Exploring the Palmetto State's Seven Wonders

SC7 trekkers led by Tom Mullikin.

Photo courtesy of SCNHC/ Michelle McCollum

Can you name South Carolina’s seven natural wonders? And if so, do you know how we can protect them for future generations?

The seven wonders include mountains and gorges in the west to scenic rivers and a barrier island on the Atlantic coast. This summer, adventurers on the monthlong South Carolina Seven (SC7) Expedition got to explore each one, and in the process learned about environmental stewardship from conservation leaders.

Camaraderie abounds on the monthlong journey.

Photo courtesy of SCNHC/ Michelle McCollum

This year marked the second annual iteration of SC7, which was created to help people of all ages connect to the environment. South Carolina National Heritage Corridor (SCNHC) hosted the monthlong journey in partnership with the South Carolina Floodwater Commission and Global Eco Adventures, a non-profit environmental education organization.

“The core organizations pulled in over 50 partners across the state to make this annual 30-day expedition a success,” says SCNHC Executive Director Michelle McCollum.

The SC7 itinerary followed the Palmetto Trail, which connects each of the state’s seven wonders. From east to west, they include: Sassafras Mountain, Jocassee Gorges, Chattooga River, Congaree National Park, Edisto River, Ace Basin, and Bulls Island. You can get a better sense of where the trip trekked this year by looking at the SC7 2021 Digital Field Guide.

The Expedition was led by Tom Mullikin, chair of the Governor’s South Carolina Floodwater Commission (SCFC). Mullikin is also known as a world-class explorer: his credentials include being named a National Geographic expert and a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society. Mullikin's current work at SCFC includes “leading the effort to build a flood-mitigating ocean-reef off the coast of South Carolina.”

Congaree National Park contains the largest old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern U.S.

Congaree National Park/ NPS Photo

To take in Natural Wonder #4, the SC7 crew journeyed on Day 17 to Congaree National Park. The park contains the largest old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern U.S. (NPS). Here, they hiked the Weston Lake Loop Trail and celebrated a Family Fun Day with a Park Naturalist.

According to Mullikin, SC7 provides not only an opportunity “to explore some of the most uniquely beautiful places on earth right here in South Carolina,” but also to “create international awareness of the natural treasures our state has to offer.” SC7 even published a digital Flora & Fauna Guide to highlight regional ecology associated with sites that the trekkers experience during the trip.

Members of the 2021 SC7 crew

Courtesy of SCNHC/ Michelle McCollum

Equally important to SC7’s mission is to provide environmental education and stewardship within the context of the ever-increasing climate change crisis.

Mullikin sees SC7 as “the perfect stage to highlight how South Carolina is leading the way in developing and advancing resiliency strategies to address adverse weather from a changing climate.”

The Expedition includes a series of “Fireside Chats” led by partners who are environmental experts. Topics this year included floodwater mitigation, conservation, and climate resilience.

“As more people are introduced to issues related to a changing climate, the more they begin to realize what can be done at a micro level on this global issue and how we can each play a part in effecting meaningful change,” says McCollum.

The rugged South Carolina coast at Bulls Island

Courtesy of Khyla Porter

This fall, a documentary film on the 2020 Expedition and climate change impact on South Carolina’s wonders will be available on the SCNHC website. Titled Higher Ground, the film was funded through the National Park Service Heritage Partnership Program. The SCNHC was proud to showcase the film during the Expedition this year on “Green Carpets premieres” across the state, attended by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and other community leaders, says McCollum.

This year, the trip’s last days brought travelers to their eastern terminus on the Atlantic Coast. Day 29 explored Bulls Island, one of many barrier islands that are part of Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor.

Liene and kids celebrate completing their trip along with Duke Gary (third from right), chef for the SC7 Expedition

Courtesy of Khyla Porter

This year’s many adventurers could take part in as many or as few days of the trip as they wanted. SC7 Expeditioner Liene, a mother of four, hiked over 60 miles with her kids.

“It was amazing!” says Liene, who carried her one-year-old on her back the whole way. “It was great that I could step back and not be a teacher for a while.”  

While Liene’s children had different favorite parts, each were full of excitement when asked about what they enjoyed most. Mikus (age 9) loved whitewater rafting day, while Lauris (age 11) said the best part was the Rainbow Falls hike. Vilis (age 6) exclaimed “I don’t like only half of it…I like every part!” With so many gems packed into one trip, it’s no wonder that it’s tough to choose a favorite.

Those who want to join in on the fun next year can stay tuned on the SC7 website for upcoming related events in the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor before next summer's 2022 Expedition.

The NHA Program's own take on SC7! Program Assistant Intern for Region 2 (South Atlantic-Gulf) Khyla Porter (far left) and Regional Coordinator Elisa Kunz (second from left) took part in the last few days of the Expedition. They are joined here at the finish line by SCNHC Environmental Education Director Abbey Stevens (second from right) and SCNHC Executive Director Michelle McCollum (far right).

Courtesy of Khyla Porter

2021 SC7 members geared up for rafting.

Courtesy of SCNHC/ Michelle McCollum

South Carolina National Heritage Corridor Environmental Education Director Abbey Stevens at the trip's eastern terminus on the state's Atlantic Coast.

Courtesy of Khyla Porter

Hearty 2021 expeditioners on the ferry to Bulls Island on Day 29 of SC7.

Courtesy of Khyla Porter

Sunset at Bulls Island.

Courtesy of Khyla Porter