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Guided Tours
Recreation State Parks
The state of South Carolina set aside some of the best examples of its natural, cultural and recreational resources, and presents them to you as state parks. These properties protect and preserve the rich heritage of the Palmetto State. Reservations may be made online at southcarolinaparks.com or by calling toll free 1.866.345.7275.
Aiken State Park
1145 State Park Rd, Windsor. 803.649.2857 Built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this park ideal for a variety of activities. Fish in one of the four park ponds or paddle along the Edisto River. Other amenities include nature trails, birding, a playground, seasonal swimming area and picnic shelters. Pet friendly. Contact the park directly for information on fishing boat and canoe rentals.
Barnwell State Park
223 State Park Rd, Blackville. 803.284.2212 SC 3, seven miles north of Barnwell. Built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this park is best known for its great fishing. The park has three small lakes filled with a variety of crappie, bream, bass and catfish. Visitors can take advantage of the SCDNR Tackle Loner Program if they forget their gear. Boat rentals are available. Other amenities include seasonal swimming, birding picnic shelters and nature trails. A community building is available to rent.
Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site
325 State Park Rd, Ehrhardt. 803.267.3675 SC 641, seven miles SW of Ehrhardt, 13 miles from Allendale. At this site, Union troops clashed with Confederate soldiers defending the Salkehatchie River. Rivers Bridge features an award winning interpretive battlefield trail, memorial grounds, a community building and picnic shelter. Activities include self-guided tours and picnicking. Tours, seminars and programs throughout the year.
Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site
181 Redcliffe Rd, Beech Island. 803.827.1473 US 278, three miles southeast of Beech Island. This 369-acre site was once one of four plantations owned by SC Governor JH Hammond. Today, the park provides a setting for exploring the plantation system, the experiences and impact of the people who lived and worked at the site, as well as various cultural and natural resources on the grounds. Activities include: historic tours, hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Grounds open daily. Call the park for tour times, prices and program information.
Nature Trails
Aiken Citywide Arboretum Trail
Beginning at Colleton Ave. City of Aiken. 803.295.5008. The trail includes exploration through the use of your mobile device. Simply dial the number listed on the label identifying the plant to learn about that specimen.
Carolina Bay Nature Reserve
Price Ave, Aiken. City of Aiken Parks, Recreation, & Tourism. 803.642.7631. Walk the trail, watch the wildlife or just enjoy the pleasure of woods and water. An observation deck overlooks the bay which can be reserved for rental.
Hitchcock Woods
Aiken. 803.642.0528. Hitchcock Woods is among the largest urban forests in the nation, with about 2,100 acres of forestland resources. Equestrian, hikers and dog walkers enjoy the 70 miles of sandy trails. Kiosks with maps are available at all seven entrances.
hitchcockwoods.org Lake Edgar Brown
US 278, Barnwell. 2.7-mile paved walking trail winding alongside Lake Edgar Brown. Great for birding.
North Augusta Greeneway
North Augusta. 803.441.4300. A redeveloped railroad right-of-way, this paved walking and bicycling path is currently 9.2 miles. The Greeneway runs along the Savannah River. Designated a National Recreation Trail. Part of the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail.
visitnorthaugustasc.com Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary
4542 Silver Bluff Rd, Jackson. 803.471.0291. A 3,250-acre wildlife sanctuary owned by the National Audubon Society. Walking trails available. Open during daylight hours.
