SPORTS & RECREATION / PARKS & NATURE
National Parks & Preserves
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
Mt. Pleasant 843-881-5516
www.nps.gov/chpi
The historic site was established to interpret Charles Pinckney’s plantation Snee Farm, his role in the development of the United States Constitution and the transition of the United States from a group of colonies to a young nation. Interpretive exhibits, located in a house built circa 1828 but which is not Pinckney related, highlight these areas as well as the influences of African-Americans in the development of Snee Farm.
Congaree National Park
100 National Park Road
Hopkins 803-776-4396
www.nps.gov/cong
Situated along the meandering Congaree River in central South Carolina, Congaree National Park is home to champion trees, primeval forest landscapes, and diverse plant and animal life. This 22,200-acre park protects the largest contiguous tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. Known for its giant hardwoods and towering pines, the park’s floodplain forest includes one of the highest canopies in the world and some of the tallest trees in the eastern United States.
Congaree National Park provides a sanctuary for plants and animals, a research site for scientists, and a place for you to walk and relax in a tranquil wilderness setting.
Cowpens National Battlefield
Gaffney 864-461-2828
www.nps.gov/cowp
Cowpens National Battlefield commemorates a decisive battle that helped turn the tide of war in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. On this field on January 17, 1781, Daniel Morgan led his army of tough Continentals, militia, and cavalry to a brilliant victory over Banastre Tarleton’s force of British regulars. The battle at the “Cow Pens,” one of only a few successful double envelopments in history, is recognized by historians as one of the most important of the American Revolution.
Fort Moultrie National Monument
Sullivan’s Island 843-883-3123
www.nps.gov/fosu
Fort Moultrie’s history covers 171 years of seacoast defense, including the first decisive victory in the American Revolution and the firing onto Fort Sumter during the first battle of the Civil War. The third Fort Moultrie, built in 1809, stands today. By touring the fort, visitors can see how coastal defenses have evolved, and the location from which the symbols on the state flag are drawn.
Fort Sumter National Monument
Charleston Harbor 843-883-3123
www.nps.gov/fosu
History provides us with defining moments from which we judge where we are with where we have been. The Civil War provided the United States with one of its defining moments that continues to play a vital role in defining ourselves as a Nation. Fort Sumter is the place where it began.
America’s most tragic conflict ignited at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, when a chain reaction of social, economic and political events exploded into civil war. At the heart of these events was the issue of states rights versus federal authority flowing over the underlying issue of slavery.
Fueled by decades of disagreement and confrontation, South Carolina seceded in protest of Lincoln’s election and the social and economic changes sure to follow. With Fort Sumter as an unyielding bastion of Federal authority, the war became inevitable.
A powerful symbol to both the South and the North, Fort Sumter remains a memorial to all that fought to hold it.
Kings Mountain National Military Park
Blacksburg 864-936-7921
www.nps.gov/kimo
Kings Mountain National Military Park commemorates a pivotal and significant victory by American Patriots over American Loyalists during the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War. The battle fought on October 7, 1780 destroyed the left wing of Cornwallis’ army and effectively ended Loyalist ascendance in the Carolinas. The victory halted the British advance into North Carolina, forced Lord Cornwallis to retreat from Charlotte into South Carolina, and gave General Nathanael Greene the opportunity to reorganize the American Army.
Ninety Six National Historic Site
Ninety Six 864-543-4068
www.nps.gov/nisi
The Ninety Six National Historic Site is an area of unique historical significance. The unusual name was given by early traders in the 1700’s because they mistakenly believed it was the estimated number of miles to the Cherokee village of Keowee in the upper South Carolina foothills.
By the mid-1700’s, European colonists found it a favorable place to settle. During Ninety Six’s early days, troubles with local Indians increased. In 1760, Cherokees twice attacked Fort Ninety Six, built for the settlers’ protection. By the early 1700’s, Ninety Six village reached its peak with a growing population, 12 houses and a newly constructed courthouse and jail.
Ninety Six also figured prominently in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. The first land battle south of New England was fought here in 1775 and in 1780, the British fortified the strategically important frontier town. From May 22 – June 18, 1781; Major General Nathanael Greene with 1,000 patriot troops staged the longest (yet unsuccessful) siege of the Revolutionary War against 550 loyalists who were defending Ninety Six. The park site covers 989.14 acres.
Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
Blacksburg 864-461-2828
www.nps.gov/ovvi
The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail (OVNHT) commemorates the campaign leading to the battle of Kings Mountain by following the Revolutionary War route of Patriot militia men from Virginia, today’s eastern Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia to the battle site at Kings Mountain National Military Park in South Carolina.
Although the Trail is still being fully developed visitors may access approximately 30 miles of the route at various points along the 330 mile long corridor. A parallel Commemorative Motor Route may also be driven. The Motor Route uses existing state highways and, in some stretches, actually travels over the old historic roadway.
The OVNHT is part of the National Trails System.
South Carolina State Resources
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
803-896-0000
www.dnr.state.sc.us
South Carolina Environmental Education
803-896-8800
www.state.sc.us/forest/edu.htm
South Carolina Forest Recreation
803-896-8800
www.state.sc.us/forest/recreat.htm
South Carolina State Parks
803-734-0156
www.southcarolinaparks.com
South Carolina State Trails Program
www.sctrails.net
Regional State Parks
Aiken State Natural Area
1145 State Park Road
Windsor 803-649-2857
www.southcarolinaparks.com/aiken
Andrew Jackson State Park
196 Andrew Jackson Park Road
Lancaster 803-285-3344
www.southcarolinaparks.com/andrewjackson
Barnwell State Park
223 State Park Road
Blackville 803-284-2212
www.southcarolinaparks.com/barnwell
Chester State Park
759 State Park Drive
Chester 803-385-2680
www.southcarolinaparks.com/chester
Dreher Island State Recreation Area
3677 State Park Road
Prosperity 803-364-4152
www.southcarolinaparks.com/dreherisland
Goodale State Park
650 Park Road
Camden 803-432-2772
www.southcarolinaparks.com/goodale
Hamilton Branch State Recreation Area
111 Campground Road
Plum Branch 864-333-2223
www.southcarolinaparks.com/hamiltonbranch
Harbison State Forest
5500 Broad River Road
Columbia 803-896-8890
www.state.sc.us/forest/refharb.htm
Kings Mountain State Park
1277 Park Road
Blacksburg 803-222-3209
www.southcarolinaparks.com/kingsmountain
Lake Greenwood Recreation Area
302 State Park Road
Ninety Six 864-543-3535
www.southcarolinaparks.com/lakegreenwood
Lake Wateree State Recreation Area
881 State Park Road
Winnsboro 803-482-6401
www.southcarolinaparks.com/lakewateree
Landsford Canal State Park
2051 Park Drive
Catawba 803-789-5800
www.southcarolinaparks.com/landsfordcanal
Lee State Park
487 Loop Road
Bishopville 803-428-5307
www.southcarolinaparks.com/lee
Redcliffe Plantation Historic Site
181 Redcliffe Road
Beech Island 803-827-1473
www.southcarolinaparks.com/redcliffe
Rivers Bridge State Historic Site
325 State Park Road
Ehrhardt 803-267-3675
www.southcarolinaparks.com/riversbridge
Santee State Park
251 State Park Road
Santee 803-854-2408
www.southcarolinaparks.com/santee
Sesquicentennial State Park
9564 Two Notch Road
Columbia 803-788-2706
www.southcarolinaparks.com/sesqui
Woods Bay State Natural Area
11020 Woods Bay Road
Olanta 843-659-4445
www.southcarolinaparks.com/woodsbay
Popular Recreation Areas
Anna Boyd Park
Anders Street
Columbia 803-741-7272
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Anna M. Dickson Park
1315 Liberty Hill Avenue
Columbia 803-545-3100
www.columbiasc.net
Ballentine Park
1009 Bickley Road
Irmo 803-781-2031
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Bear Creek Park
1672 South Potter Road
Buford 803-285-5545
www.mylancastersc.org
Ben Arnold Park
1100 South Holly Street
Columbia 803-343-8753
www.columbiasc.net
Bluff Road Park
148 Carswell Drive
Columbia 803-776-8698
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Blythewood Park
126 Boney Road
Blythewood 803-691-9786
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Buckelew Park
405 Chester Street
Lancaster 803-285-5545
www.mylancastersc.org
Caughman Road Park
2733 Trotter Road
Hopkins 803-783-0400
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Cayce Riverwalk Park
201 Naples Avenue
Cayce 803-550-9520
www.caycesc.net
Citadel Park
4941 Citadel Avenue
Columbia 803-782-9475
Corley Park
210 Corley Street
Lexington 803-359-4164
www.lexsc.com
Crane Forest Park
1220 Peachwood Drive
Columbia 803-783-0400
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Crooked Creek Park
1098 Old Lexington Highway
Chapin 803-345-6181
www.icrc.net
Denny Terrace Gymnasium
6429-A Bishop Avenue
Columbia 803-754-5290
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Deputy Roy Hardin Park
8341 Shelly Mullis Road
Lancaster 803-285-5545
www.mylancastersc.org
Doggie Park
Humane Lane
Columbia 803-608-0577
www.columbiasc.net
Drawdy Park
702 Eighth Street
Winnsboro 803-635-9114
www.fairfieldsc.com
Drew Park
2101 Walker Soloman Way
Columbia 803-733-8441
http://columbiaparksandrecreationfoundation.org/drew-park
Earlewood Park
1113 Recreation Drive
Columbia 803-545-3100
www.columbiasc.net
Eastover Park
1031 Main Street
Eastover 803-353-7137
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Finlay Park
930 Laurel Street
Columbia 803-733-8691
www.columbiasc.net
Flat Creek Ballfield and Tennis Court
3500 Gold Mine Highway
Flat Creek 803-285-5545
www.mylancastersc.org
Forest Lake Park
6820 Wedgefield Road
Columbia 803-787-5000
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Friarsgate Park
1712 Chadford Road
Irmo 803-732-3220
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Gadsen Park
1660 South Goodwin Circle
Gadsden 803-353-3677
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Granby Garden Park
1800 12th Street
Cayce 803-550-9520
www.caycesc.net
Granby Park
100 Catawba Street
Columbia 803-545-3100
www.columbiasc.net
Heath Springs Picnic and Walking Track
221 Spring Street
Heath Springs 803-285-5545
www.mylancastersc.org
Hopkins Park
150 Hopkins Park Road
Hopkins 803-783-9374
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Indian Land Recreation Center
8286 Charlotte Highway
Lancaster 803-285-5545
www.mylancastersc.org
Kendall Park
313 Glenn Street
Newberry 803-321-1015
www.cityofnewberry.com
Killian Park
1424 Marthan Road
Columbia 803-754-7980
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Lake Murray
Visitor Center
2184 North Lake Drive
Irmo 866-SC JEWEL
www.lakemurraycountry.com
Marion Davis Park
2905 Fair Avenue
Newberry 803-321-1015
www.cityofnewberry.com
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
2300 Greene Street
Columbia 803-733-8452
www.columbiasc.net
Meadowlake Park
600 Beckman Road
Columbia 803-754-4463
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Monticello Reservoir
Near SC Hwy 213 and 215
Jenkinsville 803-661-4767
Mullinax Park
635 East Church Street
Kershaw 803-285-5545
www.mylancastersc.org
North Springs Park
1320 Clemson Road
Columbia 803-736-6070
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Owens Field Park
1351 Jim Hamilton Boulevard
Columbia 803-545-3100
www.columbiasc.net
Parr Reservoir
Dam near SC Hwy 213
Newberry and Fairfield Counties
Peak 803-748-3000
Polo Road Park
800 Polo Road
Columbia 803-736-1657
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Riverfront Park
312 Laurel Street
Columbia 803-917-5522
www.columbiasc.net
Saluda Shoals
6071 Saint Andrews Road
Columbia 803-213-2051
www.icrc.net
Seven Oaks Park
200 Leisure Lane
Columbia 803-772-3336
www.icrc.net
St. Andrews Park
920 Beatty Road
Columbia 803-772-6598
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Trenholm Road Park
3900 Covenant Road
Columbia 803-787-0216
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
Wells Japanese Garden
1608 Lindsey Street
Newberry 803-321-1015
www.cityofnewberry.com
Gardens & Nature Centers
Bear Creek Greenhouse and Christmas Tree Farm
564 Amicks Ferry Road
Chapin 803-345-5607
www.scchristmastrees.org
Carter and Holmes Orchids
629 Mendenhall Road
Newberry 803-276-0579
www.carterandholmes.com
Dupont Planetarium
USC-Aiken
471 University Parkway
Aiken 803-641-3654
https://rpsec.usca.edu/planetarium
Fox Tree Farm and Nursery
133 Virginia Pine Lane
Lexington 803-356-4052
www.foxfarmsc.com
Iris Festival
900 West Liberty Street
Sumter 800-688-4748
www.sumtersc.gov/irisfestival
Iris Garden & Swan Lake
822 West Liberty Street
Sumter 800-688-4748
www.sumtersc.gov/community/swanlake
Langley Pond
US Highway 1 at Langley Dam Road
Burnettown 803-642-7559
www.discoveraikencounty.com
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
500 Wildlife Parkway
Columbia 803-779-8717
www.riverbanks.org
Ruth Patrick Science Center
USC-Aiken
471 University Parkway
Aiken 803-641-3313
https://rpsec.usca.edu
Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary
4542 Silver Bluff Road
Jackson 803-471-0291
http://sc.audubon.org
Singing Oakes Garden
1019 Abel Road
Blythewood 803-786-1351
Spring Garden Tour
Sumter Council of Garden Clubs
Sumter 803-436-2640
www.sumtersc.gov
Stafford’s Strawberry Farm
April & May
4105 DuBose Siding Road
Sumter 803-469-3191
Local Parks & Recreation
Aiken County Parks and Recreation
803-642-7600
www.cityofaikensc.gov
Camden-Kershaw County Recreation Department
803-425-6009
www.kershaw.sc.gov
Cayce City Parks Department
803-550-9520
www.caycesc.net
Columbia Parks & Recreation
803-545-3100
www.columbiasc.net
Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission
803-772-1228
www.icrc.net
Lancaster County Recreation Commission
803-285-5545
www.mylancastersc.org
Newberry City Parks & Recreation
803-321-1015
www.cityofnewberry.com
Richland County Recreation Department
803-741-7272
www.richlandcountyrecreation.com
