South Carolina
Nature|National & State Parks

Explore 3,083 Acres Of Unparalleled Views Of Mountains On The Scenic Lakeside Trail In South Carolina

Published Jan 24, 2021

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

It stands to reason that when people visit Table Rock State Park, the ultimate goal is to hike to the top of the state's most majestic mountain to see the view and breathe the air from way up in the sky. But there is another gawk-worthy trail in the state park that's much easier and still affords an amazing view of the mountains.

In fact, when you take the Lakeside Trail at Table Rock, you'll have a wonderful view of Table Rock itself.

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Teresa Kopec / Moment Collection via Getty Images

The Lakeside Trail (a.k.a. Pinnalce Lake Trail) is a 1.9-mile loop that winds around the 36-acre lake doling out awe-inspiring views of the huge slab of rock that juts up to 3,124 feet above sea level.

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Photographers love this trail for the ability to capture outstanding reflections of the mountain in the lake's still waters.

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People, in general, love this trail for the easy stroll that it is. But keep in mind, it's not entirely flat. There are some elevation gains along the way.

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And puppers love this trail because, well, dogs love everything.

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Head here on a day when the sky is exceptionally blue and you'll capture that mountain view in duplicate, complete with blue sky above (and below).

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There are other trails in this state park that get way more attention, but this one just may be our favorite, with its scattered benches throughout, making it easy to sit and contemplate all the important issues of the day — or not.

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Keep in mind that if you want to explore those mountain views from the water too, you can rent a canoe or kayak year round from the park office. And, in season, those rentals are handed at the lake pavilion.

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Winter hours at Table Rock State Park are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those hours are extended to 9 p.m during warm weather months. Admission to this park is $6 for adults; $3.75 for SC seniors (age 65 & older); $3.50 for children ages 6-15; and ages 5 and under are free. Learn more from the official website for South Carolina State Parks. Learn more about the Lakeside Trail/Pinnacle Lake Trail from our friends at AllTrails.com.

For a closer look at the lengthy trail that climbs to the top of Table Rock, keep reading here.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Nature|Hiking

The National Wildlife Refuge in South Carolina Where Can See Hundreds of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

Discover South Carolina's Santee National Wildlife Refuge, a birdwatcher's haven where hundreds of bird species can be spotted in just one afternoon.

Published Oct 17, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

I love animals, and there's nothing like the joy of seeing critters out thriving in nature. If you live in a bustling city, it can sometimes feel like we don't come in contact with much (other than the occasional downtown pigeon or maybe dodging a deer crossing the road). Luckily, there are plenty of amazing trails in South Carolina where you can safely observe wild animals from a respectful distance. One of our favorite places to do just that is the magnificent Santee National Wildlife Refuge in Clarendon County. This 15,000-acre preserve is tucked away right by the water and is an important habitat for nearly 300 different bird species. Even if you're not an expert on our feathered friends, just enjoying being out in nature and seeing how many different animals you can spot is a fun "I spy" activity that the whole family can enjoy.

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The refuge lies alongside Lake Marion and is home to several bodies of water, which makes it an attractive habitat for all kinds of animals. In addition to birds, you might also spot alligators, salamanders, raccoons, squirrels, and even bobcats.

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The abundance of trees and wetlands makes this a vital stopover point for migratory birds like Canada geese. Flying that long route is tough, and it's invaluable that our feathered friends have somewhere to relax on their lengthy journeys.

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Of course, it's not just birds and other critters that love this place - it's also an amazing recreational spot for humans! The park is home to various trails, most of which are considered pretty easy, thanks to very little elevation gain.

Just remember to keep your eyes peeled while out on your hiking adventures. You never know what beautiful animals you might encounter. It's important to stay on marked trails to keep yourself and wildlife safe.

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Male Wood duck, Aix Sponsa, floating on water in fall.

For more information about the Santee National Wildlife Refuge, check out the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website. You can learn more about the refuge's hiking opportunities from our friends at AllTrails, a great resource for learning more about trails, no matter where you're located.

If you want to get the best view of wildlife at the refuge while giving wild birds and mammals their space, make sure to bring along a pair of high-quality binoculars! They'll let you keep a respectful distance while getting an up close and personal look.

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