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.

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 !

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.

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.

If the weathers nice its a nice easy straight shady walk. However it's been neglected over the…read moreyea4s and feels like it. Graffiti, broken trail maps, no nature(which is weird), and it needs to be refreshed, bad. But for Florence its the best I can find. I recommend parking at the trail head near the civic center rather than the exit by the firehous3, where there are no signs and you can't see it.

The Florence Rail Trail is a great place to run, walk, or bike in Florence. It has mile markers…read moreevery .24 miles, and these are correct (according to my Garmin). This trail is paved for about 1.5 miles- 3 miles total if you run the whole thing out and and back. After that, it's a bit rocky but you can still walk or run. There's a small parking lot right off Ebenezer Rd., and some neighborhoods you can run through if you want to log some extra miles. The trail also has garbage cans and a bench at around the 1/2 mile mark. The only downside I've ever experienced running here is that sometimes you have to watch out for off-leash dogs. For the most part, people keep their dogs on the leash but occasionally someone will let the dog off. Other than that, the rail trail is flat, fast, and a great place to do a workout.

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.

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.

An awesome veterans war memorial park to those who served from Florence. Large, well maintained,…read morewith natural beauty of trees and bushes. The rectangular park has multiple monuments and memorials to the various services and all the brave service members. A fine tribute for all to appreciate and enjoy.

Beautiful park. One of the nicer Veteran Memorial parks I've been too. Prefect for a nice day.read more

Nice park. Trails are in good condition. Large play area for kids. They also have canoe/kayak…read morerentals. No overnight camping.

Fun, primitive park. Nice walking area and new playground. Only thing you need to watch for are the…read morealligators.