From horseback rides in the mountains to steeplechase races in “Thoroughbred Country” around Aiken, there are plenty of opportunities in South Carolina to get on your horse and ride. Horseback riding in South Carolina State Parks is a longtime favorite activity, which is why you'll find miles of hoof-friendly horseback riding trails. In Thoroughbred Country you can ride miles of equestrian trails with your horse through groves of live oak trees draped with Spanish moss. Or consider an Upstate waterfall tour on horseback.
The Intracoastal Waterway begs to be explored from Buck Hall boat launch on the Francis Marion, or perhaps you’d prefer to paddle, hunt or fish the three rivers on the Enoree Ranger District. Nine rifle ranges will help maintain your aim for hunting season. There are hiking trails, campgrounds and picnic areas, a human-made shell ring built 4000 years ago, fishing rodeos and waterfowl hunts, and an environmental education center.
Parson’s Mountain Recreation Area is in the northern portion of the Long Cane Ranger District. It features 28-acre man-made lake next to a 23-site campground. The day use area was designed with an earthen pier, a pedestrian bridge and a boat ramp for non-motorized boats. The Parson’s Mountain Lake Trail and Parson’s Mountain Tower Trail incorporate the Upstate’s rich history and diverse wildlife habitat.
For the past 125 years, Kershaw County has been a known equestrian destination. This facility offers three fenced show rings with new, state-of-the-art footing, covered ring with all purpose footing, newly completed second covered arena, cattle areas, warm-up areas, 288 refurbished and matted stalls, vendor area, covered picnic/seating area, restaurant/courtyard and RV sites.
Five miles of pristine South Carolina beaches, thousands of acres of marsh and maritime forest, a saltwater lagoon and ocean inlet are all part of this park’s natural allure. Of all the lighthouses in South Carolina, the Hunting Island Lighthouse is the only one in the state that is publicly accessible.