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Nature|National & State Parks

Visit Lake Oolenoy In South Carolina For An Absolutely Beautiful View Of The Fall Colors

Lake Oolenoy in Table Rock State Park offers stunning fall foliage views and various outdoor activities.

Published Oct 20, 2019

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

The temperatures are perfect for exploring the Palmetto State. As the weather continues to cool down, we will begin to see the leaves change into brilliant colors that paint the landscape beautiful shades of ambers, yellows, oranges, and reds. When you're looking for the perfect spot to take in the color splash that only Mother Nature can provide, a visit to Lake Oolenoy is in order. Let's check it out.

You’ll find Table Rock State Park nestled right along the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Sean Hogan/All Trails

Located in northern Pickens County, the park is home to Pinnacle Mountain, which is the tallest mountain completely in the state.

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The 3,083-acre park is a popular spot year round.

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David Ellis/Flickr

Camping, fishing, and hiking are all popular pastimes at this scenic state park.

During this time of year, the park transforms into a beautiful color display that needs to be seen to be believed.

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Stacey Branham/Google

There are two lakes within Table Rock State Park: Pinnacle Lake and Lake Oolenoy.

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Amanda McCraw/Google

Lake Oolenoy is just shy of 70 acres and is perfect for taking in the fall foliage.

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David Ellis/Flickr

It’s so peaceful and calming you may never want to leave! And you’re in luck, because there are cabins within the state park, so you can rent one and stay for a few days if you’d like.

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There are several trails that will lead you throughout the park.

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David Ellis/Flickr

Some of them will take you around one of the lakes, so you can see the colors from every angle.

You can even get a bird's eye view of Pinnacle Lake.

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Kristin B./Trip Advisor

The treetop views really give you a beautiful sweeping view of how incredible the park truly is.

Have you ever visited Lake Oolenoy or Table Rock State Park? Where's your favorite spot to take in the fall foliage in South Carolina? Let us know in the comments below!

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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.
calder wilson/AllTrails

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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