Expedition Zone

Zone: The Midlands

Columbia, Congaree & Lake Country
  • Congaree National Park
  • Lake Murray
  • Saluda River
  • Dreher Island
  • Three Rivers Greenway

What Makes This Zone Special

Congaree National Park protects the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeast, with champion trees standing over 150 feet tall. Lake Murray, the Saluda River, and Santee Cooper offer wide-open water for paddling, fishing, and swimming.
Zone at a Glance

21 adventure guides in The Midlands

Adventures in This Zone

LVL 2 — Easy Going

Lynches River County Park Canopy Walk

1 to 3 miles (trails), kayak varies
1-3 hours
An elevated canopy boardwalk 30 feet above the forest floor through bottomland hardwood forest. One of the most unusual trail experiences in South Carolina. Kayaking on the Lynches River adds a classic Pee Dee blackwater paddle.
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Good for Kids
  • Fishing
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Landsford Canal State Park Spider Lilies

1.5 to 3 miles
1-2 hours
The largest known stand of Rocky Shoals spider lilies in the world blooms here every May. A 1.5-mile trail leads to the Catawba River shoals where thousands of white flowers cover the rocks. One of South Carolina’s most spectacular natural events.
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Good for Kids
  • Free Admission
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Anne Springs Close Greenway, Fort Mill

1 to 30+ miles (trail network)
1 hour to full day
2,100 acres of privately owned conservation land in Fort Mill with 30+ miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. One of the best trail networks in the Charlotte-Rock Hill corridor.
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Bike-Friendly
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Hitchcock Woods, Aiken

1 to 10+ miles
1 hour to full day
2,100 acres of urban forest in the heart of Aiken. Free, open every day, and one of the largest urban forests in the United States. Hikers and equestrians share 70+ miles of sandy trails through longleaf pine and hardwood forest.
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Free Admission
LVL 1 — First Steps

North Augusta Greeneway

7+ miles
1-3 hours
7 miles of paved trail along the Savannah River in North Augusta. Free, flat, and scenic. Connects downtown North Augusta to Riverview Park with views of the river and the Augusta, Georgia skyline.
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Stroller-Friendly
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Free Admission
  • Bike-Friendly
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Santee State Park Camping & Kayaking

Varies
Overnight to multi-night
Pier cabins on Lake Marion. Camping on Santee Cooper, one of the best freshwater fishing lakes in the Southeast. The pier cabins extend over the lake and are among the most unique lodging in the state park system.
  • Wheelchair Accessible (fishing pier)
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Camping Available
  • Fishing
LVL 1 — First Steps

Santee National Wildlife Refuge Birding

1 to 3 miles (trails), plus driving tour
1-3 hours
One of the best birding sites in South Carolina. Thousands of wintering waterfowl, bald eagles, and wading birds on the shores of Santee Cooper. A wildlife drive and walking trails make it accessible for all ability levels.
  • Wheelchair Accessible (wildlife drive)
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Free Admission
LVL 1 — First Steps

Swan Lake Iris Gardens

1 to 2 miles
1-2 hours
150 acres of gardens and lakes in Sumter, home to all eight species of swan. Iris gardens bloom spectacularly in May. Paved paths, flat terrain, free admission. Strollers and wheelchairs welcome.
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Stroller-Friendly
  • Dog-Friendly (Leashed)
  • Free
  • Paved Surface
  • Benches Throughout
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Poinsett State Park Hiking & Camping

1 to 6 miles
2-4 hours or overnight
Where the Sandhills meet the Coastal Plain. The collision of ecosystems creates a landscape unlike anywhere else in SC. Spanish moss and mountain laurel grow side by side. Excellent hiking and camping.
  • Dog-Friendly (Leashed)
  • Parking at Trailhead
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Goodale State Park Kayaking & Fishing

Open water on millpond, short trails
2-4 hours
A 140-acre millpond in the Sandhills with cypress trees growing from the water. Kayaking and fishing in a landscape that looks like a painting. One of the most photogenic paddles in the Midlands.
  • Dog-Friendly (Leashed)
  • Boat Rentals Available
  • Parking at Launch

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do at Congaree National Park?

Congaree National Park's signature experience is the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop, a fully wheelchair-accessible elevated boardwalk through old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. The park also offers paddling on Cedar Creek, backcountry camping, and ranger-led programs including the famous synchronized firefly walks in late May.

Is Congaree National Park wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The Boardwalk Loop at Congaree National Park is fully wheelchair accessible. The 2.4-mile elevated wooden boardwalk is smooth and wide enough for power wheelchairs. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center has accessible parking, restrooms, and exhibits.

What is the best lake in South Carolina for paddling?

Lake Murray is one of the best paddling lakes in South Carolina. The 50,000-acre reservoir has calm water, beautiful shoreline, and excellent fishing. Dreher Island State Park on the lake offers camping, a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier, and kayak rentals.