Take a Hike
Finding the perfect spot to hike and/or bike is no challenge in Central SC. Take a walk among picturesque landscapes and visit one or all of our state parks. Each park has its own unique offerings, like the synchronous Firefly display at Congaree (one of only two such displays in the U.S!).
Below is a list of a few of South Carolina’s state parks for you to explore:
- Congaree National Park
- Dreher Island State Park
- Goodale State Park
- Harbison State Forest
- Lake Wateree State Park
- Santee State Park
- Sesquicentennial State Park
- Woods Bay State Park
Looking for something a bit more suited for kids and furry friends? Check out some of our best dog parks or cool off at Orangeburg Aquatic Park or Palmetto Falls Water Park.
Take a Dip
Whether you enjoy kayaking with friends, swimming, or fishing for sport, Central SC has a plethora of lakes and rivers for outdoor amusement. A year-round locale for water-lovers, Lake Murray, affectionately known as the Jewel of South Carolina, consists of 50,000 acres and 650 miles of shoreline. It hosts numerous state and national fishing tournaments, and is a popular scuba diving location. Lake Greenwood is an 11,400 acre lake with 212 miles of shoreline that touches three SC counties (Newberry, Greenwood, and Laurens). It’s also a host site for the annual SC Festival of Flowers Triathlon. The Lake Monticello Reservoir is famous locally for its catfishing; this 7,000-acre lake is located in Jenkinsville, SC, just 25 minutes north of Columbia. Whether you’re looking to go for the day or spend the whole weekend on the water camping at Sesquicentennial Park, Dreher Island State Park, Lake Wateree State Park, or Saluda Shoals Park, time spent on the water is sure to quickly become a go-to activity for you in Central SC.
More lakes & rivers:
Swing on By
South Carolina’s temperate climate provides avid golfers with year-round opportunities to enjoy the abundance of award-winning golf courses in the Central SC Region. Courses range from public to private, and boast a variety of different layouts and sizes.