These 4 hidden gems are worth exploring, according to SC State Parks. Here’s how to find them
With the month of August closing in next week, the end of summer and the start of the new school year are near.
With the last few weeks of summer looming overhead, there may be South Carolina families scrambling to find memorable end-of-summer activities everyone can enjoy before busy schedules take over.
Before being forced indoors, confined to an office space or a classroom, what better way to enjoy nearing the end of summer than by getting out in the fresh air and exploring the Palmetto State?
South Carolina State Parks has listed four hidden gems within state parks that your family shouldn’t miss.
Horseshoe Falls at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
The first destination on the list was Horseshoe Falls at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site. Found in Clinton at 398 State Park Road, this location is the site of a “brief but pivotal Revolutionary War battle fought in the woods of South Carolina,” according to SC State Parks. The Battle of Musgrove Mill resulted in victory for the Patriot militia who defeated the Loyalists and British soldiers despite being greatly outnumbered and served as a morale boost for the Patriots; thus, marking a turning point in the war in favor of the Patriot militia.
As for Horseshoe Falls itself, history and legend intermix, saying that the mill owner’s daughter, Mary Musgrove, helped a Patriot soldier hide behind the falls.
Horseshoe Falls can be seen along the Battlefield Trail at the Musgrove Mill State Historic Site.
Luckily, the trail is shorter in length and is only 1.3 miles. It begins at the parking zone on Horseshoe Falls Road.
The falls are at the beginning of the trail, which continues through the battlefield. SC State Parks details that they are accessible by an ADA boardwalk that leads to an overlook and that the historic site includes a Visitor Center, nature trails, picnic areas and signage with historic information.
Admission to the site is $3 for adults, $1.50 for seniors, $1 for children aged 6-15 and free for children aged 5 or younger.
The Horseshoe Falls at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, including the main gate, Horseshoe Falls Area, Musgrove Mill Battlefield and Blackstock Battlefield is open to the public from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.
The Visitor Center is open 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Woods Bay State Park
Woods Bay State Park was second on the list and is located in Olanta at 11020 Woods Bay Road. The area is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily and has free admission for everyone.
If you’re looking to visit a mysterious place, this might be the one for you.
The area is described by SC State Parks as “one of the best examples of a large Carolina bay” and a “mysterious geological oddity found along the Atlantic seaboard.” A Carolina bay is an egg-shaped depression in the earth that is filled with shallow freshwater. The site also details that to this day, the origin is unknown.
The natural formation of a Carolina bay has been preserved as Woods Bay State Park, which stretches 1,590 acres across the coastal plain. At this site, more than 200 species of animals, as well as over 150 different bird species, live in different habitats within the park.
If you choose to visit the phenomenon, you will have the opportunity to walk along the site’s boardwalk or take a canoe through the shallow waters of the Carolina bay.
Dan Hancock, the park manager of the site, described that his favorite feature at Woods Bay is the hiking trail that goes around old mill pond and that he recommends that first-time visitors hike the boardwalk.
Devils Kitchen at Caesars Head State Park
Have you heard of the Devils Kitchen at Caesars Head State Park? This state park highlight, which was third on the list, is on the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina and is known for its panoramic views of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.
Found in Cleveland at 8155 Greer Highway, this site is named for a granitic gneiss rock formation located atop the escarpment, as described by the SC State Park system and, according to local lore, “the narrow passageway through two large rocks was accidentally created by the devil himself.”
If you decide to visit, there will be a short path to the viewing area to overlook Caesars Head rock, the path will continue on and pass through a narrow passageway between two giant rocks, called “Devils Kitchen.” Then, a set of stairs will descend into a rocky gap, which is just wide enough for a person to pass through. After passing through, the trail will lead you to a small overlook with panoramic views of the Caesars Head rock formation.
For those interested in visiting, the State Park has an interpretive center, gift shop, bookstore, and several picnic areas.
Admission to access the trail costs $3 per adult, $1.50 for seniors, $1 for children aged 6-15 and children aged 5 or younger are free.
The hours of operation for the park are 9 a.m.to 9 p.m. daily during daylight saving time but are 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily for the remainder of the year. It’s also important to note that the trails close one hour before dark, year round.
Oconee Station State Historic Site
Oconee Station State Historic Site can be found in Walhalla at 500 Oconee Station Road and is the final destination on the list.
This locale was once a military compound and trading post; whereas now, the historic site offers visitors recreational opportunities and a look at South Carolina in the 18th and 19th centuries.
“Oconee Station, a stone blockhouse used as an outpost by the S.C. State Militia from about 1792 to 1799, and the William Richards House, are the only two structures that remain today,” SC State Parks states.
The buildings are open for tours for interested guests from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends or by appointment.
Guests may visit the site’s fishing pond and 1.5-mile nature trail that connects to a trail leading into Sumter National Forest and ends at Station Cove Falls.
Park grounds are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and restrooms at the site are open Friday through Sunday.
Admission is free.
