The South Carolina 7 Expedition is once again exploring the state from the mountains to the sea this July! The name South Carolina 7 represents seven natural wonders in our state, including National Geographic-recognized ecological areas and historical sites such as the Jocassee Gorges, Sassafras Mountain, and the Chattooga River.
Kidding Around covered this epic month-long event in 2021; you can find everything about last year’s route in our article See South Carolina’s Top 30 Beautiful Natural Spots! This year the team is following a similar path across the state, with a few new locations – including several in Spartanburg and vicinity!
What is the SC7 Expedition
The first SC7 expedition took place in July of 2020, following the Palmetto Trail across the state to highlight the ‘Carolina 7,’ seven geographic wonders unique to the Palmetto State. The purpose of the expedition was to bring attention to the natural marvels that need our protection, and the multitude of outdoor adventures that await us in our own backyard.
Along the way the expedition discussed topics such as conservation, adult & childhood fitness, outdoor therapy, floodwater-mitigation issues, and more. This year the SC7 has grown to include a “family expedition” aspect, and everyone is invited to join in on the fun of exploring the state that we call home – from the mountains, to the sea!
Get Started on the SC7 Expedition
First things first: download your free copy of the 2022 SC7 Expedition Field Guide! A day-by-day handbook to this year’s expedition, it contains trail information, local places to see, and information on the various outings. Even if you’re not joining the expedition on the trail, the guide is a tremendous resource for exploring the various regions of South Carolina!
Next, check your calendar for the public participation days. The 2022 SC7 Expedition Field Guide has more information on how to participate, or you can follow along virtually through daily Facebook and Instagram videos. The expedition will be in the Upstate the first couple of weeks in July, though some of the Midlands locations can be done in a day trip from Greenville/Spartanburg, including the City of Newberry and the Peak to Prosperity Passage of the Palmetto Trail.
2022 SC7 Key Events
July 1st-July 9th: SC7 Kick-off event at Oconee State Park . Hikes in the Upstate including the Yellow Branch Falls, Carrick Creek, Sassafras Mountain, Rainbow Falls, Kings Mountain, and the Oconee, Eastatoe, & Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op Passages of the Palmetto Trail.
July 10th: Urban Trails Day! Join Spartanburg residents along the Mary Black Trail to celebrate getting kids in the outdoors, and to call attention to the importance of providing outdoor opportunities in urban settings. Spartanburg County Parks and PAL will be on site providing a variety of activities, and food trucks will be available.
July 11th: Musgrove Mill Historic Site
July 12th: Barefoot Acres is a 52-acre working farm offering fresh produce & flowers. Explore the farm with a hike to South Rabon Creek and learn how this Fountain Inn farm is using their outdoor space to get folks into nature.
July 13th-15th: More Palmetto Trail hikes including portions of the Enoree, Newberry and Peak to Prosperity Passages.
July 16th: Yakking the river. Join the SC7 team and Kershaw County Parks & Rec in kayaking the Wateree River. Food vendors, activities, and more will be part of this family-friendly event. An evening social at the Revolutionary War Visitor’s Center will include entertainment by the Sawgrass Bluegrass band out of Conway, SC. Registration required.
July 17th-19th: Midlands Adventure. Beginning in historic Camden with a full day of events including tubing on the Saluda and concluding with an evening social at Savage Craft Ale Works. Hike with the Mayor of Columbia along the Columbia Riverfront on the 18th, and on the 19th explore South Carolina’s only National Park, Congaree on a guided hike with a Park naturalist.
Note: The following events are in the Lowcountry:
July 27th-July 30th: The public is welcome to the SC7 Adventure Out events (note: these require registration). From sunrise yoga to paddleboarding, if you’re on the coast at the end of July you’ll want to check this out.
July 30th: Finish Line Reception. The 2022 expedition will conclude with Dancing on the Copper concert at the Waterfront Park in Mt. Pleasant. Wet Nose Dogs will be performing, advance tickets suggested.
The Adventure Continues
There is so much to do and see in South Carolina that it will take far longer than just a month to get to it all. And, while it is exciting to join an expedition to explore your way across the state, it can be just as thrilling to discover new places with your children and family. It is our hope that the destinations featured here can serve as an outline to get you started, a framework for travel and exploration across the state!! Happy adventuring, South Carolina!
Follow the South Carolina 7 Expedition on Facebook South Carolina 7 | Facebook
SC7 on Instagram: South Carolina 7 (@sc7wonders)