This trail was a great walk but one time I went I carried a little tick home - noticed one on my…read morethigh the day after so be vigilant and check your body. The second time was around in September and the mosquitos were as wild as ever - despite me wearing spray and long pants they tried to bite like crazy. Be weary of critters on this trail along with huge spider webs.

Just a 15 minute drive beyond North Charleston. Easy to get to... Something for everyone in the…read morefamily: the waterpark/splash pad, a bike ride on the paved trails, the playground or a hike/run through the trees, fishing or paddle boating. Something here will make you smile. Two dollar entry fee without the gold passport and, for an now at least... Air-conditioned bathrooms.

It was beautiful I can't believe the nature and you can also take a boat out!! I would suggest…read moregoing here but wear comfortable shoes and clothes. It's a nature walk with many beautiful views.

We went to Cypress Gardens this morning and spent several lovely hours there. Overall, it's an…read moreinteresting place with a little bit of everything--walking paths and gardens, a butterfly house, the Swamparium, and, of course, the swamp boats. The gift shop is super small, despite looking much bigger from the outside. The Swamparium was interesting, with fish, snakes, and other reptiles from local waterways and wetlands around the world. I wouldn't want to be close to them, but I also felt bad they were behind glass. We saw several alligators. We wanted to explore some of the longer nature trails, but they were pretty overgrown and ran right alongside the swamp. We were a little nervous that we wouldn't spot an alligator with enough warning, so we stuck to the more maintained paths. We spent about an hour to an hour and a half walking around. The highlight was definitely the self-guided boat ride. My husband did most of the paddling, it took some effort! It was so much fun paddling among the cypress trees, seeing the water lilies, watching the ducks, and keeping our eyes open for alligators in the water. The guy running the boat area was really friendly and helpful. A couple of practical things to know: admission is $10, and if you want to do the boats, sign up as soon as you arrive. We got there around 9:30, about 30 minutes after opening, and were initially told the wait would be about an hour. It ended up being a little over two hours before we got on a boat. You connect to the park Wi-Fi, scan a QR code, and get your place in line. Overall, I don't know that Cypress Gardens would make my top list of things to do when friends come into town, but if you're a bird lover or nature lover, it's a good spot to experience the Lowcountry. And the boat ride alone made the visit worthwhile for us.

This is such a magical place! The ancient cypress swamp has trees over 1,000 years old. There is a…read morebeautiful 2 mile boardwalk to experience all kinds of nature. This is the nesting ground for the Prothonotary Warbler - a bright yellow bird nicknamed the swamp canary. Many unique kinds of fireflies can be seen here at night for the ticketed special event called Firefly Nights in May and June. Kayak adventures are hosted spring and fall through the black water river. There are so many unique species to be seen here year round. The staff are very knowledgeable and kind. Did you know mosquitoes don't like this swamp due to the moving water? It's a wonderful place to explore in every season.

I was greeted by an absolute swarm of some kind of biting fly as I parked my car. Apparently the…read moreflies have learned that cars have delicious humans inside as they were aggressively pounding the windows. This is of course par for the course in swampy South Carolina, but something to keep in mind as bringing some bug spray and applying it in advance is probably a good idea. The price to enter the boardwalk is per person, so while the place is family-friendly it can get up there if you have a group. The boardwalk you're paying for does have some impressive sights and a lot of signage talking about the history of the area. I saw a few interesting creatures while keeping on the move to avoid the flies. Upon my return to the visitor center, their captive snake was being fed. The center also has nice facilities and the whole area is well maintained. This is not Congaree (which is bigger, more interesting, and free), but I'm glad it is preserved for public enjoyment.

I enjoyed the hiking trials at this park tremendously! A few different trials to hike, all scenic…read morewith views of the live oak tree or a stream of water. I enjoyed the swamp fox loop trial. There are restrooms, a playground, water fountain, and parking on site. No entrance fee.

I've driven by this park a million times but finally decided to come walk the trail when my in-laws…read morewere in town. As mentioned in previous posts, the trail has tons of tree roots so you have to really pay attention when you are walking. This would be a terrible trail for a stroller. The road noise is definitely there but it didn't bother me. We only saw a couple of others on the trail, both of which had dogs with them. Make sure you're looking up too because we did have to duck to avoid a banana spider and its web. I would definitely come out here again. Also, we had no issues with mosquitoes.

Realistically, a five star rating is more a reflection of the fact that I want the space to remain…read moreas it is rather than an endorsement of the amenities provided. The worst parts of South Carolina are the overdeveloped ones. This area, being quite undeveloped, has many interesting sights, but also dirt roads, limited parking, and while I visited in the winter I expect the conditions can get quite hostile with the peak season bugs. I took the I'on swamp trail. I could not figure out what the name meant through a cursory online search, nor did any of the signage there clarify it for me. The trail takes one through a wooded area that used to be rice paddies; the organization of the ponds is still evident, but it's fascinating watching natural forces take over the area. There are a number of other interesting stops for outdoorsy types, most notably part of the majestic Palmetto Trail, but the most important thing is that it's not a golf course. Then again, it would be hard to build anything under the conditions in these swamps, and exploring the areas certainly makes one think about their history.

Palmetto Trail is a really nice trail, admittedly! You can tell that park management makes sure…read morethat the foot path is kept up really nice and that its wilderness is proactively cared for by volunteers and park service personnel, and not left for dead like I've seen in some remote state forests. I was really happy to be camping in a forest where there were no bears (YAY!) so that I could relax a bit and focus on the hike without one hand constantly on a can of bear spray. My initial plan was to hike the whole of the trail after having applied for a permit to hike and camp there, and having the permit signed and approved by the park service before I ever even boarded my flight to SC. So the only people who knew that I was there hiking on those dates were the park administrators who approved the permit. :) Yet about 4 days into my hike, at mile marker 10, around 1 o'clock in the afternoon, two hillbillies walked onto the trail carrying guns. It was 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Hunters don't generally start their day to hunt game at 1 o'clock on a sunny afternoon, and since I wasn't born last Tuesday I knew something in the water wasn't clean. Those damn city people, always glass half empty! So I went off trail into a dense thicket to just sit and relax, perhaps even camp overnight until I felt safe enough to move forward on the path of the trail that I was on (since I was alone). Because hunters with guns and recreational hiking trails go together like pet pooches and chocolate treats. Well, that relaxation didn't last long. Long story short, after somehow hunting and finding me in the thicket where I had gone off of the trail, then tapping on trees and instruments and whatever else they could find to make menacing noises (to terrorize me), those same two hillbillies then began to shoot rounds at me, chasing me back onto the foot path, where I then had the opportunity to take a photo of their Silverado "Hail the Confederacy" truck parked on the forest service road at the mile marker. So Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb chased me RIGHT to where they were parked out in the open so that I could get documentation of who it was that was CHASING ME THROUGH THE WOODS AND SHOOTING AT ME IN BROAD DAYLIGHT! (those pesky city folks always thinking all quick! aw shucks! thought all northerners was on cocaine!) They seemed to have really thought all of it through, for sure. Oh but THERE'S MORE! They then came bursting out of the treeline with both of their guns drawn, looking like "Yippie Kay-Yay MF!" as they ran all their jiggly x 2 to that confederate truck, peeling off like the final episode of the Dukes of Hazzard. I immediately dialed 911 as soon as they were finished doing doughnuts on the dirt road (ok the doughnuts in the dirt part is an exaggeration for the theater of it, but they should have just gone ahead and finished off with this move) and I immediately filed a report with the local Sheriff, though I ultimately ended up having to file a Hate Crime complaint with the DOJ since this incident occurred in a federal park. Additionally, I made an amateur short film about the experience HERE. youtu.be/8DqzB-1NNYU Please enjoy at my expense :)

Laurel Hill County Park is truly one of Mount Pleasant's hidden gems! The park is beautifully…read moremaintained and offers miles of scenic trails that wind through towering pine forests, open meadows, and peaceful ponds. It's the perfect place for walking, running, biking, or just enjoying a quiet moment surrounded by nature. There's a sense of tranquility here that makes it ideal for both solo visits and family outings. The long, tree-lined path is stunning in every season--especially during sunrise or sunset--and the wide open fields are great for picnics, kite flying, or group gatherings. I love how clean and well-kept everything is, with plenty of space to explore without feeling crowded. It's also a popular spot for local events and photography sessions thanks to its natural beauty.

Laurel Hill County Park is tucked away at the back of the Park West Sports Complex…read more The trails are shaded with tree canopies. The paths were recently cleared and roots shaved down to provide an even and clear walking surface. While walking we saw a barred owl, woodpecker, and bald eagle. We went the day after a heavy rain and the trails were a bit muddy. I recommend sneakers or shoes good for mud if you go after a rain. On a non-rain day, all footwear is acceptable. It was little tricky to find as Google takes you to the 41 entrance that leads to a chained gate. Eventually we found the correct entrance on Park West Blvd. Once in the lot, you drive all the way to the farthest baseball fields with plentiful parking. Tip: take a photo of the trail maps as you can get turned around at the forks in the trails.

Small town vibe with all the conveniences that come along, don't tell anyone there is free parking…read morein the square, no meters and no meter police. Shops and businesses on both sides and when the train goes by it makes it for a perfect small town setting. Try getting that in Chucktown or elsewhere for that matter The Mayor is doing a great job and like everywhere this place is growing and it is like playing catch up all the time yet he still works for the town's success I like Hutchinson Square because it is a quiet place to come and seat under a tree while I wait for the wife to do her shopping or the routine hair salon visit The Square is host of events like concerts where you bring your lawn chair and spend the afternoon with other people from the community. Also festivals that attract food vendors and of course arts and crafts are part of the events that take place regularly The Christmas tree lighting ceremony is one not to be missed

We absolutely love when communities do things like this. I usually call it the "Summerville Square"…read more(not sure if that's the official name), but right in the heart of historic Summerville, local small businesses set up festive Christmas displays, and it's always so nice to see. Our favorite tradition is grabbing something hot to drink and taking Luna for a walk through the area to check everything out. The displays change every year, which keeps it feeling special and worth revisiting. There's usually a Santa's sleigh where we grab a photo, and of course the big star display--people are always impressed that we can take Luna off leash to pose for pictures and that she stays perfectly focused, even with all the noise, crowds, and activity around her. It's a great reminder of how important proper pet training is. Luna can tune everything else out and stay locked in on her commands, no matter the setting. And honestly, this is achievable with any dog--regardless of age or breed--with consistency, patience, and training (which often has more to do with the human than the dog). Such a festive, feel-good spot and a wonderful way to support the local community during the holidays.

A great little nature trail within the town limits'! Very…read morenice when you're around the area just to stop in and walk around and take a respite from the hustle and bustle of the area. Lots of mature pines grand Pines and a good variety of birds.! I love that they saved this place a long time ago from development!

Really nice short walk! My boyfriend and I are here visiting family and we wanted to go out for a…read moreshort nature trail walk. It was shorter than expected and took us about 10 minutes to walk the whole trail so we decided to walk around it twice. It was very relaxing and refreshing.