Congaree National Park Boardwalk Loop Trail
Hampton Park
John Charles and Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., sons of the famed landscape architect, designed the bones of Hampton Park we know today.
Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve
An allée of oaks on Edisto Island’s Botany Bay Road leads to the former plantation, now an environmental treasure managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Audubon Swamp Garden at Magnolia Plantation
Boardwalks wind around blackwater cypress and tupelo trees in the 60-acre swamp garden, where all manner of wildlife—from herons, egrets, and anhingas to alligators and otters—can be spied.
Woodlands Nature Reserve
Spend the day exploring 6,000 acres, including 11 lakes; a blackwater swamp; and hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails or stay the night in one of the Zun tent cabins
ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
Spy myriad birdlife, such as spoonbills and endangered wood storks, in this network of rivers, tidal creeks, marshes, and wetlands.
Swamp Fox Passage of the Palmetto Trail
The Swamp Fox Trail passes through diverse ecosystems, including swamps, longleaf pine forests, and grassy savannas. Three trailheads allow hikers to opt for one long trek or shorter day trips.
St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center
Campers, retreat-goers, and day visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking in this 314-acre conference center and nature preserve
Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
Interpretive exhibits along the trail explain the history of the former village, including the circa- 1751 bell tower, while an active archaeology program continues to reveal the past.
Congaree National Park
Barred owls frequent the floodplains and swamps.
Make the two-hour drive to the state’s only national park to wander among and around the world’s largest cypress trees, including one with a 27-foot, five-inch circumference.
Folly Beach County Park
After a day of sand, surf, and play, the new Dunes House offers lots of practical amenities, plus epic sunset views.
Feeling cooped up from quarantine? It’s the perfect season to get outside and enjoy nature
