Sesquicentennial State Park

Are you looking for a place to please your mind? A place where you can sit for hours and just relax? Well for me that place for me is The Sesquicentennial State Park in Columbia, SC. This place will have you in awe, from the waterfalls to the wildlife. I have been going here since I attended SC State and I can tell you this is one of the most relaxed places I've ever been to so let me tell you about it:

According to  Sesqui Groups | South Carolina Parks Official Site Sesquicentennial State Park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal Program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The program was designed to provide employment during the Great Depression while addressing national needs in conservation and recreation.

The CCC was instrumental in the development of many of South Carolina’s state parks. Several buildings built by the CCC in the 1930s are still in use at this park.

Just like any other park sesquicentennial State Park has an abundance of wildlife and activities to do such as: Fishing, Canoes and kayaks are available for rent on a seasonal basis. Rentals include life jackets and paddles, Pedal boats and stand-up paddleboards, bird watching, and as well as hiking. 

The nature trails are lengthy and give you a good breather at the end. When walking along the trails it goes up and down to give you a sort of mountain feel. I really enjoyed myself! so, I encourage you guys to go out and spend a day in nature. 

JACKSON CREEK NATURE TRAIL 

Length: 0.5 miles

Type: Hiking Trail

Difficulty:  

Description: Starting from the sand parking area near the boat house, turn right and follow the Hiking Trail along the shoreline of the lake. Just before you get to the bridge turn right, go downhill, and you will see the waterfall on your left. A sign marks the trailhead and tree limbs line the trail to guide you through a lowland area and onto a wooded hillside

LOOP ROAD TRAIL 

Length: 3.5 miles

Type: Hiking and Mountain Biking Trail   

Difficulty: 

Description: Starting from the Retreat Center parking area you will enjoy an easy walk, jog, or ride on this tree-lined path that circles the park. Since you are away from park activities you may see or hear a variety of birds

SESQUI MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL  

Length: 6.1 miles

Type: Mountain Biking Trail

Difficulty: 

Description: A very popular choice in Columbia, this trail is located 3 miles from downtown in the 1,419-acre Sesquicentennial State Park. Starting from the parking area, you will be riding on a sandy roadbed.

   The park also gives you the option to stay the night or for three weeks with, their outdoor home supplies.

Three picnic shelters and four picnic pads are available for family or other group gatherings. The picnic pads are not covered but you are allowed to bring ONE pop-up 12x12 canopy tent. Each shelter and picnic pad includes 4-foot-long picnic tables, a charcoal grill, and nearby water & restroom access. Shelters 1 & 2 have electricity. 

  Along with amenities provided for your comfort, pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. There is also a dog park available at Sesquicentennial State Park. The dog park is a 2-acre, fenced-in area for dogs to run off-leash.

The park is friendly and accommodates everyone who enters. Only a small fee to enjoy a beautiful sight, Not only is the park in the middle of Two Noch, Columbia, but it is surrounded by a plethora of food options for on-the-go. Enjoy!

ADMISSION

$6 adults; $3.75 SC seniors (age 65 & older); $3.50 children ages 6-15; ages 5 and under, free.

HOURS

8 a.m. - Sunset, daily

OFFICE

9 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily

visit Sesqui Groups | South Carolina Parks Official Site for more information.