Cheraw State Park

It was a partly cloudy, yet pleasantly warm afternoon in early September, when we arrived at Cheraw State Park. This would be our third stop of an adventurous day in the sandhills of South Carolina.

Cheraw State Park is one of two South Carolina State Parks to feature an 18-hole championship golf course. In 1934, it became the first state park to be proposed in the state. However, it would have to wait, because Myrtle Beach would beat it to the punch.

The park features two hiking trails. The first, located on the golf course side of the park, is the Cheraw Nature and Turkey Oak Trails. The Nature Trail is an easy 2-mile walk, which is the inner loop of the larger 4.5-mile Turkey Oak Trail. On this side of the park you will find a mostly pine forest, with a few hard woods mixed in-between. And if you’re lucky, you may encounter some wildlife as well.

The second, and by far more popular trail, is the Boardwalk Trail. It is an easy, ½ mile, out and back boardwalk trail, that meanders along beautiful Lake Juniper. This would be where our adventure would take place.

After securing our Ultimate Outsider stamp (#27), we would set out along the boardwalk to take in the beautiful scenery. The lake, usually bustling with activity, was relatively calm. The normal kayaks, canoes and swimmers were nowhere to be found.

As we walked along the boardwalk we were afforded some nice cloud reflections upon the water’s surface. Off to the left, against a background of coniferous trees, water lilies bloomed amongst a sea of lily pads. Meanwhile, below the surface, turtles and small fish swam about. Such a serene and peaceful naturistic scene.

Continuing on, we came across several writing spiders. Such graceful and beautiful predators, basking in their webs, waiting for the unsuspecting flying insect to come along and become lunch. The magnificent details of their works of art can be found below.

Eventually, we made our way to the far end of the trail. Here, a small walking bridge crosses the spillway which feeds into Juniper Creek. The cascading water mimics the soothing sounds of a waterfall. From this vantage point, an excellent waterscape view of Lake Juniper, the boardwalk and surrounding trees can be seen. Absolutely mesmerizing.

I hope you enjoyed this short story about another one of our adventures into the wonderful world of nature. And I really hope the photos below give you a serene sense of being there.

As always, all these pictures, as well as any on my site, are available in a variety of printing options. Just head over to my Photo Collections where you’ll find a wide selection to choose from. Also, daily photo posts and reels can be found on my Instagram page. A follow, like or share would be much appreciated!

So, if you find yourself in the sandhill area of South Carolina, be sure to check out Cheraw State Park. Between Lake Juniper, the trails, the golf course and camping, it has plenty to offer, especially in the warmer months. Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope to see you out in the wonderful world of nature. Have a fantastic day!