Spring can be the perfect time to explore the natural resources South Carolina has to offer. Doing so has plenty of health benefits, too. 

The Midlands area from Aiken to York counties may be in the middle of our beautiful state, but there’s still plenty to see. 

Aiken 

At Radcliffe Plantation State Historic Site* in Beech Island, you can enjoy the outdoors and learn about our state’s history. The site offers a setting for exploring the experiences of enslaved people and the impact of the families who lived and worked on the site. Find more African American Cultural Sites in the Green Book of SC*. 

Stroll down the magnolia lane or take the 1.7-mile hiking trail to see what you discover about South Carolina history. 

Barnwell 

In Blackville, you can go for a short stroll around one of Barnwell State Park’s* trails. Both are easy loops. On the Fern Hill Nature trail, you can spot ferns and other flowering plants such as our state flower, the yellow jessamine. 

The park is known for its fishing access. Add a little exercise to your water outing and paddle around the park’s lake. 

Chester 

Spring may be the perfect time to drive to Landsford Canal State Park* to see the spider lilies nestled across the river. It is home to the world’s largest population of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies*. 

Get out among the lilies in a kayak or canoe. The park doesn’t offer rentals, but you can find guided tours in the area. Or check out offerings for equipment at your local library. 

You can also appreciate the flowers and the river along the canal trail*, a 1.5-mile walk that follows the 19th century canal. 

Edgefield 

If you aren’t a regular mountain biking enthusiast, you may not know about FATS* or the Forks Area Trail System, a 37-mile multi-loop trail system* in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest*. 

But you don’t have to bike these the trails. FATS has something for everyone. Some sections are great for starters, whether on foot or on a bike. The thickly forested area provides great hiking for all levels. Some of the higher elevations offer panoramic views without difficult climbs. 

Fairfield 

See if you can spot a bald eagle at Lake Wateree State Park*. Birding has many health benefits, and anyone can get started with the activity. It could be a good spot for a grandparent outing. 

But if you’re looking for a little more activity, try your hand at disc golf. The park offers a loaner program so visitors can borrow a set. And, there’s plenty of hiking, biking and spots for paddling in the park*. 

Kershaw 

Camden is known for its equestrian centers and history, so you may as well do both while you stop by for a visit. Walk through history at Historic Camden* and learn about Revolutionary history in South Carolina. 

Boasting the highest density of horses* in South Carolina, there’s plenty of opportunity for a different kind of exercise. Horseback riding has numerous health benefits,* and it is good for your heart health*. 

Lancaster 

Get connected to nature and gather scientific data with the Catawba Lands Conservancy* and Carolina Thread Trail, a partnership organization in North and South Carolina. The citizen science program* empowers individuals of all ages and backgrounds to contribute to important research. 

The Carolina Thread Trail* links a network of trails, blueways and conservation corridors in both states. It spans 15 counties and connects more than 2.3 million citizens with hundreds of miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails. 

National Trails Day* on June 7 is part of the region’s largest celebrations and offers plenty of opportunities for Carolinians to get outside to connect with nature. 

Lexington 

Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve* in Lexington is one of the Midlands’ best hiking destinations. The land is riddled with fossils and other geological wonders. You’ll also find the only natural waterfall on South Carolina’s coastal plain. The area has several trails* for visitors to explore what once was the continent’s coastline. You’ll find unique sandstone formations, including the famous Peachtree Rock, an overturned pyramid.  

Newberry 

You don’t have to overthink a trip to Dreher Island State Park* on Lake Murray. You can take a paddle on the water or stroll one of the park’s three trails. Simply enough, you can enjoy a picnic by the water. Go for a longer visit and consider camping there. It can improve your mental wellness. 

But the real claim to fame is viewing the purple martins from June through late August. Lake Murray is home to one of North America’s largest purple martin roosts. In the evenings, nearly 500,000 purple martins fly to Bomb Island to rest. Add this viewing to your South Carolina bucket list. 

Richland 

There’s plenty of outdoor opportunities around Richland County, including the state’s only National Park. Exploring Congaree National Park* gives visitors a chance to view one of the oldest and tallest forests east of the Mississippi. It’s also one of South Carolina’s Seven Wonders. 

In the spring, the synchronous fireflies take over. While tickets to view the fireflies are available through a lottery system, it’s still the perfect time to visit the park. The Congaree River Blue Trail* offers an urban adventure for paddlers.  

York 

Kings Mountain State Park* has plenty to do, no matter your level of experience. Take a leisure walk on the nature trail or opt for a longer route on the Kings Mountain Hiking Trail. The park has paddling access with canoe and kayak rentals. Or simply enjoy a picnic before visiting the 19th century yeoman farm. 

*These links lead to third-party websites. Those organizations are solely responsible for the contents and privacy policies on their sites.