With the theme “Choosing to Protect Our Coast,” the Edisto Interpretive Center helps promote the wise use of coastal resources. It is headquarters for Edisto Beach State Park’s interpretive programs and curriculum-based field studies, and for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources’ education and research services. An exhibit in the center features interactive displays, including a touch tank, which helps visitors understand the fragile resources of the ACE Basin estuarine reserve, the largest such natural reserve on the East Coast.

The Interpretive Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Hawk Migration is one of natures most spectacular events. Each year thousands of hawks migrate south for the winter. These fascinating creatures make use of the prevailing wind currents as warm air from the valley below mixes with the cool air on the ridge of Caesars Head. The overlook provides a great opportunity to witness this annual event. Join us and learn about hawk migration and maybe witness part of this movement. Bring binoculars. Designed for ages 15 and older.

NOTICE: We will be lowering the cabin lake in order to do some maintenance in the swimming area. This should not impact the fishing program. If you have any questions, please contact the park directly.

Oconee State Park offers the joys of a mountain retreat without the work.

The historic park rests deep in the Blue Ridge foothills, with several picturesque but non-demanding hiking trails and well-kept cabins and campgrounds that have welcomed families for annual trips since the days the park was first built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.

The park’s fishing lakes offer bass and bream and the woods are full of wildlife, fur and feather alike.

Oconee State Park also serves as the southern trailhead for the Foothills Trail, an 80-mile wilderness hike on the dramatic Blue Ridge Escarpment on up to Table Rock. Adjacent to Sumter National Forest, the park also serves as a jumping off point to the nearby Chattooga and Chauga rivers, hotspots for whitewater rafting and trout fishing.

For those wanting to take it easy, Oconee State Park is an ideal destination. After all, its mailing address is the town of Mountain Rest.