Plans underway for first SC park in 20 years

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In most state parks, trails may follow the path of a river and even cross it a few times, but at South Carolina’s newest park, a tannin-dyed river is the trail itself.

The Black River Park is a 70-mile network of riverfront property spanning across Williamsburg and Georgetown counties. Unlike any of the state’s 47 other parks, the property’s primary trail is a river linking pockets of access points and protected land, such as Kingstree’s Black River Landing and Georgetown’s Rocky Point Community Forest.

Once access points are opened to the public — some later this year according to park officials — the network of locations will share a common brand to help paddlers access and navigate the river and maybe one day make use of primitive campgrounds, picnic shelters and hiking trails along the river.

The S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is concluding its master planning process for the first phase of park development, according to the agency.

“The Black River is located exclusively within the borders of our state, giving

South Carolina communities and entities the unique opportunity to work together to protect it,” S.C. State Parks Director Paul McCormack said in a news release. “Community partners and conservation nonprofits have really been the catalyst for this project, and State Parks is excited to play a supporting role in this historic endeavor.”

In February 2021, S.C. State Parks accepted the donation of the 310-acre “Hinds Canada” property from the Open Space Institute through financial assistance from The Nature Conservancy and the S.C. Conservation Bank.

Other planning partners for the park include the Black River Cypress Preserve, the Black Scenic River Advisory Council, the Butler Conservation Fund, Ducks Unlimited, Georgetown County, town of Andrews, town of Kingstree, Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments, Williamsburg County and Winyah River Alliance.

Earth Design is serving as consultant on the master plan.

The Black River provides drinking water for thousands, while its forests and vegetation create a critical floodplain to protect surrounding businesses and homes from flooding, the news release said. It has served as a local favorite fishing hole for generations of anglers. Organizers are hoping to expand and enhance these core roles that the Black River plays in the local community as the master plan develops, according to the release.

“For generations to come, the property donated to the state by the Open Space Institute will welcome South Carolinians as they experience the beauty and wonder of the Black River,” Open Space Institute Senior Project Director, Maria Whitehead, said in the release. The Open Space Institute is proud to have played a

role in the creation of this historic state park, and prouder yet to be part of the larger team of government agencies, community stakeholders, and neighbors who are joining forces to reimagine the Black River and its potential to provide increased recreational opportunities for residents, safeguard against the costs and dangers of flooding, and serve as a local economic draw.