Discover Chesterfield County

In Chesterfield County, you can explore nature watching, outdoor trails, history, and local events as different travel interests. The Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is located in the county; Cheraw, Pageland, and Ruby offer additional cultural, historical, and festive attractions.

Nature and wildlife watching

The Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge encompasses habitats on sandy soils, pocosins, open fields, wooded ridges, wetlands, and open water. Nearly 200 bird species live in the refuge, including the red-cockaded woodpecker and various migratory birds. The paved Visitors Drive and about 140 miles of unpaved gravel and dirt roads make wildlife watching and nature photography possible. This brings both birdlife and varied landscapes into focus as themes for a nature getaway.

In the Pee Dee region, Sugarloaf Mountain rises as an isolated bedrock monadnock above the comparatively flat surroundings. This distinctive geological formation contrasts with the relative flatness of the region and offers another perspective on its landscape.

Trails and water activities

Cheraw State Park combines activities on Lake Juniper with trails on land. The lake covers 360 acres and offers fishing for bass, sunfish, and catfish; you will need a valid South Carolina fishing license. A boat ramp provides access to Lake Juniper for private boats with motors of no more than 10 horsepower. The Turkey Oak Trail is a 4.5-mile loop that includes a shorter 2-mile loop. The park also has extensive biking trails.

In the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, the 0.7-mile Pine Barrens Gentian Trail connects to Tate’s Trail and follows a forest path to Lake 12. If you want to compare trail lengths, you’ll find different options: a short connection in the refuge and, at Cheraw State Park, a longer loop with a shorter loop option. Your choice depends on which area and trail length you want to include in your plans.

History and culture in Cheraw and the surrounding area

Cheraw’s historic district covers 213 acres and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The self-guided Historic Cheraw Self-Guided Walking Tour passes 75 homes, shops, churches, and parks. The Cheraw African American Heritage History Guide offers another perspective, highlighting 45 historic sites. At the Southern African American Heritage Center, you can find documents and artifacts relating to Chesterfield County’s history and culture from the 19th century through the mid-20th century; guided tours of African American landmarks in downtown Cheraw are also offered.

Individual buildings and their histories also give your visit a specific focus. St. David’s Episcopal Church in Cheraw was founded in 1768. Militia soldiers and British soldiers who died while encamped there are buried in the cemetery. The Mt. Croghan Historic Museum is housed in an early-20th-century building and displays local artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia. The McBee Railroad Museum is housed in a restored depot and shares the region’s railroad history through artifacts and exhibits.

In Pageland, the Ball Theatre is a movie theater and entertainment venue in the historic downtown. Together with the history offerings in Cheraw, these provide different cultural experiences: a self-guided tour, sites highlighting African American history, exhibits, and a downtown movie theater.

Events and trip planning

The Pageland Watermelon Festival is an annual agricultural festival featuring a parade, a 5K run, live entertainment, a rodeo, and family activities. Ruby Jubilee is also held annually in Ruby and features music, food, family activities, local artists, and crafts. Downtown Cheraw hosts an annual spring celebration with live music, local crafts, food, and family-friendly entertainment. The Sandblast Rally is an off-road motorsports event held mainly against the backdrop of the Sand Hills State Forest and the H. Cooper Black Recreation Facility.

At McLeod Farms, visitors can pick their own strawberries and pumpkins. If you plan to pick your own, check availability for your travel dates. It’s also a good idea to check the specific event dates in advance when planning a trip to a festival.

Discover more destinations: Cheraw, Pageland, Ruby, Hampton County, Williamsburg County, Dorchester County, Oconee County, Kershaw County.

For the broader travel overview: South Carolina.