One of the best ways to get up close and personal with the natural and cultural history of South Carolina's state parks is by taking a walk down one of the many interpretive trails found throughout. From Civil and Revolutionary War battlefields to key historic sites, these trails allow visitors to connect with South Carolina’s rich, cultural history.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site details the very beginnings of colonial South Carolina through seven miles of interpretive trails, including the original settlement area of 1670-1680 complete with reconstructed fortifications. Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site also showcases some of the Palmetto State’s earliest beginnings.

Evidence of the Revolutionary and Civil wars can be found at Musgrove Mill and Rivers Bridge state historic sites, respectively, and visitors can take self-guided tours along these sites’ interpretive nature trails. Rivers Bridge also offers ranger-guided tours and preserves earthen fortifications from the battle, and Musgrove Mill embellishes its existing exhibits with living history demonstrations and audio-guided battle reenactments in the interpretive center.

History buffs will enjoy learning about the boyhood home of the seventh president at Andrew Jackson State Park, and guests at Landsford Canal State Park can follow a nature trail where locks and a canal system that once made the Catawba River commercially navigable are well-preserved and on display.

Other scenic and sought-out interpretive trails can be found at Lake Warren, Huntington Beach, Edisto Beach, and Myrtle Beach state parks.