The South Carolina Park Worth Driving Across The State To Explore
By AnneMarie|Published August 18, 2023
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AnneMarie
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South Carolina has been home for AnneMarie since 2001. Her favorite part of the state is Lake Jocassee. An App State alumna, it's always the mountains; the lake bonus makes it heavenly. When not writing about the state, she may be spending time with family, relaxing by the pool, or out somewhere enjoying nature.
One of South Carolina’s 34 sea islands, Lady’s Island is situated just north of Beaufort and Port Royal in northern Beaufort County. Historically, the island was comprised of indigo plantations that were destroyed during the Civil War by Union troops. Many of those former plantations have since been developed into residential subdivisions. Lady’s Island is home to several parks in South Carolina, the newest being Crystal Lake Park which opened in January 2020.
Crystal Lake Park is a Beaufort County park in South Carolina consisting of 25 acres of enchanting forested habitats ...
The lake is a man-made seven-acre body of water populated with primarily redfish and mullet. There are docks for catch-and-release fishing in this beautiful South Carolina park. Other water activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming are not permitted.
Many species of birds have been documented at this South Carolina county park, including songbirds, wading birds, birds of prey, migratory waterfowl, and endangered species such as wood storks.
Take a hike along the 0.7-mile Crystal Lake Trail, an easy, partially-paved loop around Crystal Lake. About 75% of it is boardwalk, with the rest being a dirt trail.
There's even a Conservation Center at the park, which is housed in a building that was formerly a boat yard! It now serves as office space for the Beaufort County Open Land Trust, the SC Soil and Water Conservation District, and the non-profit group, Friends of Crystal Lake, doubling as a Science Center used as a teaching tool for educating the general public.
There are bathrooms accessible from the exterior of the building for public use as well.
Be sure you take a good insect repellent while exploring Crystal Lake Park. Which park in South Carolina is your favorite? Have you discovered a little-known city or county park that you love? What is it you love most about it? Send us an attraction nomination. We’d love to check it out!
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