9 Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors in Western South Carolina
The region offers a variety of ways to have fun in the sun.
When it comes to the great outdoors, it’s hard to beat Western South Carolina. This portion of the Palmetto State includes scenic forests, beautiful lakes and miles of trails, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. From swimming and fishing to golfing and kayaking, here are nine ways to enjoy the outdoors in Western South Carolina.
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1. Go for a walk along Ten Governors Rail Trail in Edgefield County.
There’s something blissful about an outdoor walk in Western South Carolina. One great place to do so is along Ten Governors Rail Trail. This nearly one-mile paved path winds around the picturesque Slade Lake and through peaceful neighborhoods. It includes stone markers for the 10 South Carolina governors who called Edgefield County home.
2. Go fishing at River Bend on Lake Murray in Saluda County.
A reservoir fed by the Saluda River, Lake Murray spans approximately 50,000 acres and has roughly 650 miles of shoreline. It is home to over a dozen species of fish, including striped and largemouth bass, and anglers love being able to spot their lures in the clear water.
3. Enjoy a picnic and the view at Murray Shores in Saluda County.
Not far from River Bend, you’ll find Murray Shores. This small recreation area on Lake Murray boasts a boat ramp and picnic tables. The stunning lake vistas and onshore ambiance create a magical setting for a picnic.
4. Go kayaking or canoeing on Lake Thurmond in McCormick County.
A human-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Broad and Little rivers, Lake Thurmond is one of the Southeast’s largest and most popular public recreation lakes. Its approximately 71,100 acres of water and 1,200 miles of shoreline allow for a boatload of outdoor fun, including kayaking and canoeing.
5. Go swimming at Richardson’s Lake in Aiken County.
Located seven miles southwest of Aiken in Warrenville, Richardson’s Lake Water Park & Recreation Area includes a sandy-bottom lake, water slides, a diving board and a beach volleyball court. When you’ve worked up an appetite from all that splashing around, fuel up with fare from the concession stand or bring along your cooler and enjoy a meal at the picnic tables.
6. Go mountain biking at Baker Creek State Park in McCormick County.
Baker Creek State Park offers a moderately difficult, 10-mile, multiuse trail comprising three interconnecting loops that wind along the lake. Surrounded by lush oak and pine woods, the park offers quite the scenic ride. And its home to a poplar tree that may be the largest in the state.
7. Hit the links at Pine Ridge Club in Edgefield County or Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken County.
The elegant Pine Ridge Club in Edgefield County is a semi-private, 18-hole championship course. Designed in 1968, the course is available to golfers of all ability levels, and it boasts five sets of tees. Its country club atmosphere is amplified by its clubhouse, which features a large pro shop, a bar and grill, and two dining rooms.
Founded in 1892, the Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken County is said to be the second-oldest golf club in the country that sits on its original site. The private club boasts an exceptional course with meticulously maintained fairways, challenging greens, clever bunkers and obstacles that provide a great golfing experience. The club has also hosted The Palmetto Amateur tournament since 1975.
8. Go hiking or horseback riding at Hitchcock Woods in Aiken County.
Quietly tucked away in Aiken is an equestrian’s oasis: Hitchcock Woods. Established primarily to support the local horse community, it’s the largest privately owned urban forest in the nation. Its 2,100 acres and 70 miles of sandy, well-marked trails are perfect for exploring and enjoying its natural beauty.
9. Go for a jog along North Augusta Greeneway in Aiken County.
Meandering through the city and several residential neighborhoods is the North Augusta Greeneway. This approximately seven-mile paved recreation trail follows an abandoned rail line and offers a lush natural environment that’s great for a run. Its 100-feet-wide, wooded right-of-way provides a habitat for native critters.
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