THE WORLD OUTDOORS Check out these 4 state parks

Posted 11/28/18

With the holidays right around the corner, everyone is going to have some time off.

What better way to spend that precious time with family than at a local state park. 

South …

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THE WORLD OUTDOORS Check out these 4 state parks

Posted

With the holidays right around the corner, everyone is going to have some time off.
What better way to spend that precious time with family than at a local state park. 
South Carolina’s state parks are some the best in the country. I have had the privilege of visiting all 47 of them with my grandfather, Chuck McCurry, writer of the Chronicle’s Church Buzz column.
Another benefit is they are low cost compared to other activities. Some parks cost $2 a person and others are free. 
For this article, I will be focusing on 4 of my favorite parks within a short hour’s drive.
First, there is Sesquicentennial State Park. Its located just outside of Columbia, right off of bustling Two Notch Road. You can be in a mal,  then 5 minutes later, arrive in the park's 1,419 acres without a trace of the city. 
The heart of the park is its massive 30-acre lake. The park boasts a 6-mile biking loop, but if that's not your thing, the park has playgrounds, picnic shelters, and even a dog park. 
In the opposite direction is Aiken State Park, a 1,067 acre park right along the South Fork of the Edisto River near Windsor. The river is the park’s main attraction. 
The peaceful secluded river offers scenic views any nature enthusiast would treasure. You can rent a canoe and paddle the 1.7 mile river trail along the Edisto River. 
The river is also known for its fantastic fishing. The park has 4 lakes to enjoy as well. If the water is not your thing, you can hike along the 3-mile Jungle loop trail, and yes, it lives up to its name. 
On the Chapin side of Lake Murray is Dreher Island State Park. The 348-acre park spans over three islands with over 12 miles of the lake’s shore. 
Three nature trails snake through the park. Lake Murray offers great boating and fishing, especially Largemouth Bass fishing. Dreher Island has 3 boat ramps, 3 fishing tournament shelters and facilities, along with in-water refueling for boats. There are also 3 playgrounds for the little ones. 
Goodale State Park near Camden is home to one of the only Cypress Swamps in the state. This one is still within an hour drive of Columbia.
The park has a Civil War – era mill pond with tons of wildlife. Towards the back of the pond is the Cypress Swamp where most of the water is covered by lily pads. It is not that well known, but a 3-mile paddling trail winds throughout the pond and the swamp. Of course, hiking trails also traverse the park. 
I have given you several great options. Now, it's time for you to go out and explore. While you are out there, make sure to pick up a free state park guide and get a stamp each park you visit. 
Some of my best memories are from our great state parks. I hope you can experience the same great things I was able to. 

Cole, state, park

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