South Carolina
Nature|National & State Parks

The Most Remote State Park In South Carolina Is The Perfect Place To Escape

Oconee State Park in South Carolina offers a remote and picturesque escape with hiking trails, water activities, and historic log cabins.

Updated Jul 30, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

There’s something intrinsically rewarding about traveling to far-off destinations. Don’t you agree? Even here in South Carolina, when it feels like almost everywhere has been put on the map, we’re amazed by the hidden gems there are to uncover. Today we’re featuring a destination in South Carolina that isn’t quite off-the-grid, but it certainly qualifies as remote. Oconee State Park in Mountain Rest, SC, surrounded by majestic mountains, is a picture-perfect place to escape. Curious to learn more? Come with us to explore one of the best state parks in South Carolina.

Tucked away in Mountain Rest, South Carolina awaits one of the state's oldest parks: Oconee State Park.

alt
Bradley Barnes / Google Reviews

The park is situated in the northwestern corner of the state, making it one of the most remote parks in South Carolina. It was established by the Civilian Conservation Corps, also known as the CCC, in the 1930s.

advertisement
alt
Dale Sturgill / Google Reviews

The CCC was a federal program designed to help employ those who felt the crushing effects of the Great Depression.

Today, the park retains much of its original spirit. You'll find evidence of an earlier time, such as the log cabins built during the 30s.

alt
Dale Jr. McConnell / Google Reviews

It's even possible to stay the night in one!

As for things to do at Oconee State Park, you'll find no shortage of options. Hiking is one of the most popular options, and the park offers six unique trails to choose from.

alt
Jeremy Pease/Google

One of the most popular is Hidden Falls Trail, a 4.8-mile hike that features a breathtaking waterfall.

alt
John Henry / Google Reviews

Spending time out on the water is another great option. Canoes, paddleboats, and jon boats are stationed along the lakeshore, waiting for adventurers to take them out.

advertisement
alt
Laura Rolke/Google

The lake is also stocked with catfish, trout, and bass. Rent some supplies and you might just be able to catch your dinner for the night!

alt
Theresa Stephens / Google Reviews

No matter what kind of adventure you're looking for, you'll agree that a trip to Oconee State Park is well worth it from just about anywhere in South Carolina.

alt
Donovan Sansbury / AllTrails

Take a closer look at what makes Oconee State Park so special when you watch the brief video below, courtesy of South Carolina ETV:

Have you ever visited this remote state park in South Carolina? What was your experience like? Feel free to tell us all about it in the comments below - we'd love to hear from you! And, if you're planning on taking a road trip to the park, don't forget to check out our ultimate road trip packing list!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/usa/road-trip-essentials-packing-list/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

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.

advertisement
alt
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.

alt
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.

alt
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.

alt
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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

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.

advertisement
alt
Jaxno Hale/AllTrails

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.

alt
Aundraya Hildebrand/AllTrails

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.

alt
Michelle Eason/AllTrails

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.

alt
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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Stays

The Remote Work Retreat Center in New Hampshire You Will Never Want to Leave

by Kim Falchek
on Oct 25
The lodge at Quietude conference center in Tuftonboro, New Hampshire. A firepit sits in the forefront. The lodge is set against a backdrop of trees.
Nature
Hiking

We Explored a Cave and a Waterfall Along this Easy Tennessee Hike

by Chris Dodge
on Oct 25
The plunging water of Lost Creek Falls among cavernous rock formations.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Explore One of Montana’s Largest, Cleanest Lakes at Flathead Lake State Park

by Andrea Verschuyl
on Oct 25
A sailboat floats in the middle of a vast, blue lake on a clear-sky day.
Trip Ideas
Small Towns

The Remote Destination in Northern California Where the Drive Is Worth the Final Views

by Natasha Kayes
on Oct 25
alt
Nature
National & State Parks

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

by Courtnie Erickson
on Oct 25
alt