Although there’s plenty to do and see in Darlington County, residents also have access to several of the nation’s top recreational and vacation hotspots just a short drive away.
The Myrtle Beach Grand Strand
In addition, Myrtle Beach is the golf capital of the U.S. with more than 100 golf courses located on or near the Grand Strand. For more information about what to see and do in Myrtle Beach, visit www.myrtlebeachinfo.com.
South Carolina State Parks & The Pee Dee AreaThere are several state parks within an easy driving distance of Darlington County.
Steeped in romance and history; a land of scenic beauty and adventure - the Pee Dee area was originally home to the Pee Dee Indians who lived and hunted in its broad valley. Avid sportsmen are still drawn to the area's fields and streams, where wildlife is plentiful and various species of fish thrive.
The Great Pee Dee is just one of the rivers that meanders through the area providing a scenic backdrop for canoeing, picnicking and other types of recreation. Touring the seven-county region, one is quickly reminded of its roots as a commercial center for cotton and tobacco. There are several state parks in the area including:
Cheraw State Park
An 18-hole championship course winds its way through the long-leaf pinelands of the traditional state park, a course that’s earned notice from the Aubudon Society for the way it’s managed to preserve and protect the habitat it shares with uncommon critters such as red-cockaded woodpeckers and fox squirrels.
The park in South Carolina’s northeast corner also boasts Lake Juniper, a 300-acre impoundment built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression along with the park’s original cabins and picnic facilities.
A boardwalk along the lake helps visitors enjoy the scenic setting, and kayakers particularly enjoy silently scooting into the cypress wetlands at the lake’s edge.
H.Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial & Recreation Area
Covering 7,000 rolling acres of longleaf pine forest and fields, the park’s facilities include stables, kennels, corrals, arenas, waterfowl ponds, campgrounds and a kitchen/meeting hall.
There also are more than 20 miles of equestrian trails and sand roads for riders in the park, some that lead into Sand Hills State Forest.
H. Cooper Black is also adjacent to Cheraw State Park, which offers a championship golf course, cabins, camping, boating, fishing and more.
Lee State Natural Area
Nestled in a floodplain forest along the designated state scenic Lynches River, Lee State Natural Area has been serving South Carolina since it was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Now conveniently located just off Interstate 20, visitors can camp, fish, ride horses and hike and explore along the park’s nature trails.
Lee State Natural Area’s artesian springs, millpond and sandhills add to its diversity as a natural setting. Deer, raccoons and red foxes are among the permanent residents.
The park also features an environmental education center with exhibits about its natural setting in Lee County, a library and historical documents, including newspapers, from the days the park was built during the Great Depression.
Little Pee Dee State Park
Visitors can explore the park’s river swamp, examine features of the Sandhills region and admire an example of the mysterious geological depression unique to the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the Carolina Bay.
Guests also enjoy the park’s campground, nature trail and picnic area. Fishermen appreciate Lake Norton’s ample collection of bream, bass and catfish. The park’s easy access to Interstate 95 has long made it popular with both travelers and area residents alike.
For additional information about what to do and see in South Carolina, visit www.discoversouthcarolina.com |
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Gordon McBride Interim Director
Darlington County Economic Development Partnershipp 131 Cashua Street Darlington, South Carolina 29532
Phone: (843) 398-4600 Fax: (843) 398-4603
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Approximately a one-hour drive from Darlington County is the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand. Considered one of the nation's top vacation spots, the Grand Strand attracts nearly 14 million visitors each year. And with a wide selection of hotels you can choose what suits you best - whether you're enjoying an extended family vacation or a romantic weekend for two. The Grand Strand offers visitors year-round fun including:
Natural beauty and great golf come together at Cheraw State Park.
The H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area is the setting for national-level field trial and retriever competitions. 
Named after the blackwater Little Pee Dee River, Little Pee Dee State Park is a subdued setting for those who want to enjoy the park’s natural features or fish the still waters of 54-acre Lake Norton. 
