Sumter County, SC

Cypress Park

(Sumter)

This park has a pond and a number of nice hiking trails.

Dillon Park

(Sumter)

This park has a variety of sports facilities, plus a series of paved trails for walking or bicycling.

Manchester State Forest

Quite a few trails run thru this forest and the adjacent Poinsett State Park, including the High Hills passage of the Palmetto Trail.

Mill Creek Park

This county park features a group of picnic tables overlooking a pond, with access to the Palmetto Trail.

Poinsett State Park

This secluded area on the edge of the Wateree Swamp has some really unusual scenery, combining mountainous terrain with moss-draped trees of the swampland. The Palmetto Trail passes thru here also.

Swan Lake — Iris Gardens

(Sumter)

The Swan Lake and Iris Gardens combine twenty-five species of Japanese irises and swans from around the world in a natural setting. From late May into June is usually the best time to view the iris. The wetland area has boardwalks running thru it. A large picnic shelter is available with a snack bar.

W. T. Tolar Public Boat Landing

This boat ramp is one of the few areas which provides public access to the Wateree River. Plenty of paved parking is available.

Woods Bay State Natural Area and Woods Bay Heritage Preserve

Visit Woods Bay State Park to see and learn about the mysterious natural phenomena known as the Carolina Bays. Trails and boardwalks lead you around the bay, where you will find plenty of interesting plants and animals.