Have I written about the fact that I love state parks? During our trip to the Southeast (Georgia and the Carolinas) in early December my mom mentioned a state park not far from her house. You can guess that we, along with sister and 7-year old nephew jumped on board!
Andrew Jackson State Park is located in Lancaster, South Carolina, which is an hour or so south of Charlotte. According to the South Carolina state park system, the site of the park is where Andrew Jackson, our 7th presdient, actually grew up.
We first spent some time exploring the main grounds, which includes a museum, old school house, meeting house, and an immense statue of young Andrew atop a horse.
Later we hit the woods and hiked the mile nature trail loop, also called the Crawford Trail. It was an easy walk and nice way to take in some of South Carolina’s natural beauty as the path (actually crossed the Old Church Road twice) took us through a forest filled with pines, cedars, and oak trees.
At the end of the loop while I hung back snapping photos, Slaed got to experience an owl swoop by overhead. He was the only lucky viewer as Bergen was too busy climbing on rocks and the rest of the clan was checking out the meeting house.
With the intention of rewarding the boys with some fun at the playground, we walked over to the fishing lake passing by the amphitheater on our way over. We ended up having so much fun playing in the boats, running up and down the dock, and throwing rocks into the lake that we ran out of time and steam!
What state (or region, province, etc) do you live in? Have you visited any state parks recently? Tell us about your experience!
Info to Know:
- Andrew Jackson State Park is located in Lancaster, South Carolina (1 hour south of Charlotte, NC)
- 196 Andrew Jackson Road Lancaster, SC 29720
- 803-285-3344
- Hours: 8am-6pm Daily from Nov. 1-March 31, 9am-9pm Daily from April 1-Oct.31
- Features include museum, old school house, 2 short hiking trails (1 mile each), meeting house, amphitheater, lake, fishing, boating (no motors), playground, and camping.
- $2 for adults, Free for Youth 15 & Under, $1.25 for SC seniors
- Strollers not recommended for trails.
- Looking for lunch or dinner near by? Head North on US-521 just past Sun City Carolina Lakes to 521 BBQ & Grill. Delicious Carolina BBQ served by the nicest people you’ll meet. Be sure to get some hush puppies too.
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More State Park Adventures:
- Year of Washington State Parks
- Northern California’s Henry W. Coe State Park
- Peshastin Pinnacles State Park (Central Washington)
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Were you able to visit Waxhaw, NC? It’s a nearby town with antique and other charming shops, many in original buildings. A train runs through the center of town. An Indian village in the 1670’s, there is an historic museum with indoor and outdoor exhibits outside of town.
Yes, we have Martie! That’s where my sister’s family is building a house. I have a post up about some of the Christmas festivities we experienced in Waxhaw. I loved exploring the shops, especially the gallery & used bookstore.
I love state parks as well. On New Years Day we visited the Lincoln State Park. Most of the history stuff is at the National Memorial, which is across the road, but the park had a nice lake and trails.