Hickory Knob State Resort Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Hickory Knob State Resort Park is a beautiful natural park located in McCormick County, South Carolina.
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Summary
It covers an area of over 1,000 acres and offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. There are many good reasons to visit the park, including the stunning views of Lake Thurmond, excellent hiking trails, and a range of outdoor recreational opportunities.
One of the main points of interest at Hickory Knob State Resort Park is the golf course, which is known for its challenging layout and beautiful scenery. The course features 18 holes and is open to both novice and experienced golfers. There is also a pro shop on site that sells golf equipment and accessories.
Another popular attraction at the park is the nature center, which offers a range of educational exhibits and programs. Visitors can learn about the local plants and animals, as well as the history and geology of the area.
For those who enjoy hiking, there are several trails to explore at Hickory Knob State Resort Park. The Turkey Ridge Trail is a moderately challenging hike that offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. The Horn Creek Trail is another popular choice, with its picturesque waterfalls and rugged terrain.
Interesting facts about the park include its location on the shores of Lake Thurmond, which is one of the largest reservoirs in the state. The area is also home to a range of wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles.
The best time of year to visit Hickory Knob State Resort Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most beautiful. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy.
Overall, Hickory Knob State Resort Park is a wonderful place to visit for anyone who loves the outdoors and appreciates natural beauty. Whether you're looking to play golf, go hiking, or simply relax by the lake, there's something for everyone at this South Carolina gem.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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