Nice park in the middle of neighborhood. Picnic tables, playground for big and small kids. Small…read morepond to walk around with ducks. No bathrooms. Was a nice stop during road trip.

Driving to Hilton Head from Charlotte we needed a pit stop. This was out of the way and off the…read moremain highway but well worth the few extra minutes it took to get there. The park itself is really small, more of a neighborhood pocket park than a sprawling city green space. The playstructures were in great shape, there was a lovely pond with ducks and a small walking trail around the perimeter. Mature trees provide shade and there was even a lovely little gazebo for that extra dash of small-town, Americana charm. The kids played, we stretched our legs and everyone was ready for the road.

Nice park could use more shade and grass needed cutting . Other than that the kids had funread more

We love this park lots of shade and lots of equipment for the kids to play on. There are plenty of…read moreswings

Lake Murray Dam walkway, travel down Lake Murray Blvd will run into it…read more I come here to run occasionally as it is scenic, breezy, straight, and runners frequent. I just started parking on the Irmo side, parking to left of guard house is free. On a weekend I can see this lot filling up quickly it's not a lot of spaces free. I do think this side is more stretching friendly than the Lexington side. Speaking of Lexington side I always parked there with larger overflow lot but there was construction there last time that closed half the spaces. The walkway across dam is wide enough for about three people walking side by side but for runners it can get hard to pass the more populated. I've seen roller skaters out there, strollers, dog walkers although there is no grass only concrete so pick up the doo. The mileage is about 3.4 miles across and back; there isn't any man made shade except the short barrier wall between lake and walkway. If you come during the day will be in full sun so recommend morning or evening for shadier walks/runs. It's an easy run across, is windy certain spots so make sure hat is tight or you will lose it. Worth visiting.

Beautiful public park next to a dam - today's local adventure. My fur friend Cleo and I were out…read moreand about exploring neighboring cities and happened upon this smaller park area. The lake views are gorgeous! There's a small pier people fish from. Although windy, some people were picnicking in a couple spots. Geese and butterflies greeted us as we strolled by the water for a bit. Was a lovely, relaxing morning in local nature before the storm rolled in.

This park is so much bigger than I anticipated! It was well maintained as well…read more I went to Limestone trail and parked along the road so I could sit by the water. There were a few families fishing. I walked to the campground area and that seemed really nice as well. The park is pet friendly. We did not see any alligators, but we were warned they had a lot so I kept my dogs away from the water. I would definitely make sure you have bug spray when you visit!

Conveniently located 10 minutes off I-95 so great ease of use! You don't feel near I-95. Easy…read morehiking trails at the campgrounds. Lake views and nice restrooms! Enjoyed local restaurants and history nearby.

Beautiful park overall! Very nice trails throughout, and a nice swimming area near the park office…read more Restrooms were in great condition as well

This was a nice place to go for a hike with friends and a dog.People that are there seem to be…read moreextremely friendly. It's a clean park with a lot of different trails. It also has a playground, kayaking and boating. You're also allowed to fish there. I would recommend this. This park also offers a lot of benches to sit down in rest while Hiking. Please for a day trip with the family or friends.

I had absolutely no idea this existed and would not have found it unless I was detoured off I-26…read moreand also searching for "park" to picnic with my Bojangles. The UFO Welcome Center came up and I have GOT to check this out. I've seen a few bits of weird kitsch but this is definitely a top ten crazy thing. I mean, this is BOWMAN SOUTH CAROLINA. It's practically in the middle of nowhere. But yes, it's a welcome center for aliens to park their spacecraft, hit the restroom and maybe take a nap. The space ship is visible from the road and there is parking nearby. If you want to tour it, that's an option but it is not free. The Welcome Center is only a couple of miles off I-26 and if you're planning to connect to I-95 southbound, it's maybe a five minute detour. Totally worth it. [Review 14845 overall, 347 of 2021, number 810 in South Carolina.]

Found this spot on Roadside America and just had to take a detour to see it. Designed to make…read morealiens feel welcome upon meeting Earthlings for the first time. Ohhhhh kay. If you like quirky and kitschy, this is the stop for you. Otherwise, I don't think I'd make a special trip to see it!

#HNY2018 Yahhh, I hiked Barnwell State Prk SC today with…read moresome like minded explorers!! We met promptly at 1pm and hiked the prk for 2 miles, the park ranger was very knowledgeable and led us on a wonderful trek. There are 3 ponds for boating or fishing, I wouldnt swim in lakes due to alligators and snakes... I would most def go back and use the facility for hiking, fishing, cabins, or camping. The park was clean and well kept, free entry but it is always kind to leave a donation! Oh almost forgort there is a natural spring fountain that you can drink from! Great way to start the N Year '18, this will be a Yrly trek for us!!

Quiet and beautiful escape. Cabins are appropriately appointed. Don't count on the tv service…read morethough. It's spotty. Good thing I didn't come here for the tv. It's a good place to decompress. I'll be back when it's warmer for sure.

While Congaree National Park is very different from many of the other National Parks I've visited…read morethroughout the United States, rest assured that if it's a National Park, it's getting five stars from me. Having now visited more than 60 designated National Parks, I can confidently say that each one offers something unique - and Congaree remains one of the system's underrated gems. My first visit was a solo trip in September 2021. The entire purpose of that South Carolina adventure was to cross another National Park off my list, so I flew into Charleston and made the drive up to Congaree. Like many National Park enthusiasts, I was thrilled to spot the entrance sign and officially arrive. I spent my first day exploring the visitor center, collecting a park stamp, patch, magnet, and Junior Ranger book before heading out onto the boardwalk trail. Even with some exhibits closed due to COVID-era protocols, the famous Mosquito Meter was alive and well. The 2.4-mile boardwalk offered an excellent introduction to the park's towering trees, floodplain forest, and unique ecosystem. Even in mid-September, the mosquitoes were plentiful - but thankfully they mostly left me alone as long as I kept moving. That evening, I camped in the park and enjoyed a peaceful night of sleep. The following morning, I joined a Forest Wellness program hosted by the National Park Service and Friends of Congaree. For over two hours, we hiked through the forest while participating in creative journaling exercises and mindfulness activities. It was a very memorable ranger led program!!! I returned again in May 2026, this time with two friends. We explored the visitor center, watched the park film, completed our Junior Ranger books (you're never too old), and spent time walking the boardwalk once again. We also paddled nearby Cedar Creek, which provided a completely different perspective on the Congaree ecosystem. Unfortunately, while we had planned to return that evening to see the famous synchronous fireflies, the weather had other ideas. Rain moved in and changed our plans. That's okay, resting in a hotel was good too. Like all of our National Park units, Congaree protects something special. While it may not have the dramatic cliffs of Yosemite or the iconic vistas of the Grand Canyon, it preserves one of the largest intact expanses of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. The massive trees, winding waterways, cypress knees, wildlife, and quiet solitude create an experience unlike any other national park in the system. Sure, this is not a park that requires several days (or even a full day) to explore, but it is worth your time. Whether you're hiking the boardwalk, paddling Cedar Creek, camping, attending a ranger program, or simply marveling at the giant trees, Congaree offers a unique experience. Come with the right expectations, bring your own supplies (services are limited) and take the time to appreciate what this park protects. America's Best Idea isn't always about the grand scenery. Sometimes it's about preserving places that would otherwise be forgotten. Congaree is one of those places and I'm grateful it exists! Plus, Charleston and all of its city glory is nearby and awaits your visit pre- or post-Congaree!

Congaree National Park preserves the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the…read moresoutheastern United States, which is what makes it a National Park. It is a primeval floodplain ecosystem, which is what makes it so beautiful! There are 11 trails at Congaree National Park, all featuring beautiful scenery and the value within nature. Beware of the mosquitoes! Because of this floodplain (body of water), this is a prime home for mosquitoes. They are known for their "Skeeter Meter," which is helpful in gauging the presence of mosquitoes. If you want to avoid the mosquitos, try to come during the Fall & Winter seasons, or during a drought. This park is 100% dog & RV friendly, and is a great place to take your kids!! Have fun, and take in the scenery!

Great family location with baseball fields and terrific playground equipment. Perfect spot for my…read moregrandsons to burn off energy before the long car ride home.

Seven Oaks Park is great! We take our kids everyday after hubby gets home from work. Great soccer…read morefields! Walking trail & play ground. Our kids love running around & getting some fresh air. There's so many fields which is great everyone gets to enjoy the park. There's plenty of shade.

A woodsy oasis in an urbanesque environment. I walked the Firebreak and the Spiderwoman trails,…read moreboth about 4 miles. Very popular with mountain bikers, mostly with good cycling etiquette. Saw a million squirrels and five bird species.

This is a great spot for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. Great trails with lots of tree…read morecover to keep you cool. Some nice views of the river and you can dial up as much challenge as you desire.