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Enjoy South Carolina's Stunning Landscape on an Outdoor Adventure

Marie McAden Marie McAden
A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.
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Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, you'll find endless ways to have fun outdoors all across South Carolina. Here is a sampling of South Carolina's best adventure outings:

 

Guided fishing trip in the Lowcountry

There's no bigger thrill than reeling in "the big one". Cast Away Fishing Charters in Beaufort offers four-hour trips for up to six anglers on 24-foot sport vessels designed to maneuver through the Lowcountry's shallow flats. Captain Tim Price will take you to the best spots for redfish, trout, flounder, tarpon, cobia and other nearshore species. Price includes fishing license, bait, rod and light tackle.

Self-guided paddle on the Edisto

Explore the longest free flowing blackwater river in North America - and its surrounding cypress and tupelo swamps. Carolina Heritage Outfitters in Canadys offers two-person canoe rentals and transportation to a launch site 10 miles upriver from the take out. With the Edisto's fairly constant two- to four-mile current, you can float along and enjoy the beautiful scenery in this unique ecosystem.

Zipline over the Catawba

This one's for thrill-seekers looking for high-flying adventure. Canaan Zipline offers a 3.5-hour canopy tour featuring nine ziplines, including a 900-foot flight over the water that can propel you through the air as fast as 27 miles an hour. Located on a densely forested island surrounded by the Catawba River, the course includes six water flyovers and several challenge elements.

Skydiving in Chester

Check this one off your bucket list. Securely attached to an experienced skydiver, you'll jump from 10,000 feet, dropping to the earth at a speed of 120-miles per hour. For the first 55 seconds, you'll experience the unmatched exhilaration of freefalling. Once the parachute opens, it's a slow, peaceful float trip back to earth. A tandem jump at Skydive Carolina! starts at $179.

Stand-up Paddle boarding on Lake Thurmond

Looking for something a little less adventurous? Try the latest recreational rage - stand up paddle boarding. Palmetto Pines Outfitters in McCormick rents SUPs for cruising the quiet coves of Lake Thurmond. You get the board for a full day, giving you plenty of time to master the art of paddling on two legs.

Rafting the Chattooga

This National Wild and Scenic River offers a rip-roaring ride through one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the Southeast. Wildwater's Chattooga rafting trips include the family-friendly Section III and the monster waters of Section IV featuring class 4 and 5 rapids with names like Sock-em Dog, Corkscrew and Jawbone.

Sail the legendary Stars & Stripes

This is the boat famed racing captain Dennis Conner sailed to victory in the 1987 America's Cup competition in Australia. Vagabond Cruise on Hilton Head Island offers 90-minute afternoon sails and two-hour sunset sails on Calibogue Sound.During the excursion, you'll have the chance to take the helm and man the grinders that trim the sails.

Tubing on the Saluda

Enjoy the ultimate float trip, tubing the Saluda River just outside of Greenville. Saluda River Yacht Club in Easley offers 1.5- to three-hour tubing trips Friday-Sunday on a beautiful section of this Upstate river. Tubes and life vests are provided.

Marie McAden
A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.