South Carolina National Parks...

Eight of the best national parks for hiking, history and lasting experiences.

South Carolina’s role in American history is forever preserved in eight South Carolina National Parks — some of our country's most cherished.

For example, did you know that the first shots fired during the Civil War were fired here, at Fort Sumter? Standing in this remarkably preserved national monument, you can almost hear the cannons firing.

What you may not know is the important role of the ‘Ole 96th, an important Revolutionary War battle site. Widely regarded as one of the nation’s best preserved Revolutionary war sites, the Ninety Six National Historic Site continues to reveal its secrets to this day.

South Carolina's newest National Park, Congaree National Park, preserves the largest contiguous tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the US and contains one of the tallest deciduous forests in the world.

Looking for the best national parks for hiking? Check out Congaree National Park and its 20 miles of backcountry hiking trails.

For more history in South Carolina national parks, And don’t leave without stopping by the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, part of a historic 18th century town occupied by the British for more than 11 months.