Tuesday, September 14, 2021

The Best of SC, as seen on the South Carolina 7 Expedition

Introducing the state of South Carolina, as you’ve never seen it before! This summer my family teamed up with the SC7 group and Kidding Around Greenville for the month-long South Carolina 7 Expedition – adventuring our way from the mountains to the sea, stopping at epic sites along the way. The expedition is named South Carolina 7 for the seven wonders explored on our journey, including National Geographic-recognized ecological areas, historical sites and other natural wonders. The SC7 Expedition invites hikers, kayakers, nature enthusiasts and your family to enjoy the beauty of South Carolina and the great outdoors! Preparations are already underway for the 2022 expedition next July - are you in?

What is South Carolina 7?

The first SC7 expedition took place in July of 2020, following the Palmetto Trail across the state to highlight the ‘Carolina 7,’ seven geographic wonders unique to the Palmetto State. The purpose of the expedition was to bring attention to the natural marvels that need our protection, and the multitude of outdoor adventures that await us in our own backyard. 

Along the way the expedition discussed topics such as conservation, adult & childhood fitness, outdoor therapy, floodwater-mitigation issues, and more. In 2021 the SC7 grew to include a “family expedition” aspect, and the public was invited to join in on the fun of exploring the state that we call home – from the mountains, to the sea!

Our first encounter with SC7

A little over a year ago, my kids and I set out on a hike with SC7 one hot July day in Congaree National Park. My son Z had just been born, and while we had been out hiking with him, I didn’t know what to expect from the expedition. It turns out I shouldn’t have worried, because as we wandered in the shade of some of the largest trees in the state, we made new friends, saw plenty of cool things, and had an incredible summer adventure. (Read about that hike here!)

Afterward, I promised my children that we would make the effort to explore more over the next year; my husband and I have lived in SC for twenty years, but have seen surprisingly little of these gorgeous places.

This year, as the expedition expanded to bring families along on the adventure, I teamed up with local family website Kidding Around Greenville as their SC7 correspondent; if you couldn’t join us out on the trail, we brought the trail to you! As we hiked and paddled our way across South Carolina during the month of July, we shared articles, photos, videos and stories about the places we visited; here is a snapshot of the adventure!

The South Carolina 7 Journey 2021

Day 1: OCONEE COUNTY – “Garden of the Gods”

MISSION: Hike the Oconee Passage of the Palmetto Trail, 3.73 miles.

The Oconee Passage of the Palmetto Trail begins in Oconee State Park and ends at Oconee Station State Historic Site, a backcountry military garrison and trading post that dates to the 1790s.  A spur trail leads to Station Cove Falls, a majestic 60-foot, tiered cascade.

Alternate plan: Hike to Station Cove Falls from Oconee Station, 1.6 miles.

Day 2: STUMPHOUSE & ISSAQUEENA

MISSION: Explore Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls, and hike a portion of the Ross Mountain Passage Trail from the Stumphouse parking area to Ross Mountain Road, 3.0 miles.

Stumphouse Tunnel is an historic railroad tunnel for the Blue Ridge Railroad, and just to the south is 100-foot Issaqueena Falls. We hiked 3 miles along the Ross Mountain Passage Trail, a connecter from the Stumphouse Mountain Trail to the Oconee Passage, after which we explored the tunnel and falls.

Alternate plan: Bring a picnic to enjoy at Stumphouse Tunnel Park, then head across the road to Yellow Branch Falls for a three-mile roundtrip hike to a gorgeous waterfall.

Day 3: EASTATOE PASSAGE

MISSION: Hike the Eastatoe Passage of the Palmetto Trail beginning at the Keowee Toxaway parking area and ending at Dug Mtn. Angler Access parking area, 4.6 miles.

Starting on Natural Bridge Trail, this hike climbs through a mountain forest in the acclaimed Jocassee Gorges, crossing two new bridges including the brand-new Zeke wilderness trail bridge!

Alternate plan: Park at Dug Mtn. Angler Access parking area and hike in-and-out to Zeke bridge, 2 miles. Or, head to Long Shoals Wayside Park for a natural waterslide adventure!

Day 4: ROUNDTOP MOUNTAIN

MISSION: Hike the Round Top passage of the Palmetto Trail, 5.0 miles.

This adventure will begin along the Foothills Trail, then take the Roundtop Mountain Passage of the Palmetto Trail to Sugar Likker Road. Along the way will be the Rock Mountain overlook; the view of its rock face can only be seen from this specific vantage point!

Alternate plan: Drive all the way up to the summit of Sassafras Mountain, and have a picnic at one of the picnic tables after exploring the summit and observation tower - see Day 5.

Day 5: SASSAFRAS MOUNTAIN – “Roof of the Palmetto State”

Mission: Hike from Chimneytop Gap Trailhead to Sassafras Mountain along the Foothills Trail, 2.1 miles.

Sassafras Mountain is the highest point in South Carolina, at 3,533 feet above sea level, earning it the title of 1st Wonder of South Carolina!  Our hike began at the Chimneytop Gap, and climbed some 1,200ft in elevation to the summit of Sassafras and the new observation tower.

Alternate plan: Hike to Beech Bottom Falls, a moderate 1.7-mile hike to a viewing platform for the 100-ft waterfall.

Day 6: JOCASSEE GORGES

MISSION: Hike the Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op (Jocassee Gorges) Passage of the Palmetto Trail, 5.0 miles.

The Jocassee Gorges were named among the “50 of the Last Great Places” by National Geographic, earning the title 2nd Wonder of South Carolina. Here, the clear waters of Lake Jocassee wash the base of the seemingly endless ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains. “Jocassee” is a Cherokee word meaning “Place of the Lost One.” 

Alternate plan: The Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op Passage starts in Table Rock State Park, which boasts stunning trails such as Pinnacle Mountain, Carrick Creek, and Table Rock Trail. The Foothills Trail can also be accessed from the Park. Spend the day at Table Rock, including a swim in Pinnacle Lake or splashing at the Carrick Creek trail waterfall. 

Day 7: CHATTOOGA RIVER RAFTING

MISSION: Raft the Chattooga River

Famed as the location of the movie Deliverance, the Chattooga River is the crown jewel of southeastern rafting offering the best and most challenging whitewater in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain region. The Chattooga was named a National Wild and Scenic River in 1974, earning it the spot of 3rd Wonder of South Carolina. There are various outfitters that have Chattooga River rafting packages for children as young as 8.

Alternate plan: Head to Burrells Ford for a day exploring waterfalls, or to Bull Sluice on the Chattooga River to get your feet wet and watch some adventurous paddlers running the rapids!

Day 8: MIDDLE SALUDA PASSAGE

MISSION: Hike from Jones Gap State Park to Rainbow Falls and back, 4.0 miles.

Continuing our exploration of the Jocassee Gorges, we hiked the Middle Saluda passage of the Palmetto Trail to Rainbow Falls, one of the many scenic waterfalls in the area.

Alternate plan: To skip the steep climb to Rainbow Falls, hike to Jones Gap Falls instead, 3.5 miles.

Day 9:  KINGS MOUNTAIN NATIONAL & STATE MILITARY PARKS

MISSION: Explore the historic battlefield, and hike the Battlefield Trail, 1.5 miles.

Step back into history at Kings Mountain! The battle of Kings Mountain was fought on October 7th, 1780, and was an important American victory during the Revolutionary War; it was the first major patriot victory to occur after the British invasion of Charleston.

Alternate plan: Head to the living history farm at Kings Mountain State Park and check out the two-story farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, carpenter/blacksmith shop, sorghum mill and cooker, corncrib, and cotton gin. Or if you’ve got some epic views in mind, head to neighboring Crowders Mountain State Park.

Day 10: CROFT PASSAGE HIKE

MISSION: Hike the Croft Passage of the Palmetto Trail, 3.5 miles

The Croft Passage is a roller coaster for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians that passes through historic Croft State Park. The day’s adventure will take hikers to and around Lake Johnson.

Alternate plan: Hike the 1.5-mile Nature Trail instead, stopping for a break on the banks of Fairforest Creek.

Day 11: GLENN SPRINGS PASSAGE HIKE

MISSION: Hike the Glenn Springs Passage of the Palmetto Trail, 5.0 miles.

In the 19th century, Glenn Springs was known for the health benefits of its mineral waters. Now listed on the National Register, the historic district includes 20 buildings from 1840-1940 as well as the site of a popular resort hotel.

Alternate plan: Visit Glendale Shoals Preserve, a 13-acre natural area on the site of a former mill that has trails, a dam, a waterfall, and the trestle of an old railroad that now serves as a pedestrian bridge.

Day 12: BLACKSTOCK BATTLEFIELD/MUSGROVE MILL

MISSION: Hike the Blackstock Battlefield Passage of the Palmetto Trail, and explore Musgrove Mill Battlefield and Historic Site, 1.6 miles.

Blackstock Battlefield is situated along a remote section of the Tyger River, where Revolutionary War patriots defeated the British in 1780. Nearby, the vastly outnumbered Patriot militia outlasted the Loyalists in a surprising victory in the bloody Battle of Musgrove Mill. Blackstock Battlefield is the newest addition to Musgrove Mill State Historic Site!

Alternate plan: Cool down at the Horseshoe Falls swimming hole, after hiking the 1.7-mile Musgrove Mill Battlefield Trail to learn about the 1780 battle.

Day 13: ENOREE PASSAGE HIKE

MISSION: Hike the second portion of the Enoree Passage, 4.5 miles.

The Enoree Passage of the Palmetto Trail contains 36 continuous miles of trail in Sumter National Forest, linking Newberry, Laurens, and Union counties.

Alternate plan: Visit Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site to learn about important themes and key events in South Carolina’s history: the cotton boom, secession and Civil War, slavery and sharecropping, emancipation and the fight for civil rights. Tour a plantation home, walk the historic landscaped grounds, or take a short hike through the forest to the Tyger River.

Day 14: NEWBERRY PASSAGE HIKE

MISSION: Hike the urban portion of the Newberry Passage, from milepost 5 to milepost 2, 3.0 miles.

The Newberry Passage of the Palmetto Trail takes the visitor along shaded sidewalks passing antebellum homes: Newberry College (founded in 1856), several historic buildings such as the Old Court House and the Opera House and a renovated Main Street with shops, cafes, bars & ice cream parlors.

Alternate plan: Head to Ninety Six National Historic Site, where the 18th century comes alive. This site is managed by the National Park Service, and interprets the history of the area: the Cherokee Indian fight to keep their land, the struggle of the settlers in the harsh backcountry, two towns and a trading post, and two Revolutionary War battles that claimed over 100 lives.

Day 15: PEAK TO PROSPERITY

MISSION: Hike the Peak to Prosperity Passage from Hope Station to the Alston Trailhead, 3.5 miles.

A total of 14 wooden trestles cross Crims Creek along the Passage that crosses through the heart of the area knows as the Dutch Fork. The highlight of the Peak to Prosperity Passage is the Broad River trestle, an 1890 railroad bridge that spans 1,100+ feet and offers fantastic views.

Alternate plan: Bring a picnic and a fishing pole for some time at the Alston trailhead; you can still take in the views from the Broad River trestle, without much of a hike.

Day 16: FORT JACKSON PASSAGE HIKE

MISSION: Hike the Fort Jackson Passage of the PalmettoTrail from milepost 11.5 at Century Division Road to the McCrady Army National Training Center trailhead, 4.5 miles.

Fort Jackson was established in 1917 to answer the call of WWI.  The Fort was named in honor of Major General Andrew Jackson, a native son of the Palmetto State and seventh president of the United States. Today the installation covers 52,000 acres and is the Army’s largest basic training center. This passage offers a great diversity in both plants and animals.

Alternate plan: Head to Sesquicentennial State Park for a day of fishing, hiking, and even a splash pad. This park offers canoeing, bike trails and camping.

Day 17: CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK – “Redwoods of the East”

MISSION: Hike the Weston Lake Loop Trail through Congaree National Park, 4.4 miles.

Congaree National Park contains the largest remaining area of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States, along with the tallest known specimens of 15 species! The Congaree is currently home to six national champions, and 23 state champion trees, earning it the title of 4th Wonder of South Carolina.

Alternate plan: Spend the day on the water, kayaking the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail.

Related articles:

Day 18: HISTORIC CAMDEN

MISSION: Hike the nature trail at Historic Camden site, and explore the history and the battlefield sites.

Camden was essential to the British plan to control SC, but soon after the fall of Charles Town and the defeat at Waxhaws in May of 1780, the Patriots suffered a devastating loss at the Battle of Camden. Although disastrous for the American cause, it ushered in changes in military leadership that altered the course of the war.

Alternate plan: Visit Historic Camden, the 18th-century property of the city’s founder Joseph Kershaw and the fortified Revolutionary War-era town occupied by British General Cornwallis and Lord Rawdon’s men from 1780-81.

Day 19: SANTEE INDIAN MOUND FIELDS

MISSION: Kayak from Carolina King Retreat & Marina to Santee Indian Mound and Fort Watson Site, and explore the Santee Indian Mounds at Fort Watson, approximately 2 miles.

The Santee Indians were part of the Mississippian culture, living along the Santee River for thousands of years. The mound located on the Bluff Unit at Santee National Wildlife Refuge served as the ceremonial site and a burial for the Native American tribe, and is estimated to be at least 1,000 years old. At the end of the 18th century British troops used the site as an outpost, as it provided an elevated vantage point overlooking the Santee River and the road to Charleston.

Alternate plan: Explore Santee State Park and Lake Marion! The park is known for the fishing, but there’s plenty more to do, including biking and hiking trails, and pontoon boat tours of the flooded cypress forest on Lake Marion.

Day 20: MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR FRANCIS MARION at BELLE ISLE PLANTATION CEMETERY

MISSION: Participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the gravesite Francis Marion at Belle Isle Cemetery.

Belle Isle Plantation Cemetery is the historic site of the burial ground of Francis Marion. Also known as the Swamp Fox, Marion served in the American Revolutionary War and is considered one of the fathers of modern guerrilla warfare.

Alternate plan: Visit Lewisfield, the 1774 Plantation that was the site of a major skirmish between British and Patriot forces during the Revolutionary War.

Day 21: LAKE MOULTRIE PASSAGE

MISSION: Hike the Lake Moultrie Passage of the PalmettoTrail from Bonneau Beach to Hwy 52, 5 miles.

The Lake Moultrie Passage follows the eastern and northern shores of the 60,000-acre lake, which was created in the early 1940s by the South Carolina Public Service Authority.

Alternate plan: Enjoy Lake Moultrie by picnicking at scenic Overton Park, or hiking and biking in the Sandy Beach Wildlife Management Area.

Day 22: CYPRESS GARDENS

MISSION: Hike and explore the trails through the swamp and gardens, 3.5 miles.

Cypress Gardens is a 170-acre preserve and gardens located in Moncks Corner South Carolina. The centerpiece of the garden is the 80-acre blackwater bald cypress/tupelo swamp, surrounded with both boat and foot trails.

Alternate plan: Explore Audubon’s Francis Beidler Forest, the 18,000-acre bird and wildlife sanctuary known for containing the world’s largest virgin cypress-tupelo swamp forest; enjoy thousand-year-old trees, wildlife, and the quiet flow of blackwater, all from the safety of a 1.75-mile boardwalk. Or, head a little further south to Caw Caw Interpretive Center, the former rice plantation that today is managed as a low-impact wildlife preserve with over six miles of trails including elevated boardwalks through wetlands.

Day 23: FORT FAIR LAWN REVOLUTIONARY WAR FORTIFICATION

MISSION: Hike/explore the grounds of the historic Revolutionary War Fort.

Of the more than thirty forts constructed in South Carolina during the American Revolutionary war, only two remain in their original condition: Ninety Six National Historic Site and Fort Fair Lawn.

Alternate plan: Explore Old Santee Canal Park, the 195-acre park that commemorates the building of the first true canal in America and showcases the area’s extensive history and habitat. Visitors to the park will see Stony Landing House, built in 1843, and can hike four miles of boardwalks that meander through the quiet backwaters of Biggin Creek and its surrounding swamp, making Old Santee a popular destination for bird watchers, hikers and paddlers.

DAY 24: SWAMP FOX PASSAGE – CANOE WADBOO CREEK

MISSION: Explore the Wadboo Swamp from the Fox Passage of the Palmetto Trail via canoe along Wadboo Creek Canoe Trail from the canoe launch near mile post 43 to the intersection with SC 402.

The Swamp Fox Passage traverses four distinct ecosystems through Francis Marion National Forest, including swamps made famous as hideouts of Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, the mature long-leaf pine forests that are home to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, and grassy savannas with abundant wildlife.

Alternate plan: In addition to canoe and kayak trails, Francis Marion National Forest offers hiking, biking, and motorcycle trails, and even rifle ranges and a boat launch. For a map of recreational opportunities, visit the USFS page. (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/scnfs/recarea/?recid=47055)

Day 25: AWENDAW PASSAGE HIKE

MISSION: Hike the Awendaw Passage of the Palmetto Trail from the boat launch at trail post 4 to the Buck Hall Recreation Area Trailhead.

Awendaw Passage is the coastal terminus of the mountains-to-sea Palmetto Trail, traversing maritime forest with scenic vistas of the Lowcountry salt marsh along Awendaw Creek, emerging to palmettos at the Buck Hall campground.

Alternate plan: Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge houses a rich history across the refuge’s maze of tidal creeks, marshes, and barrier islands, and provides a wide range of recreation including fishing, wildlife viewing, interpretive tours, environmental education, hiking, shelling, and beach combing.

Day 26: BROOKGREEN GARDENS

MISSION: Explore and hike the numerous nature trails in the preserve.

Brookgreen Gardens is a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve, located just south of Murrells Inlet. The 9,100-acre property includes several themed gardens with American figurative sculptures placed in them, the Lowcountry Zoo, and trails through several ecosystems.  Opened in 1932, Brookgreen is built on four former rice plantations, taking its name from the former Brookgreen Plantation.

Alternate plan: Just across the road from Brookgreen Gardens is Huntington Beach State Park with its beaches, sea-breeze camping, surf fishing and some of the top bird-watching on the East Coast. Visit Atalaya, the picturesque, Moorish-style winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, or head to the park’s freshwater lake to search for alligators.

DAY 27: EDISTO RIVER

MISSION: Kayak the Edisto River from Mars Old Field Landing to Givhan’s Ferry Landing, 6.4 miles.

The Edisto River’s name originated from the word edisto, the Native American word for “black.” It refers to the dark color of the river, caused by the decaying leaves and other plant material. The Edisto is considered the longest free-flowing blackwater river in the United States and is home to numerous rare, threatened, and endangered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, southern bald eagle, wood stork, loggerhead turtle, and short-nosed sturgeon. The Edisto River is the 5th Wonder of South Carolina.

Alternate plan: Get a taste of the Edisto River at Givhans Ferry State Park, where you can hike the 1.5-mile River Bluff Nature Trail, or go for a swim to cool down before settling in at a campfire at the tent campground. 

Day 28: ACE BASIN

MISSION: Explore the Ace Basin via ferry.

The Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Basin (abbreviated ACE Basin) is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries along the Atlantic Coast of the United States. The 350,000 acres are known for the marshes, wetlands, hardwood forests, and riverine systems, earning it the title 6th Wonder of South Carolina.

Alternate plan: There are 14 public parks, preserves and wildlife management areas to choose from in the area, including several state parks and the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge. Visit the refuge office, a former rice plantation house built in 1828, which is one of a few antebellum mansions that survived the civil war in the ACE Basin area and today is on the National Register of Historical Places.

Day: 29 BULL ISLAND

MISSION: Explore the natural wonders and historic significance of Bull Island via Charter Boat.

Bull Island is one of South Carolina’s most beautiful and remote places. The largest of four barrier islands found within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Bull Island is a 5,000-acre maritime forest with fresh and brackish water impoundments and a beach area. The six-and-a-half-mile uninhabited island remains virtually untouched and is home to countless wildlife and endangered species and has a world-renowned reputation for its bird life, earning it the title 7th Wonder of South Carolina.

Alternate plan: Head to the Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center for everything from interactive exhibits featuring forest to sea ecosystems, to a live endangered red wolf viewing area with scheduled feeding and interpretive programs!

Day 30: COOPER RIVER

MISSION: Explore the blackwater of the Cooper River via SCUBA to search for Megalodon shark teeth fossils.

The final exploration of the expedition will be black water diving for fossils in the Cooper River in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. For this portion of the expedition you must be certified in scuba, however that doesn’t mean you can’t head out on your own to do a little beachcombing…

Alternate plan: Shark teeth and fossils can be found on most of South Carolina’s beaches, and even inland along rivers, streams and drainage areas. Some beaches might offer better opportunities than others so it pays to do some research ahead of time, and hiring an outfitter or charter can help ensure a great time for your family.

Another option is to visit the sharks themselves at the South Carolina Aquarium overlooking the Charleston Harbor. The Aquarium is home to more than 10,000 plants and animals including North American river otters, loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, great blue herons, owls, lined seahorses, jellyfish, pufferfish, green moray eels, horseshoe crabs, sea stars, pythons, and sharks. The largest exhibit is the Great Ocean Tank, which extends from the first to the third floor of the Aquarium and is the deepest tank in North America!

Higher Ground

Coming soon is the documentary “Higher Ground,” exploring South Carolina’s Seven Wonders and the Local Impact of a Changing Climate. Filmed during the 2020 expedition, “Higher Ground” premiered during the 2021 expedition; you can watch the “Higher Ground” trailer on vimeo. For more information on how to view the feature length film, please visit the SC7 website.

SC7 Expedition Trailer from SC National Heritage Corridor on Vimeo.

How to join the expedition?

First, visit the SC7 website to see what upcoming events have been planned. In the coming year SC7 is planning to have the largest litter pick-up in the history of the state, as well as work on rebuilding the reefs along the coast. July 2021 is already in the works, and will feature events hosted by local organizations throughout the month.

You can also join the expedition by hitting the trail now, and experiencing South Carolina’s wonders for yourself. Check out the Digital Field Guide; it lists trailheads, park entry costs and other important information. Make sure the hike is within your family’s abilities, and pack as needed to stay hydrated and comfortable. If it’s a one-way hike, you might need to figure out a shuttle or make the decision to hike only halfway and then return to the trailhead the way you came. And don’t forget to invite a friend or two along for the adventure!

If you have kids looking to join the fun, download the Outdoor Adventure Book that features additional trail descriptions, activities, and information pertinent to the sights along the way. Your family might also be interested in the Flora & Fauna Guide, that contains descriptions of some of the common wildlife you might see on your adventures. And then all that’s left is to have fun!

The Adventure Continues…

There is so much to do and see in South Carolina that it will take far longer than just a month to get to it all. And, while it is exciting to join an expedition to explore your way across the state, it can be just as thrilling to discover new places with your children and family. It is our hope that the destinations featured here can serve as an outline to get you started, a framework for travel and exploration across the state!!  Happy adventuring, South Carolina!


Follow the South Carolina 7 Expedition on Facebook

SC7 on Instagram: @sc7wonders

Check out this article on the 2021 expedition that appeared on the National Park Service website: Exploring the Palmetto State's Seven Wonders

SC7 was also featured in this article: Palmetto Pride and SC7 clear nearly 2,300 pounds of trash in July

You'll find my guide to the Palmetto Trail here.

 

Portions of this article first appeared on Kidding Around Greenville as See South Carolina’s Top 30 Beautiful Natural Spots thisJuly with the SC7 Expedition.

 

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2 comments:

  1. zilgmaSeptember 25, 2021 at 7:47 PM

    An amazing, impressive, completely, totally awesome journey!
    💚💚💚💚💚💚

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LieneSeptember 25, 2021 at 8:02 PM

      It was epic, we are so glad to have had the opportunity to participate!

      Delete

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