Outdoor Activities

View from Stockade Fort down walking trail

Ninety Six National Historic Site

The visitor center hours are from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Wednesday - Sunday. The visitor center is closed Monday and Tuesday. However, if you park outside of our front gate you may visit the park grounds from daylight to dusk. The gates are locked from 4:30 pm until 8:30 am daily.

Visit during one of our special events and experience the sights, smells, and sounds of Colonial and Revolutionary War life including touring our historic structure.

Stay safe during your visit and help protect the park by following these rules.

Tours: The Park offers ranger-led tours throughout the year especially around special events and programs. Check the park schedule of events or ask in the visitor center dates and times. Check out the Park's bulletin board for the latest park information and event schedule.

Historic Interpretive Trail: The paved 1 mile walking trail includes wayside signs, the reconstructed siege works and Stockade Fort, original 1781 Star Fort, town site of old Ninety Six, historic roads, and more. The trail begins and ends at the visitor parking lot. Horses, bikes, skateboards, etc. are not allowed on the trail. There are 2 small hills (the larger one is located by the Stockade Fort). Ask in the Visitor Center for a map. (approx. 45 mins)

Hiking Trails: The Park has several primitive trails, including the Cherokee Path, Gouedy Trail, Fiserhman's Trail and more. Ask in the Visitor Center for a trail map or visit the brochures page. Be sure that you are safe while hiking. Look over safety tips on our History Can Hurt page.

Horse Trails: The park has several trails that are available to horseback riders. The trails may close after rain events. Please check the park website (www.nps.gov/nisi/) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ninetysixnps/) for alerts, or call the park at 864-543-4068. For more detailed information about where to park your trailer and where you may ride, please visit this page.

Picnic Area: The picnic area is located just down the trail from the log house nearby the parking lot. Six to eight tables are available. Two picnic tables are handicap accessible. Tables are available on a first-come, first-serve basis; no reservations needed for most visitors. Groups of 15 or more people must obtain a special use permit. Picnicking is allowed in designated area only.

Star Fort Pond: Located at the back of our property along Hwy 246 is the Star Fort Pond, a 27-acre lake. Fishing is allowed Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday April 1 to November 1. Fishing may begin 30 minutes before sunrise and must end 30 minutes after sunset. Boats/canoes/kayaks are allowed but may only be propelled by paddle or electronic trolling motors. All boats must meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements for operation and equipment.

Guided Birdwalks:
Tuesday Morning Birdwalks: Guided birdwalks are offered every Tuesday morning at 8:00am at the Star Fort Pond. Join us for a slow paced 1.5 mile walk around the pond as we identify birds. A limited number of binoculars are available for checkout. Please check our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ninetysixnps/) for alerts or cancellations.
First Saturday Birdwalks:Guided birdwalks are offered on the first Saturday of the month at 8:00am. Meet at the Star Fort Pond. Join us for a slow paced 1.5 mile walk around the pond as we identify birds. A limited number of binoculars are available for checkout. Please check our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ninetysixnps/) for alerts or cancellations.

There are many opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing throughout the park.