Wow, what a beautiful park. Lots of great trails and tall trees. I could’ve spent all day here but didn’t bring my best shoes. Wear your hiking shoes or cross trainers if you’re going to be in here for a while. But it is definitely a must do while you’re in Aiken. The foundation that takes care of this place does a fantastic job. It’s a 2100-acre forest with 70 miles of trails. Keep in mind the trails are sandy for people and horses, so wear good shoes. Thanks to the Hitchcock family for donating this land and preserving it for all of us to enjoy.See more..
4.5Francis Beidler Forest(102 reviews) - Kayaking in the ancient swamp Tuesday: Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests
The largest virgin Cypress-Tupelo swamp forest in the world spreads over 11,000 scenic acres.See more..
Over 20 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails from beginners to expert. Trails are very well maintained.See more..
4.0Francis Marion National Forest(10 reviews) - Great day outdoors forgetting about COVID-19 Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Forests
The Francis Marion National Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. It spans nearly 259,000 acres, and offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities ranging from hiking, biking, motorcycle and canoe trails to rifle ranges and a boat launch.See more..
4.5Twin Lakes Park(10 reviews) - Great camping Spent More than 3 hours National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests
We have never been here before and happen to find website while searching for a place to camp around Lake Hartwell. We have pop up trailer and normally stay at KOA to have good shower facilities. This park is beautiful. Big camp sites. You are not looking in your neighbors window. Bath facilities are great. Very well maintained. Great swim beach. Lots of lakefront and Lakeview sites. Definately coming back.See more..
The park offers a medium sized lake to kayak or fish on. There are also trails throughout for hiking, biking, and OHV. One trail leads to some abandoned gold mines, and if you continue up the mountain there is a lookout tower (can't climb it), but you get 360 degree views of the surrounding area from over 800 feet up. Great views in the Fall! There are also some other trails that offer a more challenging hike, and often times hard to follow the blazes. Overall definitely worth a trip if this sounds like your kind of day adventure.See more..
Massive state forest that has dirt roads one can drive to observe quiet nature at its finest. Hiking trails, biking, horseback riding are all options . Easy to find. Dirt roads are unmarked, so bring a map. Love to escape to the forests.See more..
5.0Sumter National Forest(2 reviews) - Wonderful Adventure! Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests
We did the whole Foothills National Recreation Trail, 76.2 miles, and we spent a fair bit of our time in the Sumter National Forest. The trail was well marked and well maintained, the back country campsites were often beautiful and always near babbling brooks or roaring streams. We spent our time crossing through beautiful mountain forests, crisscrossed by waterfalls - just amazing. Definitely recommend picking up the guide book at the ranger’s office or the foothills trail conservancy website - and reading it. This was our first hike more than a couple of days - our bags were too heavy, it poured for three days, it got cold enough to freeze a water bottle that got left overnight by some camp shoes - and we made it! Not only did we make it, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We ate lunch at so many waterfalls it almost got routine. Highly Recommend!!!See more..
