Did you know that this July is the 40th anniversary of National Park and Recreation Month? Each July, the National Recreation and Park Association celebrates park and recreation professionals, as well as how they improve the lives of tens of millions of people through making a lasting impact in communities across the country.
This year’s theme, “Build Together, Play Together” is meant to remind us of the contributions of over 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals, along with the hundreds of thousands of part-time workers, seasonal workers, and volunteers, who maintain parks across the United States. In honor of National Park and Recreation Month, we’re sharing 14 parks in Lake Murray Country that you should visit on your next trip. Make sure to greet and thank the staff while you’re on the trail, and share your adventure with us on social media by using #LakeMurrayCountry!
1. Doko Meadows Park
100 Alvina Hagood Circle | Blythewood, SC 29016
Enjoy a playground and six miles of walking trails that wind in and out of wooded areas and a 2,500-seat amphitheater.
2. Congaree National Park
100 National Park Road | Hopkins, SC 29061
Explore the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States as you traverse 25 miles of hiking trails and 2.4 miles of boardwalk, there are so many ways to explore the Congaree Wilderness.
3. Guignard Park
964 Axtell Drive | Cayce, SC 29033
This wooded park, located in the heart of Cayce, provides a relaxing getaway for adults and children.
4. West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater
109 Alexander Road | West Columbia, SC 29169
Soak up the natural beauty of the Congaree River on this waterside trail that is suitable for walking, jogging, bicycling, strollers, and wheelchairs.
5. Owens Field Park
1351 Jim Hamilton Boulevard | Columbia, SC 29205
Explore one of the most unique parks in the City of Columbia, from a BMX-style bike path to the skate park, and playground – you’re sure to find something for everyone in the family to do!
6. Gibson Pond Park
241 Gibson Road | Lexington, SC 29072
Gibson Pond Park is a beautiful wooded park on 15 acres with a fishing dock, picnic shelters & a BBQ, plus a loop trail & restrooms.
7. Lake Murray Public Park
1832-1834 North Lake Drive | Lexington, SC 29072
Take a walk on the Lake Murray Dam and enjoy spectacular views of Lake Murray and the downtown Columbia skyline on this 3.4-mile round-trip trek.
8. Sesquicentennial State Park
9564 Two Notch Road | Columbia, SC 29223
This 1,419-acre park, situated in the middle of the Sandhills region, features a beautiful 30-acre lake surrounded by trails and picnic areas.
9. Saluda Shoals Park
5605 Bush River Road | Columbia, SC 29212
Located along the banks of the beautiful Saluda River, this 400-acre regional park offers an all-inclusive playground, walking and biking trails, a river observation deck, picnic shelters, and two boat ramps.
10. Harbison State Forest
5500 Broad River Road | Columbia, SC 29212
Hike, bike, jog or walk 18 miles of trails in one the largest green spaces within city limits east of the Mississippi River.
11. Moore Park (formerly Irmo Community Park)
7507 Eastview Drive | Irmo, SC 29063
This lush park is home to the Prisma Health Amphitheater, two picnic shelters with BBQ grills, and walking trails along with playgrounds and restrooms.
12. Crooked Creek Park
1098 Old Lexington Highway | Chapin, SC 29036
Crooked Creek Park is a state-of-the-art recreation complex that encompasses a community center, 6 athletic fields and tennis courts, picnic tables, walking trails, playgrounds, and a 27-hold disc golf course.
13. Dreher Island State Park
3677 State Park Road | Prosperity, SC 29127
From recreational water activities to nature trails, top-notch fishing spots, and waterside camping – make sure to visit Dreher Island State Park.
14. Lynch’s Woods Park
Corner of Wilson Road & Walter Cousins Road | Newberry, SC 29108
This 276-acre park full of large pines and old-growth hardwoods contains 7.5 of tranquil hiking, and biking trails, and 6.1 miles of equestrian trails.
Explore more of the natural wonders in the region by checking out the Palmetto Trail, SC7, and the Kids in Parks program to keep the adventure going all summer long! For more information and to plan your next great Lake Murray Country adventure, check out our Outdoor Recreation in Lake Murray Country info.
