Hickory Knob State Park - Old 96 District

Park Ranger Michael Collier on Lake Strom Thurmond,
with main facilities in trees to right.

When the keys to summer fun for the whole family are in one location, it’s the simplicity of daily life that helps to beat the heat. It’s outdoor options like golf, paddling on Lake Strom Thurmond, and exploring biking trails that are unique to Hickory Knob State Park in McCormick County. Making the short drive to Historic Abbeville allows one to understand how similar this small town in the upstate compares to Walterboro in terms of commerce and culture.

Staying at Hickory Knob is like staying at a resort.

Historic Guillebeau House is available for a rustic stay.

Hickory Knob State Park is located in rural McCormick County, which is about 90-mies from Columbia. It sprawls along the many fingers of the Strom Thurmond reservoir, a part of the Savannah River above Augusta. That lakeside layout offers lots of options for those that want to cool down during a hot summer day. My June visit included a chat with Park Manager Adin Fell to set up a guided kayaking trip from the private boat ramp, and I was glad to learn that Fell used to work at Edisto Beach State Park, and still loves the Lowcountry.

Play golf by the lake too!

After getting your fill of the outdoors, I can recommend a visit to nearby Abbeville County, part of the Old 96 District. They have a quaint tree-shaded square that serves as a vibrant downtown including shopping, dining, and lots of storefronts to study while strolling along. Lodging is available at the historic Belmont Inn and entertainment in the form of plays and musicals is found at the historic Abbeville Opera House.  After shopping at Urban 2 Country antiques, our visit included dinner at Trudy’s Restaurant before taking in a play called Dial M for Murder, and all of these activities were within easy walking distance. Another evening option includes dinner and a Drive-In movie in nearby Greenwood.

To read the entire feature story in the newspaper click on Colletonian.  

 To view past blog entries on S.C. State Parks click on Edisto Beach - Huntington Beach - Myrtle Beach - Hampton Plantation

Fresh salad bar daily at the restaurant.

This T-shirt slogan says it all.