Wild South Carolina: A Field Guide to Parks, Preserves and Special Places

South Carolina is state of great natural beauty and rich biodiversity. From mountainous rainforests to isolated barrier islands, the Palmetto State is a remarkable place to encounter abundant plant and animal life. Wild South Carolina, compiled by a mother-daughter team of naturalists, delves into the most intriguing outdoor destinations, offering advice on how, when, and where to experience the state's ecological treasures. Organized by region and illustrated with more than 150 color photographs, this guidebook presents handpicked tours of 38 special parks, wildlife refuges, heritage preserves, and other public lands. Discover the federally endangered peregrine falcon in the ACE Basin, the breathtaking synchronized displays of fireflies at Congaree National Park, the world's largest showing of rocky shoals spider lilies on the Catawba River, the rare Oconee bells nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the world's oldest cypress-tupelo forest, and many more spectacular sights. Bike, hike, paddle, or even ride a horse while visiting the state's dramatic waterfalls, boardwalk swamp trails, lighthouses, limestone caverns, a Moorish-styled castle, and much more. Observe deceptively-beautiful carnivorous plants in full bloom, tundra swans lounging in former rice paddies, and hundreds of raptors flying en masse along rocky cliffs. Grab a pair of binoculars, a water bottle, and your copy of Wild South Carolina to explore the best of South Carolina's natural areas Experience the wealth of South Carolina's wonders first hand.