The Meadows at Black River State Park will officially open to guests Tuesday marking a significant milestone for South Carolina's state parks system.
Nestled along 70 miles of the Black River, Black River State Park is the 50th state park in South Carolina and the state's first-ever riverine network of public parks and paddle launches. The Meadows, situated at the core of the park, features four miles of recreational river frontage, a new paddle launch, picnic pavilion, scenic views and a half-mile long nature trail along the riverbank.
“Our state parks play an essential role in protecting South Carolina’s natural heritage and ensuring these lands and waters are preserved long into the future,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “The Meadows at Black River State Park will provide more opportunities for families and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty that defines our way of life.”
Governor McMaster, the Open Space Institute (OSI), the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT), partners and community members recently celebrated The Meadows opening with a ribbon cutting on March 27. The event marked years of collaborative work through the OSI-led Black River Initiative, which aims to reconnect rural Williamsburg and Georgetown County residents to the scenic natural resource, provide critical flood mitigation, and boost local tourism.
“With the opening of The Meadows, the community’s long‑standing hopes for public access to the land and water—as well as larger visions for preserving these remarkable landscapes for people and wildlife—are now becoming realities," said OSI's Sr. Vice President of Land for the Southeast.
As additional properties open, Black River State Park, at 9,000 acres and counting, will eventually be among the largest in the state park system.
The Meadows is located at 6252 US Highway 521 in Salters. Operating hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Admission is $3 adults, $1.50 South Carolinians (age 65 & older), $1 children (6 - 15) and free ages 5 and under.