Word of warning: the last section of this hike will have you scrambling up the rocks to reach the summit, but the views are well worth the effort and the energy you exert makes for an amazing workout. This seven-mile up-and-back trail leads you to a beautiful waterfall and stunning mountain views. It’s a moderately trafficked trail used by hikers and runners alike, so the terrain isn’t too difficult to navigate, save for the last stretch. After about 2.5 miles you’ll come to a scenic overlook that lets you feast your eyes on the famed Table Rock. At this point you can head back, or continue on toward Pinnacle Mountain or Table Rock.
Suitable for all skill levels, this 3.5-mile round-trip trail takes you to a well-hidden gem in Oconee County: Yellow Branch Falls. The terrain here is moderate, giving you slight challenges that can energize you as you walk without overexerting you. The trail is narrow in some parts, and can become slippery after rain storms, so take caution as you travel the trail.
If the name didn’t give it away, you can expect to see a beautiful waterfall vista as your reward for reaching the turnaround point. This area in Oconee State Park is fairly secluded, and not over-congested with other hikers. However, the way back is mostly uphill, so be prepared for a little longer return trip than your arrival at the falls.
Another trail in Oconee State Park, this roughly four-mile down-and-back path features gorgeous mountain vistas at the turnaround point. This hike is recommended for more experienced hikers as it can be quite strenuous. In addition, the trail is often quiet and not heavily trafficked, which gives you a true sense of being in the middle of nowhere. If you want an energizing hike tucked away from the world, there’s no better place.
With breathtaking views of Caesar’s Head, this trail provides an overlook of the stunning waterfalls and other scenery. The trail lasts roughly three miles, and features several ups and downs without overexertion. If you’re interested in getting a better view of the falls, you’ll need to bring binoculars or a zoom camera lens, as the overlook point is a fair distance away from the falls. But if you’re more concerned with engaging yourself in a challenging yet enjoyable hike, there’s none better than this one.
]]>You’ll have to share the “road” with ATVs, but the rolling hills and cheap rates are well worth it. For just $5 a day, you can cruise through the wooded pinelands and take in all the sights and sounds of the Sumter National Forest. Several of the loops interconnect to give you long stretches of solid riding without anything getting in your way. The trailhead is located right off Garlington School Road in Laurens County, about a 5-10-minute drive from the Joanna/Whitmire exit on I-26.
As part of the Francis Marion National Forest, this trail was made with the off-road motorcyclist in mind. While other ATVs are permitted, dirt bike enthusiasts will revel in the scenic forest vistas as they scout for wildlife like deer and wild turkeys. You’ll need to pay a reasonable $5/day fee, but since the money goes directly to maintaining the trail, it’s well worth the price. If you want to make a full trip, the park offers tent camping so you can get your riding fill before you head back to reality.
The locals swear by this well-maintained prepped and wetted park. It’s challenging enough to put your skills to the test, but easy enough to keep you interested in wanting to master new ones. Their main track spans a full 1.2 miles and is safe for riders of all skill levels. They also feature a “peewee” hard track and a 1.3-mile one-way track through a wooded area that offers both technical spots and areas for wide open trailblazing.
Friendly to dirt bikes and ATVs alike, you have your pick of 58 miles’ worth of trails, including practice areas, that are suited to any skill level. They don’t offer rentals, so you will have to bring your own vehicle and gear. If you want to make a full weekend of the park, you can rent a campsite for just $10. If you can’t make it on a weekend, call ahead and make an appointment for a weekday ride.
There’s less of a natural atmosphere and more of a downright muddy vibe here. You can practice new tricks as you race off bumps and hills of varying heights. With sharp curves, rolling straightaways, and generous pathways, locals continue to flock to the track because of its continued commitment to its riders.
]]>This moderate 1.7-mile trek brings explorers to the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve. Here, you’ll discover wildflowers, a magnificent gorge, incredible ferns, and so much more. Take in the natural flora and fauna of the Upstate. Pay attention to the yellow blazes guiding the way, but don’t worry, they’re very easy to spot.
Over 17,000 acres of swampland await visitors in this National Aubodon Society-owned area. There’s a nearly two-mile-long boardwalk that winds past 1,000-year-old trees and is wheelchair accessible. Experienced hikers may wish to venture off the boardwalk on a naturalist-guided tour of the forest, but you should know that reservations are required for these tours.
But for outdoor enthusiasts, this a dream destination come true. The Long Creek Falls trailhead begins on Turkey Ridge Road, then travels about 1.7 miles to a 25-foot waterfall. From there, you’ll return to the trailhead on the path you came in on. It’s not a particularly difficult hike, but there are some hills and semi-challenging terrain that make it more of a hike than a stroll.
Lake Jocassee’s pristine water and beautiful mountain scenery has earned it accolades from travel websites, publications, and visitors alike. But just as trip-worthy as its lake is the terrain that makes for prime hiking conditions. Much of the 80-mile Foothills Trail travels in and around the Jocassee Gorges, which stretches from Table Rock State Park to Oconee State Park. The gorges are located in between, boasting the greatest concentration of waterfalls in the continent. Some of the can’t-miss trailheads in the area are at Canebrake and Laurels Falls Boat Access points.
This area has its dangers, so hikers beware. Part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, there are three distinct tiers to Wildcat Branch Falls. The lowest section of the falls is visible from scenic Highway 11, which means there’s no need to hike to enjoy the view. To the left of these falls, you’ll find a set of stairs that leads to the Middle Wildcat Branch Falls. The trail crosses the creek at the fall’s base and travels to the remnants of a fireplace and chimney used by the Civilian Conservation Corps that was built in the 1930s. Just a quarter mile up from here leads to the Upper Wildcat Branch Falls, a 100-foot cascade of pure beauty. But heed the warning signs that about in the area—this part of the falls has been the site accidents, so climbing higher than the base isn’t recommended.
]]>This 90-acre park is more than just a playground, although for some families that’s reason enough to visit. Start your journey on a walk or bike ride on the paved trails through the woods. As you travel closer to the Reedy River, you might see remnants of foundations from structures that served as mills nearly 200 years ago. In about 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll arrive at the river, which will lead you directly to the elegant Cedar Falls. It’s an easy, short hike for kids, especially since the path is smooth and well-marked. The whole family can enjoy fishing the river or simply indulging in a waterside lunch.
Touted as one of Oconee County’s best kept secrets, Chau Ram County Park features easy hiking alongside beautiful river views. A small entry fee of just $2 per car can keep the whole family entertained for hours. Upon arrival, you’ll notice the beautiful cascades of the 40-foot waterfall surrounded by natural rock formations. The park features trails that etch Ramsey Creek and the Chauga River, including a suspension bridge that leads to trails on the opposite side of the river. It’s not unusual to find tadpole pools along the shores of the creek, as well as fish, turtles, snakes, and other wildlife in the area.
Free admission and fun for all ages, Oconee Station State Historic Site is the home of a former military compound and trading post from over 200 years ago. But just beyond the stone blockhouse begins a 1.5-mile trail that takes visitors to the illustrious Station Cove Falls. Along the way, you can’t help but notice the abundance of wildflowers year-round. You can also catch glimpses of beaver ponds, an alder swamp, and endangered flora around the falls area. It’s an easy hike with a beautiful reward at the end, making it a perfect activity for families of all sizes and ages.
If you want to turn a day of fun into a day of fun and learning, head to the Lake Conestee Nature Park and begin your journey on one of two Learning Loop trails. Each Learning Loop contains 10 learning station checkpoints that offer insight and education about the area. You can learn about the Reedy River, three miles of which runs through the nature park, the once-thriving Forrester Farm, and information about the wildlife in the area. With over 400 total acres comprising the park, you can expect to see a variety of denizens, including snakes, deer, raccoon, river otters, beavers, and over 200 species of birds.
You have your choice of three different trails here, only one of which is over a mile. The Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail weaves past one of the best-preserved beaches in the state. The two-mile trail takes you along a boardwalk, over a saltwater pond teeming with life, and ending at an observation tower that gives you a good view of the area’s birdlife. Or, you could take the shorter .3-mile Kerrigan Nature Trail that leads you to a freshwater lagoon. This is one of your best bets at seeing alligators in the wild, along with other animal life. The Boardwalk trail is the shortest of the three, spanning just .1 miles. You’ll cross over a saltwater marsh that plays home to migratory birds, loggerhead turtles, and alligators. Entry for adults is $5, and children are $3. Children five and under are free.
]]>Located in Paris Mountain State Park, this nearly-four-mile trail comes complete with wildlife sightings and beautiful natural scenery you wouldn’t expect to find this close to the city. Hikers have rated the trail as moderate to strenuous, but trail running usually presents additional challenges due to speed. If you can make it past the first mile and a half, the rest of the trail is mostly flat with few obstacles.
This moderate-rated 4.4-mile loop is a favorite among runners who love the great outdoors. Set against a backdrop of rocky outcrops, a lake, and picturesque mountains, the sights alone are worth it to make this your new favorite running spot. The first section is relatively easy, but quickly turns uphill to give you an early challenge. You’ll descend at Lake Jocassee, but the way back is filled with steep ascents and drops, but as an end result you’ll have challenged yourself more here than any gym or roadway could offer.
This almost-eight-mile trail runs along the banks of the lake for most of the way. Though rated as moderately difficult, the majority of the trail is flat and even with very few challenges. The trail features several tight turns and short climbs that will test your stamina. Beware, black bears have been known to frequent the area.
The famed Swamp Rabbit Trail is a favorite among hikers, bikers, and runners because of its diverse setting and terrain. The trail runs from Traveler’s Rest through downtown Greenville and into Mauldin, giving runner several potential points to hop on and off the trail. It’s a great spot to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere with the city tucked just a stone’s throw away. However, given the popularity of the trail it’s a highly trafficked one. If you want to enjoy an uninterrupted run, it’s best to use it during early morning hours during the week.
Short and sweet, this 2.2-mile loop is about as easy as they come. It’s the perfect spot for those just getting into trail running, or for seasoned runners who want to enjoy beautiful views and a quick workout. The trail is nestled in a community park and travels to ruins of an old mill and other sights. The trail here is mostly paved, which doesn’t give the same feel as most trail running spots, but it’s a nice, easy run through the woods that can make your workout more enjoyable than running on a treadmill.
]]>Hot Spots To Fish: Deservedly, Montauk, NY at the eastern end of Long Island is considered a storied mecca for striped bass fishermen. If you’re not going surf fishing on the beach or fishing from a jetty, Gone Fishing Marina (631-668-3232, gonefishingmarina78.com) can set up a charter trip for you. If it’s booked up, try Star Island Yacht Club (631-668-5052, starislandyc.com) or Montauk Marine Basin (631-668-5900, marinebasin.com).
Find the best fishing spots near you:
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New York
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
Down south, talk to the folks at Captain Hogg’s Charter Service (757-876-1590, captainhoggscharters.com) about fishing around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Overdrawn Charters (252-202-4623, overdrawncharters.com) in Manteo, N.C. can help as well.
Tackle You’ll Need: Stick with 30- to 50-pound braid or monofilament and a 60-pound-test shock leader of fluorocarbon, with saltwater-ready spinning tackle heavy enough to handle 10- to 14-foot rods. Penn, Quantum and Okuma specialize in fairly inexpensive surf-fishing rods, and reels to match. If you have a reel, but no rod yet, the new Black Inshore Rods from Lamiglas are up to the task. The five spinning and five casting models range from a 6-foot, 10-inch light finesse spinning rod to a 7 ½-foot casting rod rated for lures from 3 to 12 ounces in weight.
Quick tip: The most successful anglers are those who spot gulls or other wheeling seabirds feeding on baitfish driven to the top by stripers and who then cast into the melee without dispersing the bass. From a boat, the trick is to approach schools carefully and take advantage of wind or tide to drift to within casting range. The stripers will stay up as long as the baitfish are hemmed against the surface.
Best Lures/Baits: The 4 1/2-inch Acme Kastmater XL spoon, the 1 ½-ounce Odin Popper, and the 5-inch pencil popper from Tsunami are popular artificials up and down the Atlantic seaboard. Other popular options include the 6- or 7-inch Savage Gear Sandeel Swimbait, 9-inch Sassy Shad swimbait and the 6-inch Rapala X-Rap SubWalk.
Find the best bait and tackle shops near you:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
For anglers who’d rather soak baits from a boat or in the surf, live or cut bait, such as Atlantic menhaden (peanut bunker), herring, porgies, eels, bloodworms, anchovies and mullet, can flip the switch on chaotic striper blitzes.
Related articles that may interest you:
Fish Here This Fall—5 Reel-Screaming Adventures
How to Choose the Best Times to Fish
Likewise, bass fishing is starting to pick up again as the weather begins to cool. Huge schools of threadfin shad are starting to filter away from open-water ledges into bays and tributaries where feeding conditions and water temperatures are more optimum.
Bass follow the food, first setting up on ledges at the mouths of inlets and creeks to waylay shad, then migrating back toward shallower water to keep up with their quarry.
Fall Script for Southern Bass
Bass rule in Dixie and cooler weather brings out an army of anglers who go after them. Whether largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass, they’re available in most waters and sometimes all three varieties are present in a fishery, ready to aggravate or gratify those who seek them.
Hot Spots To Fish: When it comes to the South’s best lakes for fall fishing, the big TVA impoundments fit the bill. Because this is bass tournament country, dozens of YouTube videos and Facebook sites of pro anglers offer useful advice on where and how to catch autumn largemouths. Likewise, guide services are plentiful; just Google “fishing guides” for the lake you’re visiting or type in the town nearest the lake you wish to fish on the interactive map on this page.
Tackle You’ll Need: A 7-foot medium/heavy rod such as the St. Croix Premier Cranking, a baitcasting reel like the Abu Garcia Revo Winch and 10- to 14-pound-test monofilament makes a good combination to fish downsized lures.
Quick tip: This is strictly a match-the-hatch deal. Use lures that are about the same size as wandering shad. If young-of-the-year threadfins are on the bass menu, try small swim baits fished on drop-shot rigs.
Best Lures/Baits: Shad-colored, shallow- and medium-diving square-billed or coffin-billed crankbaits are autumn standouts. Popular lures include the Strike King 6XD, Bandit 100 or 200, Duo Realis M65, Livetarget Magnum Shad BaitBall Squarebill, Megabass S-Crank, Lucky Craft Squarebill 2.5, Storm Arashi and Rapala Shad Rap.
Fish them around shoreline cover and on the flats between creek drop-offs and the bank. Other fallback baits include spinnerbaits like the Booyah Super Shad, Stanley Vibrashaft and Nichols Pulsator. Good buzzbait options can be found from Lunker Lure, Damiki, Santone and Dirty Jigs.
Find the best fishing spots near you:
Find the best bait and tackle shops near you:
Rendezvous With Redfish
Along the northern Gulf Coast from Carrabelle, FL, to Grand Isle, LA, the redfish season begins in late September and continues in stages through December. Some anglers fish in the surf with cut bait, while others station themselves on area piers or in boats on relatively shallow flats near channel cuts.
Hot Spots To Fish: For boating anglers, a couple of spots stick out. Pensacola Bay Pass is a must-fish for boaters. Anchor up on the broad flat between old Fort Pickens and the channel, set out lines as the tide changes to incoming, and hang on. Need more help? Redfish University Pensacola Fishing Charters (850-748-4368, redfishuniversity.com) specializes in the big drum.
At Grand Isle, LA, book a trip with Gotta Go Fishing Charters (225-921-3642, gottagofishingcharters.com). The marshes and inshore waters around Venice, LA, are primo redfish haunts as well. Captain Mike Frenette (504-782-0924, laredfish.com or ([email protected]) is a top guide here.
Tackle You’ll Need: “Rat” reds of 3 pounds and up, or real bruisers weighing in excess of 20 pounds require a range of tackle options. Bass fishing tackle – whether spinning or baitcasting – is perfect for handling smaller fish and for casting jigs or swimbaits that weigh less than an ounce. A Shimano Stradic spinning reel and 7-foot medium-action Shimano Compre rod with 14-pound-test monofilament.
For bigger fish, consider a Penn Battle II BTLII5000 with 20-pound-test monofilament or 40-pound-test braid, and a 30-pound-test fluorocarbon leader. A 7-foot medium-heavy spinning rod (such as the Penn Battalion BATIN1220S70) should handle any bait rigs or lures and wear down a bull redfish in short order.
Quick Tip: Incoming tides in late evening or at night are primo times for reds as the fish free-spawn then in the mouths of coastal bays and estuaries. If you can’t fish any other time, make sure you fish the incoming tides.
Best Lures/Baits: Redfish aren’t particular about their dietary requirements and will eat anything from blue crabs to halved mullet. Swimming spoons such as the Johnson Sprite (johnsonfishing.com), swimbaits and jigs or even topwater poppers, such as the Heddon Saltwater Spook, will elicit strikes.
Related articles that may interest you:
Fish Here This Fall—5 Reel-Screaming Adventures
How to Choose the Best Times to Fish
You’ll have to drive a-ways to this one, but it’s well worth it once you see the views. A multitude of boulder fields dot the inside of the gorges, creating one of the best climbing opportunities in the state. Both the Jedi Boulders and Bearfields are chock full of problems, while the Lighthouse offers about 150 routes. Overall, climbers can expect a combined 1,000 routes in the area. Word to the wise: Rope climbing isn’t just frowned upon, it’s illegal here.
Embark on the Rocky Creek Trail that takes you to dozens of small granite boulders just begging to be climbed. The area is free and open to the public, giving you access to the trail, waterfall, and canoe launch. However, it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t an “official” bouldering spot, despite the many “established” routes. Climb at your own risk, don’t cause a scene, and enjoy the experience.
Park behind the Riverview Park Recreation Center, then follow the disc golf course until you can cross the bridge over the creek. Behind the water treatment plant, head to the wire fence on the right, go through the woods about 100 feet to a trail, then look for the steep access point on a spray-painted rock face to begin your climbing journey. Yes, it’s tucked out of the way, but finding it is part of the fun. There are only a couple climbing routes here, but if you’re looking for a quick afternoon activity, you’re covered.
If you love a good trad climb, Table Rock is your destination. Featuring eight total climbing routes, climbers will love the thrill of climbing the beautiful granite facings at Table Rock. It’s remote, and you’ll find very few (if any) other climbers on your journey, which means you need to be skilled enough to complete your climb solo (help will come too late). However, if you do have the prowess to master Table Rock, you’ll have earned bragging rights and self-respect, neither of which will ever be taken from you.
The perfect fall and winter climbing destination, Big Rock offers over 40 routes and hundreds of boulders to climbers of all skill levels. You’ll need to be prepared for an uphill hike of about 1.5 miles. The views are nothing short of stunning, and make all the work to get here extremely worthwhile.
]]>Start with a trip to Cheraw State Park, one of the top state parks in South Carolina thanks to its abundance of trails and recreational activities, including bird watching, geocaching, and pedal boat rentals. Located in the Midlands, Cheraw State Park is situated in an advantageous mix of pine forests and wetlands, complete with a lake for fishing, swimming, boating, and other watersports. Best of all, admission to this state park is completely free.
There are a few hiking, biking, and equestrian trails in the park to suit every preference. The most popular is the half-mile out-and-back Boardwalk Trail that takes you over the lake to the Lake Juniper Dam. Along the way, you may spot the area’s prized waterfowl, bald eagles, five-lined skinks, painted and yellow-bellied turtles, or water snakes, as well as the endangered pine barrens tree frog. It’s an easy hike that’s suitable for all skill levels and ages, and offers plenty to see during your short trek.
The Cheraw Nature and Turkey Oak Trails lead to one of the most scenic areas in the park—the cypress swamp. This easy-rated system of loops takes you through beautiful forested areas, showing you wildlife such as deer, snakes, lizards, and perhaps the endangered red cockaded woodpecker. Once you reach the spur, continue on the Turkey Oak Trail that will take you to the swamp. Or, you can explore the area by canoe or kayak for a chance to get a closer look.
The park offers a few types of accommodations for those looking to get more from their visit. They feature pull-through sites for RVs, tent camping, boat-in camping at the landing, and primitive campsites for large groups. If you prefer not to sacrifice most of your modern conveniences, you can book a stay in one of their cabins.
While you’re in the area, take advantage of all that charming Cheraw has to offer. Their Historic Cheraw Cell Phone Tour takes you to 25 different historic sites in the town, at your convenience. You’ll play a short video on your cell phone at each stop to learn more about it. Cheraw’s rich history stemming from the Civil War is a mainstay on this tour.
Jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie was born and raised in Cheraw, and you can visit the site of his childhood home. Though the structure is no longer standing, the site holds its significance to the community. In its place is a park dedicated to the man who brought beloved jazz music to so many ears. The park is also within walking distance to other places that played a role in Gillespie’s life.
Cheraw’s fish hatchery raises and distributes over two million fish every year, making it a vital piece to the area’s economy and ecosystem. You can bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of their tables and explore the hatchery up close and personal. You will need to schedule a tour ahead of time, but admission to the fish hatchery is free.
If you’re looking to taste some local flavor, pull up a seat at River’s Edge. There’s something on the menu to suit every appetite, including a salad bar, soups and sandwiches, burgers, steaks, chicken, and a whole heaping helping of baked goods. Just make sure you save room for dessert—indulgence is a must!
]]>Though dotted with several amazing hiking trails, the Raven Cliff Falls Trail is one you don’t want to miss if you want the best fall views. This four-mile trail takes you over a suspension bridge overlooking the 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls, along with stunning views of foliage throughout the park. Caesars Head is also well known for its overlook at the summit of the Blue Ridge Escarpment that presents an array of color down below.
Partially connected to Caesars Head State Park’s trail system, Jones Gap’s position in the mountain cove makes it an ideal spot for leaf-peeping. Here you have your pick of several trails ranging in difficulty level. The Rainbow Falls Trail promises a sight of Rainbow Falls if you can handle the difficulty. Most of the trails here aren’t for the faint of heart, so make sure you’re prepared to work for your fall color feasts.
For families wanting to catch a glimpse of Mother Nature at work, head to Oconee Station State Historic Site. Two historic structures greet visitors before they embark on a simple 1.5-mile nature walk to the falls. The area is well known for its wildflowers in the spring, but you can catch stunning fall colors in October and November.
This bold, bare-faced mountain gives Table Rock State Park its namesake, but it’s not the only stunning vision here. Locals and travelers alike make it a point to visit the park during the fall to see rich fall foliage abounding at every angle. The park is brimming with trails ranging from easy to strenuous and every level in between. For a good view of the mountain, take the easy Lakeside Trail that’s perfect for families and beginners. Both the Pinnacle Mountain and Table Rock Trails are significantly more challenging, but they each offer spectacular, colorful views that make the extra effort worthwhile.
This mixed terrain park features a 10-acre lake, historical structures, and plenty of beautiful fall canopies to accompany you on your hike. Here you have your pick of several easy-to-moderate trails in the park, each one offering amazing views of South Carolina’s great outdoors.
]]>Bird populations change with the seasons, so your best shot at viewing the largest variety falls into the migratory and winter months. Look for bald eagles around the lake in the winter months. Fall through spring typically provide a variety of waterfowl, while the spring features nesting birds like warblers, wood duck, and wild turkey. Painted buntings are a true gem to see in the grassy areas during the spring through late summer months. Overall, there are nearly 300 species of birds that call this place home, and you’re likely to see many of them on a single visit.
View of the Morris Island lighthouse aren’t the only perk to this tourist destination. Throughout the preserve, you’ll find a diverse popular of migratory birds, including the beloved and endangered piping plovers. Much of the land here plays home to a variety of wildlife and birdlife for nesting and roosting purposes. Organized bird walks are a common activity here, which can provide plenty of education and entertainment for amateur birdwatchers.
This multi-ecosystem of hardwoods and floodplains provide plenty of prime birdwatching opportunities. The park features a network of hiking and paddling trails, including a 2.4-mile boardwalk that takes you to some of the best spots for bird viewing. If you want to extend your bird spotting adventure, the park allows for backcountry camping to give you plenty of time to spot your favorite species.
Don’t let the name scare you away from this epic nature scene. Though the site is primarily dedicated to hunting waterfowl, visitors can still enjoy taking in all the sights and sounds from the birdlife here. Wood stork and white ibis are common mainstays in the area, along with bald eagles, herons, and the brown-headed nuthatch. The area is a major hot spot for wintering waterfowl and shorebirds during migration, which make fall through spring the perfect time to plan your visit.
This refuge is dedicated to preserving the longleaf pines that once covered millions of acres in the region that have now been lost mostly due to logging. The forests are critical to creating homes for the variety of bird species that now rely on the refuge, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Nuthatches, warblers, sparrows, orioles, and grosbeaks are also known to frequent the area. Visitors can use the observation tower and trail network to seek out these and other beautiful bird species.
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Home to the famed Jocassee Gorges, this park is ideal for fall campers who are vying for views of fall foliage. The park is enjoyable year-round, given its locale and scenic vistas, but fall visitors will especially love the cooler temperature to enjoy bouldering, fishing, and hiking trails. It’s also in close proximity to a number of other parks and trail systems that are begging to be explored.
Autumn colors abound in this beautiful park nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Campers will love exploring the two short-but-sweet hiking trails here that will let them soak in all the sights and sounds of Mother Nature in the fall. Guests can camp right next to the shoreline of Lake Jocassee, a pristine lake that showcases some of the best outdoor scenery in the state.
If you’re looking for a fall camping experience that lets both you and your horse enjoy all the outdoors has to offer, Croft State Park is your destination. This equine-friendly state park has an abundance of trails you and your horse can traverse together. If you’re not planning on horseback riding, you can enjoy over 12 miles of biking and hiking trails that show you all the natural beauty of South Carolina in the fall.
This picturesque state park features a beautiful lake and plenty of things to see and do. The rates are already reasonable, but campers can score an even lower price on a tent site during lower demand seasons. The park is home to a generous five-mile mountain biking trail that gives visitors great views of the lake since the forest canopy is less dense.
King’s Mountain State Park is an outdoor lover’s dream come true, and there’s no better time to experience all the park has to offer than right after fall chases away the summer heat. Campers love coming here because it’s clean, friendly, and full of low-key activities to enjoy. Visit the National Military Park, enjoy living history demonstrations, or traverse miles of hiking and biking trails throughout the park.
]]>Lake Jocassee is the Palmetto State’s only lake that features both trophy trout and smallmouth bass. The lake’s clear, clean water plays home to rainbow trout, brown trout, white bass, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. The only public entry to Lake Jocassee is via Devil’s Fork State Park. Need to gear up with some bait and tackle? Stop at the Jocassee Outdoor Center to find everything you’ll need.
The largest lake in South Carolina is also the best spot in the state for catfish. In addition, fisherman can ready their hooks for striped bass, largemouth bass, bream, and crappie. This lake resides in Santee State Park, which features a fishing pier for those who do not have boat access. Swampy and tree-laden areas surround the lake’s circumference, creating prime fishing grounds, along with 110,000 acres of open water. Fishing enthusiasts can book a stay in one of the park’s fully-furnished cabins to fish around the clock.
There’s a reason why Lake Murray plays home to local, state, and national fishing tournaments each year—it offers some of the best fishing waters in the country. This lake hosts largemouth bass, striped bass, sunfish, bluegill, black crappie, and perch. In addition, you’ll find the catfish here bite year-round to make it an ideal spot to dip a line whenever the mood strikes. Look for the buoys that mark the location of fish attractors. Lake Murray tour guides are well versed in the best fishing spots on the lake, and you can book them to drive you there via boat. If you need gear before hitting the water, stop in at Ned’s Better Bait & Tackle in Lexington for fresh bait and a friendly staff.
With lush vegetation and a diversity of wildlife, Congaree River is one of the most unique fishing destinations in South Carolina. At 50 miles-long, there is plenty of opportunity to hop on your kayak and toss in a line. The types of fish to catch on the Congaree River range from catfish and perch to sunfish and largemouth bass. And bring binoculars, too. This is a great birding destination.
The magnificent Lake Greenwood State Park is one of 16 parks that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and remains as one of the finest examples of “classic CCC architecture.” Anglers will find first-rate bass fishing on Lake Greenwood, along with crappie, bream, perch, catfish, and stripers. Be sure to bring your fishing license!
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This small-yet-action-packed park is the ATV owner’s paradise. Every trail in the park is open for ATV riding, though some trails share accessibility with Jeeps and other vehicles. First timers will enjoy a thorough tour of the park by well-trained staff who share your passion for off-roading. The park features a series of trails ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced, as well as a track that’s perfect for young off-roaders to learn the basics. In addition to the trail system and obstacles, Gulches also features campsites and a single cabin for rent, in case you want to extend your fun.
If you haven’t yet invested in your own ATV, this park makes renting one well worth the experience. You’ll find over 30 miles of enduro-style trails, and 15 miles of two-track trails that every skill level can enjoy, along with obstacles and clay, sand, and dirt terrains. You can hook up your RV on site if you want to make a full vacation of your off-roading experience. And if you aren’t quite ready to venture out on your own, you can book a guided ATV tour of the park.
As the biggest ATV, UTV, and dirt bike park in the entire Southeast, you can expect nothing short of spectacular throughout its 2,600 acres. You can zoom through 100 miles of beginner to black diamond trails that are wide enough to give you clear passage without hitting any unwanted obstacles. Or, you can check out the drag strip, mud bog, or MX-style track for an equally thrilling experience. They also feature a challenging rock crawl that will leave you breathless as you climb to the top. The folks here take excellent care of the park year-round to give you access to the ultimate riding experience no matter what day or season it is. In addition to ATV off-roading, guests can camp or rent a cabin, enjoy a round of disc golf, or take their horse along dedicated equine trails.
If you’re more into the natural terrain rather than a park-style setting, you’ll want to check out the Parson’s Mountain OHV Trail. Strictly for ATV and dirt bike riders, this one-way trail creates an experience that’s gentle enough for beginners yet scenic enough to be enjoyed by any skill level. A $5 entry fee grants you all-day access to the trail, which spans one large loop or two smaller loops. This trail is well tucked away from just about everything, which makes it a prime destination if you want to relax and escape the daily grind for a while. It is recommended that you call ahead of time, as weather conditions sometimes prompt sudden trail closures for maintenance and safety checks.
The miles of unpaved trails here are prime riding grounds for your ATV. While you’re cruising through the forest, you can’t help but take in some of the sights of the park, such as lakes, waterfalls, and flora and fauna communities. Although it’s not a formal ATV park, you should be prepared to follow some basic rules, like wearing a helmet and protective eyewear. In addition, you’ll need to pick up a permit before you ride.
*Note: Age restrictions, special licenses, and other requirements for off highway vehicles vary from state to state. Before heading out on your OHV, please consult your local regulations.
]]>Your quest for an epic off-roading experience begins with a morning fuel up at Steamers. Locals love this spot because of the fresh food quality and friendly service. Here you can grab a quick bite of eggs, toast, fruit, omelets, or other fan favorites to keep you full and focused for a day on the trails.
Before you head out for a day in the woods, swing by the Musgrove Mill Historic Site. Just by looking at the picturesque scenery, you’d never know it was the stage for a bloody Revolutionary War battle. The park is free of charge to visit, and features several scenic areas for photo ops, including the small but sweet Horseshoe Falls and beautiful foliage in the fall.
ATV and dirt bike riders will love the Enoree OHV Trail, complete with pine forests and rolling hills to give your journey plenty of surprises. You’ll need to pay attention to which trails are one-way and which are two-way, as the interconnecting loops can become a little complicated. However, since there are multiple loops, riders can create their own unique route as long or short as they like to squeeze in all the off-roading time they can handle. The trail system is complete with roadway crossovers, a tunnel, and the potential to see some local wildlife. Keep in mind that the maximum ATV width the trail will accommodate is 50 inches.
After a long day of wooded trail riding, refuel your appetite at Mig’s, about a 30-minute drive from the trailhead. This food fortress features some of the best pizza and sandwiches in the area, along with other favorites like shrimp, salads, and pasta. You won’t make a bad meal choice here—it’s all equally delicious!
If you’re ready to crash after a long day of off-roading, head to the humble yet comfy Magnolia Inn. The rooms here are clean and cozy, perfect for unwinding after your adventure. There’s also plenty of free parking for your trailer. You can also score free coffee and pastries in the morning before you check out.
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