2022’s Journey will entail 25 Campsites – 4,315 Miles (in Rosie the RV) and countless other SUV miles to get us to our adventures. We will see such vacation hotspots as St Augustine, Savannah, Charleston, Lake Placid, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine [primarily Acadia National Park, and Baxter State Park], then head south to West Virginia and Virginia before landing back in Central Florida for the winter months.
On May 22nd, 8-weeks into our 2022 adventures we traveled from touristy Charleston, South Carolina 120-miles north to Columbia, South Carolina. Our main purpose for visiting this area was the Congaree National Park and a favorite biking spot, Harbison State Forest.
Campground
Sesquicentennial State Park
Sesquicentennial State Park, affectionately known to locals as “Sesqui,” is a spacious, green getaway in the heart of the Sandhills region. Once you’re immersed in the 1,400 acres of pines, camping sites, and nature trails you forget just how close you are to bustling, downtown Columbia, South Carolina.
Although a wonderful park to enjoy the many day-use activities including a small water park, fishing, picnicking and nature trails for hiking and biking, it wasn’t our ideal camping spot. The roads to the sites were in very rough shape, especially for a big rig like ours and the restrooms that were open and functioning were basic. However, it was convenient to our day excursions and close to grocery, laundry and other necessities.
Congaree National Park
Although small for a National Park it is mighty. Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees.
There are several hikes to choose from to emersed yourself in nature. We chose the easy Boardwalk Loop Trail that begins on a bluff at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center with an elevated section that leads down into the old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. A variety of different tree species can be observed including bald cypress and tupelo trees in the lowest elevations. Loblolly pines, oaks, maples and holly can also be observed.
It was a very pleasant and easy walk on the elevated boardwalk but be sure to wear long sleeves and pants as the bugs are ferocious. You need to use bug spray with care as not to affect the fireflies, which this area is known.
We also did a pleasant 6-mile paddle trip on Cedar Creek through the National Park. We were told to look out for water snakes and spiders for wildlife 😞. We saw some of both. It was a nice short, easy paddle.
Biking
This state forest land encompasses 2,177 acres of forestland only 9-miles from downtown Columbia. Its unique urban location makes Harbison one of the largest public greenspaces inside the city limits of a metropolitan area in the eastern United States. Over 16-miles of roads and trails weave through the pine and hardwood forest, crossing wandering streams and descending through leafy glades to the Broad River.
We discovered the area in 2020 and it quickly became one of our favorite areas with just enough climb to challenge your cardio system but with fast, flowy trails for fun-fun-fun.
Palmetto Greenway Trail
The Peak to Prosperity Passage segment of the Palmetto Trail offers an easy, flat route for most of its 10-mile journey. The view from the 1,100-foot-long bridge is spectacular, especially when bald eagles soar. Across the river in Newberry County, the rail-trail skirts Peak and cuts an easy swath through piedmont forest to Pomaria and Prosperity. Along the passage, 14 wooden trestles span the meandering Crims Creek where German immigrants settled in the 1730s. The area is known as the Dutch Fork.
Another fun biking excursion, this 20-mile out and back excursion was very enjpyable and a great way to get in some exercise.
Columbia River Walk
The Columbia River Walk is concrete walkways or boardwalk paths along the pristine Congaree River. There are plenty of benches along the way in the event you just want to catch your breath and drink in the magnificent scenery. There are also plenty of public restrooms, drinking fountains and parking. The architecture and infrastructure surrounding the pathways and the river are awe inspiring. You can walk through history in a still functioning, 122 year old lock that was constructed in 1891 that still controls the flow of the river. This piece of working history will not be missed as the walk goes right through it. You can view natural wonders, and man made excellence all the while walking through South Carolina’s wildlife habitats. After your walk, there are many great restaurants along Gervais Street to stop in for a bite to eat. Most of these are in view of the State Capitol. If you are going to walk any walk in this city, this is the one to pick if you are looking to escape into beautiful vistas and working history.
We chose a Saturday morning and walked the entire 5’ish-mile out and back pathway. We enjoyed the experience and would recommend walking. Biking could get a little tricky because of all the pedestrians.
That concludes our short visit to Columbia, South Carolina. Glad to have visited but likely would not return for any particular reason.
Now we have 3-days of travel to get to our next destination, the Catskills of New York.
What’s Next?
New York’s Catskills…….
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