This is one of the few state parks that SCAN has not yet visited. Although the park hosts field trials and equestrian events, they are almost never held in the summer so we should have the place mostly to ourselves. I hope that we can spread out and explore some of the 7,000 acres, including three ponds and several fields in the extensive pine woods. A fourth pond is being developed, and I was told that this area is good for snakes. The park is near several areas SCAN has visited in the past, including Cheraw State Park, Sandhills State Forest, and Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge.
There are lots of trails and sand/gravel roads – more than we can hope to cover in one day. But this means that you can easily adjust your activities to your energy level and the weather conditions. The park is open 24/7 so you can arrive early and stay late if you want. Both developed and primitive campsites are available. Admission is $3.00, with a 50% discount for seniors. Camping fees depend upon the type of campsite.
Address: 279 Sporting Dog Way, Cheraw, SC 29520
Website: H Cooper Black | South Carolina Parks Official Site
Driving Directions: From Cheraw: Take Hwy. 1 South for approximately 5.6 miles. Turn left onto Society Hill Rd and travel 4.5 miles. Turn right onto H. Cooper Road for 1.3 miles. Turn left onto Sporting Dog Trail.
From Florence: Take Hwy. 52 North. Pass through Society Hill and travel approximately 3 miles. Turn left onto Society Hill Rd. and travel 3 miles. Turn left onto H. Cooper Road for 1.3 miles. Turn left onto Sporting Dog Trail.
Park in the Day Parking area near the Office; make sure not to block the horse stalls by the Office. There should not be many horses present during our visit. If there are any, they have the right of way. [It’s too hot in August for horses; I will refrain from comments about SCAN.] After our morning meeting, you can head out to check out your chosen areas. There are bathrooms in the central developed area and occasional porta potties in other areas. There are of course numerous blue and pink bushes throughout.
Our originally planned location, Great Pee Dee Heritage Preserve, has had extensive logging this year for habitat restoration. We will get it back on the schedule when we are sure that the logging is complete and that equipment and gravel is not taking up much of the relatively small parking area.
Regional Director:
Caroline Eastman
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Cheraw, Sports events in Cheraw.
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