I visited Lynches River County Park for the Run for Brighter Days 5K in September 2024. That 5K is…read moreheld in memory of a local teenager who died of suicide and to raise awareness of mental health issues, services, and the 988 phone number. Although I lived in Florence for nine years, this was my first visit to the park. I wish I hadn't waited so long. The 5K route onsite is wonderful- super flat, scenic, and all road. I wish more 5K runs and walks were held here, because it's very safe (several areas for water stations, lots of parking, easy in/out for EMS if needed, etc). For a park out in the country, the cell signal was surprisingly good. I talked to a fellow runner who lives nearby and said he frequently visits for practice runs. At the end of the 5K, we all received medals that are lanyards with a keychain on them advertising the 988 mental health hotline, and we were welcome to enjoy the park for a few hours. Lynches River County Park has a recreational building with air conditioning, kitchen, plenty of tables and chairs, indoor restrooms, and lots of space. It was a great place for the awards ceremony and the recognizing the youth we have lost to mental health struggles. I was surprised at how nice the facility was, as I was expecting picnic shelters and porta potties at the 5K. If you can participate in Run for Brighter Days (also a walk), I highly encourage it, but also get out to the park just for fun. It is also rentable for family reunions or corporate events and would be a great spot for that.

The website oversells the canopy walk. It makes it sound like the canopy walk is a larger than it…read moreis. "The EDC and attached canopy walk is designed to bring visitors to the treetops of the 676 acre park," reads their website. In reality it's a walk of 4-6 trees linked together with bridges over a small area directly behind the Educational Discovery Center. We drove a couple of hours thinking this was going to be a fun, unique experience. Not the case at all. Underwhelming. If we just wanted to walk trails through the woods we could have stayed closer to home and had en even better trail experience. I gave it three stars because I'm sure it is a nice area if you're camping, but I would not recommend this place if you're wanting to experience a walk through the treetops.

So beautiful.the main building has maps and help if you are not sure what trail to walk.this place…read moreis huge and has picnic areas to rest. Very beautiful

Despite the listing of this place and the "US Fish and Wildlife" at this address as "closed", this…read moreis anything but closed. Am I glad I ignored the message and took the time to stop by, drive through, and walk around. Expecting to find a park with a slant on conservation of flora and fauna, some endangered, I was surprised to find that and a lot more. South Carolina is home to one of nations Wildlife refuges, and at 45,000 acres, it has something for everyone. There's a road through the Refuge for those wanting an overview, with the road starting on one end from Hwy 1 and going a few miles through wooded areas, and past some ponds and lakes. Within the Refuge are a few hiking/walking trails ranging from a little less than a mile to a little over three miles. For ornithologists, it's a must-stop spot. As you enter the refuge, near the office, there are brochures available describing all the things to see or do during a visit. It's open for self-guided touring if that's your preference. Surprisingly, at certain times of the year, the Refuge is open to hunting, and in a smaller area, open for fishing as well. Every month highlights different wildlife Every so often, they do controlled burns that mimic those in nature with the goal of creating conditions that help certain animals and vegetation. Even the ponds and fields are managed to prevent thing that hinder new growth or prevent wildlife from flourishing. It's an amazing sight to see, and best of all, it's free.

We love going here. It's so beautiful and I really enjoy the boardwalks. Our dog loves going too…read more Every season has something new to offer, and there is information on the plants, trees and wildlife all along the trails. There are a few picnic areas. There are no restrooms.

This is a nice lake but very small. Beautiful scenery. People camp on the banks. This is a nice…read morespot for a Pontoon boat or very small speed boat. Lots of fishing as well.

It's not a business but It has breathtaking views. It has several public accesses and a beach with…read moreseveral pavilions for family outings.

Lessons to last for a lifetime come from Pearl Fryar. The garden is amazing but the man is a…read morerevelation.

Such a fun stop! It's like Alice in Wonderland! Wow the intricacies and work involved in maintain…read morethis beautiful home garden is incredible. Yes, this is a small neighborhood home with large lots on either side covered in shrubs that have been crafted into topiaries. Talk about a unique photo opp! We stopped here on the way home from Myrtle Beach. It feels weird to park in front of their home and walks the grounds but the family is happy to share their little piece of paradise with the world. There's a little bathroom on the back corner is the property which was such a kind thought from the family that chose to do this. Leave a donation if you have some cash. There's small details of joy hidden around, like quirky statues, fountains, and flowers. Go have some silly fun!

If you find that you need to be near the open water but you're too far from Lake Norman and don't…read morewant to make the hike to the Ocean, maybe Bear Creek Park will do it for you. This park is at the end of a gravel and dirt road. It features a large covered picnic shelter and access to the lake for fishing. There is no swimming here and there are no boat launches. But you can bring a chair and sit by the water with your equipment. See if you're able to outsmart the fish. The park shelter can be reserved by contacting the County parks department. [Round number review 13100 overall, 417 of 2020.]

This place is very calm but no fish it's hard to catch. The area is limited and there is a small…read morepicnic area.

Great park about 1 hour from Fort Mill. Worth the drive if you want a chill place to launch your…read moreboat/jet skies or a place to camp out and fish for the day. Onsite boat/snack shop and they have a floating fuel pump on the dock.

Being in nature is so exhilarating. Definitely going back. The staff and the grounds were great.read more

A little off 95, stopped here for a toddler activity and we were so impressed by all the fun toys…read more Daughter decided to pretend to go camping after swinging and spinning for a bit. Easy to find parking and there are restrooms. Some locals were playing pickleball nearby on the courts.

Such a fun park for yourself and especially the little ones! Plenty of space and didn't feel too…read morecrowded. There is a separate area for working out which I love to !

What a beautiful oasis in Sumpter! While traveling through the area I wanted to find a place to…read morestop for a bit and take a break from driving. This place came up in my search and so glad it did. The garden is very well maintained and extremely relaxing. Large pond with a number of different species of swans and geese. Great walking trails with lots of shade too. Well worth a visit. Wish I lived closer.

This park holds a very sentimental place to me. My mom used to bring me and my sisters here when we…read morewere kids. Also, we used to come here with several of my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. So coming back here years after my mother's passing was a very bitter sweet moment. The park was as I remembered but also they have added things and made it more. The upkeep and maintenance of the park is great. Great for walking and justa relaxing atmosphere.

For those driving along I-95, you could stop at a rest stop, or you could take a detour less than…read more10 minutes off the highway in order to arrive at this picturesque Carolinian wetland. A sign helpfully points out what to do if you have a half an hour or a half a day. I was closer to the former, but the boardwalk out into the blackwater swamp yielded some fantastic sights in the time I had. Despite signage, I did not see any alligators, but neither was I mobbed by insects. A few light splashes more suggestive of frogs and the occasional bird in the distance provided most of the soundtrack. It is definitely a vibe you wouldn't get in any other part of the country. And for those that do have more time, the couple I saw dragging kayaks into the water looked ready for an excellent day as well.

We were looking for a spot to stop and have lunch on the way to the shore. This is a super quiet…read morepark, off the beaten path but perfect for a picnic and to walk around! There was a shelter with a grill and several picnic tables, plenty of clean bathrooms and even a little store. There is a small boardwalk after walking down the dirt trail for maybe 5 minutes ? We didn't proceed, too many alligator signs and the water was fairly close to the boardwalk! Overall great spot!