, Celebration of Freedom in July, and the Revolutionary War Weekend in October. A great stop on our way from Charleston to Asheville! Fort Sumter National Monument The American Civil War Began on April 12, 1861, when Confederate artillery opened fire on this Federal fort in Charleston Harbor. The fringe land is old farm land now being repurposed for outdoor activities. This beautiful park is also home to a lighthouse, loggerhead turtles, and many species of wildlife. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from sunrise to 5 p.m. on Sundays. These parks are vastly different and include beautiful natural scenery and preservation of American history. Please enable Javascript in your browser to use all elements of our website. Summer can be hot and thunderstorms can pop up unexpectedly. Champion Trees are recognized as the largest of their species. 4 bedrooms, Myrtle Beach, Horry County, South Carolina, North Myrtle Beach, Horry County, South Carolina, Edisto Beach, Colleton County, South Carolina, 11 Best Columbus Day Weekend Getaways in Rhode Island, 11 Best Columbus Day Weekend Getaways in New Hampshire, 12 Beautiful Beach Rentals in Kure Beach, NC, 8 Great Cities For Farm-to-Table Restaurants. Congaree National Park. This victory gave the Patriots a huge boost of confidence and set in motion the events that led to the British surrender at Yorktown. The Best National Parks in South Carolina - Yahoo Today the National Park Service manages a 28-acre section of what was Snee Farms. Across the southeastern United States, old-growth bottomland forests like that found here at Congaree once covered approximately 30 million acres, while longleaf pine savannahs covered an estimated 90 million acres, the park says. Reconstruction Era NHP is a park in progress located in Beaufort County, South Carolina. Ninety Six NHS is located in west-central South Carolina approximately 60 miles west of Columbia. Spring means lots of green and temperatures are relatively mild, and autumn brings out beautiful colors. This is a fisherman's delight. Follow the campaign by utilizing a Commemorative Motor Route which uses existing state highways marked with the distinctive trail logo, or 87 miles of walkable pathways. The pathway around the battlefield is kind of like the playground material so it makes it a nice walk. When you visit the park, you can enjoy films, exhibits, archaeology displays, walking the grounds and nature trail, picnicking, photography, Jr. Ranger programs, and ranger programs.