One of the best things about South Carolina’s perfect size is that it only takes a few hours to get from one border to the opposite border. This means that day trips to our farthest-reaching state parks like Kings Mountain, which is only a stone’s throw from the North Carolina border, are entirely possible no matter where you live in the Palmetto State. If you love chasing waterfalls in South Carolina as much as you love chasing history, then a visit to Kings Mountain State Park and its block hand-laid stair-step waterfall is in order.

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Day trips were made for early starts and awesome destinations. From anywhere in South Carolina, you should be able to get to this waterfall park and back home on the same day. From Greenville, it’s a little over an hour away. From Charleston, it’s 3.5 hours; Hilton Head Island is a four-hour drive, and from Columbia, it’s less than two hours.

Kings Mountain State Park is located in Blacksburg and a small admission fee is required for entry. Learn more from the official website of South Carolina State Parks. And if this sort of trip is your favorite way to get out into nature, take a look at our list of accessible waterfalls in South Carolina.

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Nature In South Carolina

Are there any natural wonders in South Carolina?

There are a few natural wonders in South Carolina that are guaranteed to take your breath away. You'll definitely want to try and make time to see:

  • Ravens Cliff Falls. Getting all the way to the falls is a truly intense hike with multiple signs warning travelers to be prepared with food, water, and good shoes. But you can get to an overlook in under three miles of relatively easy hiking and these views of the over 400-foot tall falls are quite impressive.
  • Angel Oak, the largest oak tree in the state. Stepping under these gigantic branches is truly a magical experience. While the tree is said to be about 400 years old, there are others who claim she has survived for more than 1,500 years!

 

What are the best scenic hikes in South Carolina? 

If you are looking for trails with stunning rewards, you're in luck because there are tons of scenic hikes in South Carolina and there is a trail for every level of hiker. Those looking for easy hikes in South Carolina that are family-friendly will love a jaunt through the 2-mile trail at Huntington Beach State Park, This hike features a boardwalk as well as a little beach walking, so there is plenty to see.

Which state parks should I visit in South Carolina? 

Of the 47 State Parks in South Carolina, there are a few gems that definitely should not be missed:

  • Edisto State Park is one of the gems. With a massive beach and over 1,200 acres of trails, this park is actually pretty underrated and therefore pretty quiet. The beachfront is a mile and a half long and so gorgeous, definitely an ideal sunset spot.
  • You'll also likely love a visit to Santee State Park. The park is most known for the submerged cypress forest that looks like something out of a fantasy novel, but everything about it will grab your heart. If you're struggling to leave, you can even spend a few days in one of the cabins right on the lake.

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