South Carolina state parks want you to start the year off with a hike.
First Day Hikes, coordinated by America's State Parks, will be hosted in 15 state parks in South Carolina. The ranger-led programs provide a good, close-to-home opportunity for families to recover from the holidays and rediscover the great outdoors.
"We are excited to host First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into our parks," said Duane Parrish, Director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, which manages state parks. "First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful state parks."
The hike at Huntington State Park is set for 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The registration deadline is December 29 at 5 p.m. Hikers will meet in the North Beach Parking lot. They ask you dress for the weather and have comfortable walking shoes for sandy and wet conditions. You should bring a water bottle and are encouraged to bring binoculars, and a small bag for shells. Half the walk will be in the maritime forest around Sandpiper Pond and the other half will be on the beach. Most of the walking surface is flat, but sandy, and some loose sand may be encountered.
Myrtle Beach State Park will start its First Day Hike at 10:30 a.m. It's expected to last until 12:30 p.m. The deadline to register is December 30. Hikers will meet at the Nature Center. They ask you wear shoes that can be worn both on the beach and in the woods and don't bring your cell phone. The 1.5 mile stroll will take you through the maritime forest and the beach. The hike is free with park admission.
Other South Carolina parks participating include Edisto Beach, Givhans Ferry, Kings Mountain, Oconee, Paris Mountain, Table Rock, Landsford Canal, Poinsett, Lake Warren and Cheraw state parks. Also participating are Charles Towne Landing and Musgrove Mill state historic sites and Hickory Knob State Resort Park.
Park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes. Details can be found at www.SouthCarolinaParks.com <http://www.SouthCarolinaParks.com>.
