This far into the South, there are certain seasons that are just ripe for a wonderful hike – and this is one of them! Round up your hiking boots and head to Keowee-Toxaway State Park to hike over the state’s only known natural bridge and get ready for a fun-filled day of adventure.
If you have yet to discover Keowee-Toxaway State Park, it’s located along the shores of the stunning Lake Keowee - an 18,500-acre lake in the Upstate.
TripAdvisor/Sarah C
At 1,000 acres, it’s not the largest state park in the portfolio, but it sure packs a punch with the space it has.
AllTrails/Phellie Ty In addition to campsites for RVs and tents, the park also has hike-in primitive sites, a single three-bedroom cabin, picnic shelters, and a launch for canoes and kayaks. Additionally, there are two amazing trails.
One of them, the Natural Bridge Trail, offers visitors the chance to walk over what just might be the state’s only natural bridge.
AllTrails/Stephanie Conway
It’s found on a 1.3-mile loop trail that begins at the park office.
AllTrails/Andrew Cordan All Trails rates this hike as ‘moderate,’ likely because of the 219-foot elevation gain. But you’ll be happy about those steps when you get to the top and see the view looking out over the lake!
And in the right season, along the way you’ll discover some unbelievably pretty flora.
AllTrails/Danielle Lawson
From the Bowman’s Root to the Mountain Laurel and even a huge number of blueberry plants, you’re sure to love the sights along the way as you make your way to the natural bridge.
AllTrails/Liene K
Natural bridges come in many forms, but the key is to have that water flowing beneath the stone… and you’ll find it here!
AllTrails/William Lavine
It not only does just that, but it then drops into an aqua plunge pool at the base of a little waterfall that spills under the bridge.
AllTrails/Ashley Hare
If you take your time and enjoy the sights along the way you should be able to finish this short hike in under 90 minutes. When you’re done, check out the rest of the park or go sit by the lake and reflect.
TripAdvisor/Sarah C
AllTrails/Phellie Ty
In addition to campsites for RVs and tents, the park also has hike-in primitive sites, a single three-bedroom cabin, picnic shelters, and a launch for canoes and kayaks. Additionally, there are two amazing trails.
AllTrails/Stephanie Conway
AllTrails/Andrew Cordan
All Trails rates this hike as ‘moderate,’ likely because of the 219-foot elevation gain. But you’ll be happy about those steps when you get to the top and see the view looking out over the lake!
AllTrails/Danielle Lawson
AllTrails/Liene K
AllTrails/William Lavine
AllTrails/Ashley Hare
Learn more about the Keowee-Toxaway Natural Bridge Trail from our friends at AllTrails.com. And find out more about Keowee-Toxaway State Park, including hours and admission fees, here.
For another spot to discover the beauty of Lake Keowee, head over to High Falls County Park on the shores of the lake. And if you’re curious how the initial filling of Lake Keowee could be to blame for setting off an earthquake, keep reading here.
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Address: Keowee Toxaway State Park, 108 Residence Dr, Sunset, SC 29685, USA
