McCormick County is often called the gateway to outdoor adventure in the western part of South Carolina. The county is named in honor of Cyrus Hall McCormick, inventor of the mechanical reaper. Gold was first taken from the area between 1847 and 1852. Today, the Heritage Gold Mine is open to visitors during May-October. McCormick county has 3 State Parks-Hickory Knob State Resort Park, the only South Carolina Park which is also a resort, joins Baker Creek State Park and Hamilton Branch State Park as three beautiful, water-front state parks to choose from. The area is a diverse collection of communities connected by a historic rail line that winds its way through the county. The McCormick Arts Center at the Keturah preserves and displays local crafting legacy and artists in their building. For golfers, there are several championship golf courses along the lake to enjoy.
Article by Clayton Hensley of Knox Road Tripper. Nature and history collide along the highways and backroads of South Carolina’s Old 96 District taking you on an unforgettable journey. From lakes along the Savannah River to battle grounds of the Revolutionary War, outdoor opportunities abound in this part of the Palmetto State. South Carolina’s Freshwater…
Are you thinking of exploring the Old 96 District in South Carolina? I’m here to show you what a good time you can have enjoying their beautiful outdoor spaces, learning at important historical sites, and eating delicious food. When my mom told me just her and I were going on a three-day road trip to…
Five historic buildings in the Old 96 District turned eateries, accommodations, event spaces, and more. By Nicole Letts History has deep roots in South Carolina’s Old 96 District. In the five counties comprising the district, countless historic sites and markers dot the area. However, did you know many of these places of the past…
By Bill Kamenjar By the numbers, the Hickory Knob State Resort Golf Course in McCormick, South Carolina has 87 things going for it. There’s an 18-hole, Tom Jackson designed championship golf course located on the shores of Lake Thurmond. There’s also one Shagbark Snack Bar in the Pro Shop with hot eats and cold drinks;…
by Anna Cook, blogger, Stuck on the Go In the heart of rural South Carolina, the Old 96 District is an unexpected treasure for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Offering multiple waterfront campgrounds with RV-friendly spaces or primitive tent sites, it’s perfect no matter your setup. Have fun exploring these campgrounds in the Old 96 District…
by Cate Schweitzer After spending a weekend in South Carolina’s Old 96 District, I can confidently say you are sleeping on a great time outdoors. This stunning area of South Carolina is chock-full of beautiful state parks that offer great hiking trails, water activities, campgrounds, and other amazing activities to do outside. The Old 96…
It’s been written that true players revel in the game’s curious topography. That they ‘will pay a month’s wages to fly across the country or across the ocean to be humbled by a sacred patch of green earth.’ But it doesn’t have to be like this. There’s great golf that’s not so bodily demanding right…
By Jason Barnette South Carolina’s “Freshwater Coast” is sixty-five miles of coastline along the Savannah River – and one of the best hidden gems of the Old 96 District. The tourism district comprises five counties, is filled with small, charming towns connected by two-lane roads. Life is a bit slower as nature and history abound…
