South Carolina – Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach State Park is a 312 acre park set along the Atlantic Coast just a few miles south of the main strip of South Carolina’s famous Myrtle Beach. The park is provides guests an ideal respite from the heavily populated bustle of the main beach and a great opportunity to enjoy the shore in its natural state. The majority of the park was developed during the height of the Great Depression by employees of the historic Civilian Conservation Corps.
South Carolina – Kings Mountain State Park
Located in Blacksburg, South Carolina, Kings Mountain State Park has been enormously popular with residents of North and South Carolina for generations. This spacious, woodsy, hilly park offers a myriad of activities for both young and old alike. It also has a long and intriguing history, as it was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The park’s designers have managed to create a startlingly accurate replica of an 1800s Piedmont farm, and many travel to see the park for this reason. Buildings on the grounds include a gin and barn, and an authentic farmhouse. The buildings are surrounded by beautiful gardens, as well as many farm animals, including chickens, goats, cows, and a vast array of friendly felines. Upon arrival, however, visitors will be surprised at the additional benefits the park has to offer. “Passport Plus,” the parks yearly pass, can be purchased for $50.
South Carolina – Hunting Island State Park
Hunting Island State Park is home to one of South Carolina’s most beautiful beaches. This 5,000-acre park is only 16 miles from Beaufort. The reason the island is called “Hunting Island” is because it was once a hunting site for locals, who hunted birds, raccoons and deer there. The island was also famous for being a resting stop for sailors and pirates. The famous pirate called Blackbeard stopped at the island also. Although it was a popular place for hundreds of years, it did not officially become a state park until the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps built it. In addition to attracting humans, it is also a place that many wildlife species inhabit. The endangered Loggerhead turtle can be seen here at the hatchery where they are cared for. This park is an enjoyable destination year-round, as the climate remains moderate. Even in the intense southern summer heat, the ocean breeze helps to keep the park cool.
South Carolina – Devils Fork State Park
If you love nature, pay careful attention to the following information. Devils Fork State Park in South Carolina is one of the most secluded areas in the United States. The land has been protected for decades, which has led to a world that is unspoiled by society and commercialization. Devils Fork State Park is home to loons, bald eagles, falcons, black bears, rhododendrons, and Oconee bell spring flowers. Needless to say, this park is the epitome of what this area of the world would be like without humans. This park also offers the only public access to Lake Jocassee. This allows for one of the most crystal clear lakes in the country. And this, in turn, leads to some of the best fishing you can find anywhere. People come from all over the southeast to fish in this lake, which should be an immediate indication of how incredible the fishing is. Luckily, not too many people are in on the secret. Therefore, overcrowding is not even close to an issue.
South Carolina – Chester State Park
Chester State Park has been a fixture of the South Carolina system since first constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. Citizens have enjoyed this fine facility for such varied activities as hiking, fishing and water sports throughout the last 80 years, with little respite from the number of visitors who make their way through the turnstiles each year. Located on a 523 acre tract, the park features a 160 acre lake which is also encircled by a two mile nature trail that meanders it way through the nearby pine forest. With the central location between Columbia and Charlotte, the site is easily accessed from both areas, ensuring that a constant flow of people gets to see the marvelous flora and fauna on display.