Parks
Sand Hills State Forest, Cheraw State Park, Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge and Cheraw town parks provide extensive facilities for all kinds of outdoor activities. Pick up maps, permits and information at the sites. Some of the activities and sites are free, others require user fees.
Cheraw State ParkCheraw State Park is the oldest and, with 7,361 acres, one of the largest parks in South Carolina's great park system. Take a walk along the lake's boardwalk, camp by the water's edge or stay for a week in one of the cozy cabins. The park offers an 18 hole championship golf course, boating, camping, picnicking, bridle, nature and mountain bike trails, cabins and fishing. It also features two large group camps, towering pines and the endangered red cockaded woodpecker.
US 52, four miles south of Cheraw Park office: (843) 537-9656
For park reservations: toll free (866) 345-7275
Pro shop and tee times: (843) 537-2215 or toll free (800) 868-9630
www.southcarolinaparks.com email: cherawsp@scprt.com.
Sand Hills State ForestThe 46,000 acres of Sand Hills State Forest provide a variety of recreational opportunities. There are 13 fish ponds, hiking, mountain bike and equestrian trails as well as fishing, camping and picnic sites. The Forest is part of the Wildlife Management Area program and hunting is allowed in season. Some of the rarer plants and animals in the area are the red cockaded woodpecker, Pixie Moss and the Pine Barren Tree Frog.
Sugar Loaf MountainA mini mountain towering a 100 feet above the surrounding State Forest, Sugar Loaf Mountain has been a favorite family gathering place for generations. Sugar Loaf is part of the remains of the oldest mountain chain in North America. It is especially pretty in May when the Mountain Laurel is blooming. (17 miles south of Cheraw. Take US I to Ruby-Hartsville Hwy. then north and watch for sign after about 3 miles. Turn here on Scotch Road and follow signs.)
Sand Hills State Forest
US 1, 18 miles southwest of Cheraw
P.O. Box 128 Patrick, SC 29584
Park office: (843) 498-6478
Fax: (843) 498-6705
Office hours: Mon. to Fri. 8:00 am to 12 noon and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
www.state.sc.us forest email: shsf@shtc.net
Some activities require permits & fees.
The Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife RefugeThe Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is one of the southeast's premier sites for viewing the rapidly diminishing longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem. Within the 47,850 acres of the refuge are hiking and biking trails, wildlife viewing platforms, bird blinds and numerous ponds. Hunting and fishing are allowed during certain seasons. This is an excellent site for bird watching. Check the website for special events, regulations and maps.
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge
24 miles southwest of Cheraw
on US 1 near McBee
23734 US Highway 1
McBee, SC 29101
Park office: (843) 335-8401
Fax: (843) 335-8406
www.fws.gov/carolinasandhills email: carolinasandhills@fws.gov
The H. Cooper Black Recreation AreaIn combination with Sandhills State Forest, features over 100 miles of marked trails and sandy roads for riders, a 24 stall horse barn, clubhouse, 2500' tether lines, 26 corrals, a full size arena, and primitive and full service camp sites. Trails include the Pine Barrens Trail, 26 miles; Sugar Loaf Horse Trail, 20 miles; and Pine Barrens Wagon Trail, 27 miles. (843) 378-1555.
www.southcarolinaparks.com/park-finder/state-park/26716.aspx
Cheraw ParksCheraw has a number of parks including Arrowhead Park (State Road) which has four lighted baseball fields, a lighted soccer & football field, a walking trail, playground, and picnic shelter. Riverside Park (northeast Church Street) offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Great Pee Dee River along with a boat ramp, picnic area, nature area and walking trail. Caston Park (entrances at Market, Huger and High streets) is home to four lighted tennis courts, a lighted youth baseball field and playground. The Cheraw Community Center (200 Powe Street) has a basketball court, classrooms, teen center, game rooms, art gallery, administrative office, and banquet facilities. Check out the changing exhibits in the Burr Art Gallery.
Admission: Free