Recreation

Nature Lovers Paradise

Much of Abbeville County is a nature-lover's paradise where the outdoor sportsman can enjoy hunting, fishing and camping in a beautiful setting. There are also numerous possibilities for hiking and biking through the rural countryside. Scenic Highway 81 runs along the shores of Lake Russell. The Richard Russell Dam Overlook is located off this highway near Calhoun Falls, offering visitors breathtaking views of the dam and picnic facilities.

South of Abbeville itself is the Long Can District of the Sumter Natural Forest. Established in 1936 the forest is known for its wildlife management and recreation areas.

Parson's Mountain

Parson's Mountain Lake Recreation Lake Area, located off SC 28, a few miles south of Abbeville, is one of the best in the Forest with an extensive network of biking trails, a 26-mile horse trail and a motorcycle trail. Other attractions include hiking, hunting, camping and swimming in the lake.

The Parson's Mountain Area was once farmland, abandoned after the Civil War to return to the forest. Part o this was then flooded in the 1940s to create the lake itself. Commercial gold mining was also undertaken on Parson's Mountain in the late 18th century and the old mine shafts can still be seen along the nature trail.

Calhoun Falls State Park

The Calhoun Falls State Park is one mile north of Calhoun Falls, off Scenic Highway 81 and right on the shores of 26,000 acres of water known as Lake Russell. The park consists of 430 acres of woodlands and its facilities include 100 campsites, a 36-boat lighted marina, two boat ramps, a fishing pier, park store/tackle shop, swimming beach, bath houses, nature trails, wildlife observation areas, picnic area with shelters, playgrounds, and a community building. It is open all year round except for the swimming facilities which are seasonal.

Hunting

Hunting opportunities abound throughout the county particularly in the beautiful forested section going into McCormick County. Many types of hunting are available such as whitetail deer, wild turkey, quail and dove, both for bow hunting and guns. The county draws over 500 hunters a year who come to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and the abundance of game.

Little River Plantation, located between Abbeville and McCormick, offers full hunting services including a 16-person lodge, 5-stand shooting station, 3D archery course, rifle and pistol range. Hunters from all over the world come to the plantation and it particularly attracts many corporate customers with its 3 or 6-day hunts. (For reservations, call (864) 391-2300)

Fishing

Abbeville County abounds with abundant creeks, rivers and lades offering plenty of opportunity for different types of fishing. Lake Russell, built in 1985 is the newest of the Corps of Engineers hydroelectric lakes along the Savannah River and is located mostly in the county. The lake has 550 miles of shoreline in South Carolina and covers 26,650 acres. It also has around 1,500 acres of the lake which is flooded timber, an excellent habit for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, white bass, yellow perch, bluegill, catfish and trout. There are more than 12 public access points with boat ramps on the South Carolina side of Lake Russell.

Lake Secession is to be found along the Rocky River above the headwaters of Lake Russell and is owned by the City of Abbeville, primarily for municipal power production. This is a popular recreation spot with many private residences along the shoreline. Lake Secession is also the scene of the annual Fourth of July Boat Parade & Fireworks display.

Near Lowndesville, there is the Jim Rampey Recreation Area off SC 81 which is open for daily use. McCalla State Park nearby will also be developed as funding becomes available.