Random Thoughts Blog

Ever since I settled in Myrtle Beach ten years ago, I have started the year with a South Carolina State Park tradition, a First Day Hike. I did Myrtle Beach State Park several times, Huntington Beach, Hampton Plantation, and a couple of previews – future parks, like Ramsey Grove, and todays treat – the future site of The Meadows at Black River State Park.

Thank you to Macie from the State Parks for being such a great source of information, and for leading our hike! Another park service rock star!

Taking the backroads, I knew I’d go by some historical markers on the way to the Black River site. I was not disappointed.

The Meadows at Black River

The Black River State Park initiative was made possible by several partnerships, including the Nature Conservancy and the Open Space Institute.

There are a total of 12 planned Black River sites that the state is working hard to make publicly accessible. The Meadows has a target opening of May 2025, tentatively. A lot of road and preliminary site work has been done.

There will be a kayak launch, with access to state park property on both sides of the river.

The Black River State Park is more of a linear park that follows a 70-mile stretch of the Black River. The water trail starts near Kingstree in Williamsburg County, and travels down to Rocky Point Community Forest in Georgetown County.

The park is so new both Google maps and Waze were completely flummoxed, they both thought I had gone rogue, and was off-roading in uncharted territory.

Tomb of Francis Marion

After the hike, I was able to visit another spot that is managed by SC Santee State Park, The Tomb of General Francis Marion.

The site is easily accessible, and well-maintained. It’s a lovely spot, truly a place to rest peacefully.

Here are some official links pertaining to this place:
From American Battlefield Trust
From the Lord Berkeley Conservation Trust
From the Daughters of the American Revolution

Pineville Chapel

Pineville Chapel history, location, photos

From the Library of Congress, Historical Building drawings

Biggin Church Ruins

During the American Revolution, ammunitions were stored in the church by British troops who, upon leaving, set the church on fire. It was rebuilt and burned again during a forest fire.