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Nature|National & State Parks

Explore Over 5 Miles Of Hiking Trails At Keowee-Toxaway State Park In South Carolina

Discover the beauty and hiking opportunities at Keowee-Toxaway State Park in South Carolina.

Published May 21, 2020

Written by 

Elisa Regulski

Soak up the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Keowee-Toxaway State Park in South Carolina. This spectacular destination has over five miles of hiking trails that will truly blow you away. If you're craving a rejuvenating adventure, head to the town of Sunset and meander through the gorgeous scenery.

Explore 1,000 acres of majestic South Carolina upcountry at Keowee-Toxaway State Park.

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Mark Kovich/AllTrails

There are two lovely hiking trails running through the region. If you're looking for a quick hike, embark on the 1.3-mile Natural Bridge Nature Trail.

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Ken Williams/AllTrails

Walk along the same path that the Cherokee tribe traversed.

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This well-marked pathway is strenuous in some places, but the stunning views are worth the effort.

After you hike across a natural bridge over Poe Creek, you'll reach the stunning waters of Lake Keowee.

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Keowee-Toxaway State Park is also home to the Raven Rock Trail, a 4.4-mile loop that weaves through eye-catching views.

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In the warm months, you're likely to come across tons of fragrant mountain laurel.

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There's so much to discover at this enchanting state park.

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If you really want to soak up all the sights, pitch a tent under the stars! Keowee-Toxaway State Park has 14 tent campsites, 10 RV campsites, and 1 charming log cabin.

Admission is free, and the park is open daily.

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Sean Hogan/AllTrails

You can even bring your pup along for the fun -- just be sure to keep them on a leash. To learn more about Keowee-Toxaway State Park, visit their website here.

Have you ever visited this gorgeous state park in South Carolina? What's your favorite hiking trail? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another natural wonder we should feature, nominate it on our online form here.

If you're looking for more outdoor adventures, check out these 9 easy hikes in South Carolina.

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Nature|National & State Parks

The Breathtaking Small Town State Park in South Carolina That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Chester State Park is proof that South Carolina's Piedmont is a treasure trove of underrated natural beauty.

Published Nov 13, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

South Carolina boasts enough state parks to entertain nature enthusiasts for a lifetime. Destinations like Oconee State Park, Myrtle Beach State Park, and Caesars Head State Park are among the most visited, and rightly so, but we're partial to the lesser-known parks that highlight the beauty of our state's less-traveled places. Chester State Park is a case in point. This small-town state park is a love letter to South Carolina's Piedmont, offering visitors a peaceful respite from the everyday. It's here you'll find lots of room to explore—523 acres to be exact.

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Nikki Hartman / AllTrails

Hiking is a must at Chester State Park. The perfect introduction to the park, we think, is trekking to the Civilian Conservation Corps-built spillway along the Caney Fork Falls Nature Trail. This 2.6-mile trail is considered easy, without much elevation gain, and appropriate for all ages. This gentle path also features plenty of shaded areas, making it a great option during warm afternoons. It's fun to see the CCC spillway, which features a little waterfall. You'll be following the lake for most of the walk, and once you reach the pier, be sure to stop and soak in the view; hikers agree it's the best in the park.

The 160-acre lake is at the heart of what makes this park so special. It lends itself to lots of activities including fishing, boating, and birdwatching. There's even a boathouse that sits directly over the lake where you cast a line or rent boats.

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Jane Barker / AllTrails

Craving a night under the stars? You can enjoy camping at its best at Chester State Park. There are 25 campsites as well as two camper cabins to choose from. Please note that pets are not allowed in the camper cabin area.

One of the best parts about this park is its convenience. It's nearest to the small town of Chester, but it's also halfway between Columbia and Charlotte. By all accounts, it's worth the trip from about any region of the state.

Know before you go: There's a $3 admission fee for adults, $1.50 for seniors, and those under the age of five can visit for free. The park is open from 9:00 a.m. until sunset. For more information, including tips for your visit and other details, be sure to visit the official South Carolina State Parks page. And don't forget to take a look at our ultimate outdoor essentials packing list before your big adventure!

Looking for even more travel inspiration? Check out our list of the best state parks in South Carolina.

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Nature|Hiking

Hike This Easy Trail in South Carolina for an Unforgettable Adventure

This easy trail in beautiful Cheraw State Park won't take all day and has some gorgeous views!

Published Oct 17, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

We love a good difficult hike that ends up being an all-day trek. If you ask us, there's no better way to get out and exercise - after all, there are plenty of great trails in South Carolina, and you're surrounded by natural beauty wherever you go! Still, we also recognize the need for family-friendly hikes, too. Maybe you're not in the best of shape, or you're out with young kids or use mobility aids like a wheelchair or walker. If you're in the mood for something a bit more relaxed but just as beautiful, we think you'll love the spot we're featuring today. The gorgeous Lake Juniper Boardwalk Trail in Cheraw's Cheraw State Park is one of our favorite kid-friendly hikes in the Palmetto State. The scenery is lovely, and it's quite the easy jaunt that just about anyone can enjoy.

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A wooden boardwalk curves along a calm lake, surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Scott Densmore/AllTrails

Cheraw State Park shares its name with the city where it lies, and it's a wonderful place for an afternoon of fun. One of the biggest draws here is the championship golf course, but you'll find plenty of other amenities, like the magnificent 360-acre Lake Juniper.

A calm lake surrounded by trees, reflecting the sky and greenery, with a sandy shore in the foreground.
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There's a lot to do at the lake. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent, and it's full of catfish and bass, which is perfect for those looking to try their luck at fishing. If you're looking to make a few days out of your getaway here, the lakefront cabins offer great views of the water.

One of the lake's best simple pleasures, though, is to enjoy a walk along the shore. The 1.2-mile Lake Juniper Boardwalk Trail is one of the park's easiest hikes. With very little elevation gain and an out-and-back time of just under 25 minutes, this is the type of exercise that just about anyone can enjoy.

A serene river flows through a wooded area, surrounded by trees and rocky banks under a clear blue sky.
Robert Timmons/AllTrails

The trail offers beautiful scenery. The five-foot-wide dirt and wooden path is appropriate for strollers or wheelchairs, and the gentle grade will not wear you out too much.

A serene lake surrounded by lush greenery under a clear blue sky, with calm water reflecting the landscape.
Tina S/AllTrails

Next time you're looking for a family-friendly outing in nature, this is definitely the hike to check out!

For more information about this great hike in Lake Cheraw State Park, check out our friends at AllTrails.

If you're a regular hiker in South Carolina, you don't want to miss a free trial of AllTrails+. You'll get to enjoy amazing benefits like downloadable maps and trail guides that will help you make the most of all your adventures, whether you're close to home or across the globe.

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