Nature Lovers in the Olde English District, SC
Breathe deep. Slow down. Get outside.
In the Olde English District of South Carolina, nature isn’t something you pass by — it’s something you live in. With more state parks per capita than just about anywhere else in the Southeast, this seven-county region is home to miles of scenic trails, peaceful waterways, wildlife-rich preserves, and wide-open skies that make every outdoor adventure feel personal.
Whether you’re a dedicated hiker chasing the next scenic overlook, a family searching for a shady picnic spot or someone who wants to swap screen time for fresh air, there’s something here with your name on it.
State Parks, Local Legends & Wild Adventures
Let’s talk state parks because we’ve got nine of them. From the quiet banks of Lake Juniper at Cheraw State Park to the rugged trails and equestrian paths at Kings Mountain State Park , each park brings its own unique terrain. Some, such as Chester State Park , offer so much to do that you can spend an entire weekend on its 523 acres and will have only scratched the surface.
One local favorite is Goodale State Park in Kershaw County. This hidden cypress wonderland offers a kind of peace you don’t find just anywhere. Want proof? Ask John Wells, the nature guide and park manager who’s spent years helping visitors fall in love with South Carolina’s natural beauty. Glide past bald cypress trees on a canoe trail John helped design, and you’ll understand why this place keeps showing up in outdoor magazines and travel blogs alike.
Looking to plan a nature adventure? Take a look at our two-day nature itinerary.
Trails, Rivers & All Things Green
It’s not just the state parks — nature’s waiting around every bend in the Olde English District, Spend a day exploring the 2,100-acre Anne Springs Close Greenway in York County, or float near Rock Hill via an array of spectacular lakes and waterways in Chesterfield County.
Nature’s never far in the Olde English District, whether you’re hiking wooded trails, casting a line, or floating a lazy stretch of river. Paddle the scenic Wateree River or explore Lake Wateree’s shoreline in Fairfield and Kershaw counties. The Broad and Catawba rivers offer even more ways to get on the water near Chester and Lancaster. From peaceful paddles to panoramic hikes, the region’s natural beauty flows across all seven counties.
Cyclists and mountain bikers will love the diverse terrain throughout these seven counties, and paddlers will have the opportunity for full-on adventure. Don’t forget your binoculars: this entire region is a birdwatching haven, especially during spring and fall migrations.
Get Inspired, Then Get Out There
The Olde English District isn’t a place you drive through. It’s a place you pull over, hop out and feel. Let John Wells be your starting point — but don’t stop there. Wander through wetlands, climb to ridge-line views, dig your toes in the sand at a lakeside park or swing in a hammock under a canopy of pines.
Consider this your open invitation to swap chaos for calm and rediscover how good it feels to be outside.
