Head For The Water

Looking for the quintessential lake vacation, with plenty of lively aquatic adventures and lots of lazy time? Fun on the water is what it’s all about in Capital City/Lake Murray Country, anchored by Lake Murray and the surrounding towns and counties of Lexington, Newberry, Richland and Saluda. This year-round playground is located off Interstates I-77, I-20 and I-26 in the central part of the Palmetto State.

Connecting the four counties is Lake Murray, “the Jewel of South Carolina,” 41 miles long and encompassing 650 miles of shoreline. Named one of the “top 10 boating destinations and places to live” in the country, it is favored by those who love dockside living, fishing, swimming, boating, sailing, kayaking, picnics, outdoor cookouts and spectacular sunsets. Countless forested coves shelter not only fish, but vacation homes and rentals.

The area has delightful dining spots and watercraft launches are situated all around the lake. Marinas, provisions, boat storage and fishing areas make it perfect for the BYOB (bring your own boat) crowd. You’ll find everything needed to embark on lazy or active days on the water. To discover even more, rely on guides and captains to steer your group to the top lively party spots or toward the quieter sides of the lake to swim, play and dine.

Those who vacation from mid-June to early August will be treated to a peak experience. An estimated one million Purple Martins arrive on Lake Murray, swooping through the sky at sunset to the delight of lake-goers. Take a boat tour to the middle of the lake near the largest sanctuary in North America.

Fishing aficionados will find plenty of honey holes. Sailing is a peaceful pastime on the lake, and Pilot Cove Ventures is the first and only charter company to offer the experience, along with lessons and more.

Dreher Island State Park is a magical 348-acre spot on Lake Murray with three islands of discovery and adventure between Prosperity and Chapin connected by roadway. Visitors will find picnicking, recreational water activities, nature trails and prized fishing spots favored by tournament anglers. A tackle and gear loaner program is even available.

Tent, primitive and RV camping, camper cabins and lakeside villas provide great spots to enjoy all the park offers along with endless vistas, sunrises and sunsets. Well-behaved pets are allowed in certain areas and accommodations.

On land, choose between three trails inside the park: Little Gap Trail, Billy Dreher or nature trail and Bicycle Bypass Trail. The first is the most strenuous and meanders through just over two miles of thick pine forest and hardwoods. Keep your eyes peeled for a bald eagle known to nest in this area.

More Shoreside Trails

Get active and explore Capital City/Lake Murray Country’s numerous trails with lots of room for biking and hiking alongside scenic views. One is the pedestrian walkway along the dam to take in largest part of Lake Murray and in the other direction, the downtown Columbia skyline. Explore the many landings and parks around the lake, including Saluda Shoals Park, complete with an Environmental Education Center, trails and boat/kayak launch areas.

Swamp Adventures

For a unique, otherworldly water and land experience, head thirty minutes southeast of Columbia. Congaree National Park is a 26,276-acre water and wilderness ecosystem that preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the U.S. It’s been given many designations, including a National Natural Landmark, an International Biosphere Reserve and a Globally Important Bird Area in Hopkins.

Hike through the wooded waters on boardwalks or marked paths to view some of the tallest trees in eastern North America. Some of the 25 miles of hiking trails are dog friendly. On land or water, it’s possible to view river otters, alligators, bobcats, deer, owls and wild boar. Guided kayak and canoe day trips, after dark and full moon paddles are offered spring through fall. Meander between Pine, Black Cypress, Tupelo and Willow Oak trees along blackwater Cedar Creek while an expert reveals its stories.

From mid-May to June, fireflies are found in a handful of U.S. habitats, including this less-traveled national park. Unlike familiar sporadic backyard blinking, thousands of lightning bugs flash and go dark in concert, in a quietly spectacular display. Check the timing and apply to be one of the few to witness this phenomenon. Learn about the ticket lottery at www. nps.gov/cong/fireflies.htm

Outdoor Fun in Columbia

If your visit only allows time for a stay in Columbia, there’s still water adventure for you. It is uniquely situated on three converging rivers, the Saluda, Broad and Congaree, and the city has carefully nurtured parks, greenbelt oases and activity all along the waterfronts. One outfitter offers a popular free, ADA accessible tour; others offer kayaking and tubing on the rivers. Rent a bike to explore any of the Three Rivers Greenways, or hike along the trails at Riverfront Park & Historic Columbia Canal.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the canal was the world’s first hydroelectrically operated textile mill and is still in operation.

Palmetto Outdoor offers tubing and guided kayak tours on the Lower Saluda River May-September, weather and water levels permitting. On this stretch from just above the Riverbanks Zoo to the Gervais Street Bridge, float under Spanish Moss and through rushing Class II rapids on a three-hour ride. The kayak tours are for experienced whitewater paddlers; in May and June the cherished and protected Rocky Shoals Spider Lily flower clusters can be seen. Stop by the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center in the historic Lorick Plantation House for more information.