Devils Fork State Park

Hey there! Today we visit Devils Fork State Park! This park is one of the most popular parks in the upstate and can be hard to get into during peak season! It's no surprise the popularity of the park with access to the beautiful lake, great campground and great trails. If you ever have time, make sure to bring (or rent) a boat and go look for the waterfalls on the lake that are only accessible by lake! Today we enjoyed the day use area and hiked the Bear Cove Trail.



This trail is very well maintained and traveled. It is hilly and over 2.5 miles so be prepared. Be on the lookout, near the beginning of the trail there are a few bat hotels!



There is plenty of variety on the trail before you get to the lake part. It's well marked (follow the blue trail markers) with a few signs along the way. You cross the road that goes to the campground but the trail is easy to see so you won't get lost.



A little while after you cross the road you come to where the loop starts. If you just want some lake scenery, head right then you can come back. Heading left takes you through the woods a little more before looping back to the lake. 



We headed left on the loop. Once you start to get close to the lake the trail follows it around for a little bit. There are several great spots to get off the trail and enjoy the lake!




This lake and area is just so beautiful, there's way too many good pictures to post on here. We went right when the colors were turning. This hike is spectacular when the colors turn, we highly recommend checking it out!





Near the end of the lake part of the trail (or beginning if you take a right at the loop) there's an area with a 
historical maker sign giving a little history of the area. Be sure to check out these signs, as the history and development of this area is very unique and interesting! There's also a bench here to rest before heading back.



This park is an upstate favorite. From the lake to the trails to the campground there is something for everyone and plenty to keep you busy. If you're feeling adventurous enough they even have primitive campsites on an island you can boat out to! Just make sure to secure a boat before hand. Be sure to check out the Oconee Bells Nature Trail in the early spring, beautiful blooms cover this trail! As always I ended up with way more pictures than room so be sure to scroll down past this to see a few more pictures. Be sure to read the rest of this blog to see our other state park adventures and then visit our website to see the pictures that didn't make it in the blog and in higher (Blog pics are reduced quality to help with space/load times) resolution. Fine art prints are available for purchase at my site also. Be sure to connect with us on social media! All this can be found at our site: http://www.centerlightstudios.com.

Andrew Jackson State Park

Hey there! Today we visit Andrew Jackson State Park, the historical home place of our seventh President! This park has plenty to offer, from the campsite to the trails and even a museum. With so much to do you will need a full day to see and do everything!



There are several historical buildings as well as the museum by the main parking lot area. This is a nice area that takes you back in time with historical markers giving the history of each building/area.



Make sure you check out the museum, it is very well put together and very informative. It's not very large so it won't take too much time out of your trip, but totally worth it!



Today we hiked the "Garden of the Waxhaws" trail - this is the trail that goes around the lake. It isn't too bad with a few ups and downs and is a little under a mile and half. You start off at the fishing pier then just basically circle the lake.



The trail follows the lake but there are several sections where you hike through the woods. The trail is fairly well maintained with just a few spots that need some repair. There are a few spots where there are steps to help.



There are a lot of "fishing spots" along the trail that not only offer a great spot to fish but also great views of the lake! These spots are setup perfect for the shoreline fisher and most even have benches at them.



This lake is really neat and has several unique features. There is also plenty of bird-watching to be had here! We took a break from our hike and watched this heron join in the fishing!




This park is a really nice park and is on our list to go camping at. There's plenty to do and see and a great park to just get out in nature and relax. If you're a history buff this park is a must visit! If you plan to camp here be sure to head over to Landsford Canal state park for a nice day trip, it's only a 10 minute drive and totally worth it! Be sure to check out our blog post about the Canal before you head over! As always I ended up with more pictures than room so be sure to scroll down past this to see a few more pictures. Be sure to read the rest of this blog to see our other state park adventures and then visit our website to see the pictures that didn't make it in the blog and in higher (Blog pics are reduced quality to help with space/load times) resolution. Fine art prints are available for purchase at my site also. Be sure to connect with us on social media! All this can be found at our site: http://www.centerlightstudios.com.

Landsford Canal State Park

Hey There! Hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year!! Did you make it out to a First Day hike at your local state park??
Today we visit the historic Landsford Canal! This park makes for a great day trip and has plenty to see and enjoy. This park has the remains of the historical canal (built around 1820!!) as well as plenty of nature and wildlife. There are even eagles that nest here! The canal trail is worth the hike. Try to hike the whole trail if you can, just be prepared as it's a long hike there and back! With parts of the canal still intact, you get a glimpse of what it was like over 200 years ago. 



The main park area is nice with picnic tables and great view of the river. Both trails at the park start here on one main trail and split at the first canal locks.



You can take the shorter nature walk which follows the river or take the canal trail which follows the old canal. Since both trails connect at the end of the nature trail, you can hike a loop and cover part of the canal trail on your hike. Most of the nature trail is level and is paved with crushed gravel pavement. The park ranger told us that the eagles nest near the end of the nature trail.



The start of the canal trail has part of the locks still intact. It's really cool getting to see the intricate stone work that's stood up over time. This is just a small section before the trail follows the canal.




From here the trail follows the canal. You will pass a few spots where they built bridges over the canal (some of the stonework still stands!) and interpretive signs. The signs are very informative and tell the history of the park and canal system. There are benches on the trail but not a whole lot and they are spread out.




The canal trail meets the nature trail about a half mile in. You can loop back here on the nature trail or continue on to the spider lily observation point and the rest of the canal. The lily station has a great view of the river and lily plants. There are several benches to rest and enjoy the view. The lilies weren't in bloom when we were here this time but we'll be back when they are!



Continuing on past the spider lilies is the old mill complex. There's not much left but some culverts and a few stone walls. When you reach this you're a little over halfway to the end, keep going!!




When you get to the locks you're greeted with a beautiful sight! A large portion of the locks and a bridge are still intact. This area is part of an Indian trading path as well, a lot of great history. There is a second entrance to the park here, if you can't hike the whole trail (It is a long trail there and back, we logged over 4 miles) make sure to drive down to this area and check it out.





We love this park, the trail is very diverse and offers plenty of history lessons. The park is very well maintained and offers plenty to do, see and learn. Make sure you bring your camera, there will be plenty of great shots! Make sure you check out the state park website for when the best times are for eagle sightings and events. As always I ended up with more pictures than room so be sure to scroll down past this to see a few more pictures. Be sure to read the rest of this blog to see our other state park adventures and then visit our website to see the pictures that didn't make it in the blog and in higher (Blog pics are reduced quality to help with space/load times) resolution. Fine art prints are available for purchase at my site also. Be sure to connect with us on social media! All this can be found at our site: http://www.centerlightstudios.com.