The SC7 Expedition is once again exploring the state from the mountains to the sea, this year in July 2025! The name South Carolina 7 represents seven natural wonders in our state, including National Geographic-recognized ecological areas and historical sites such as the Jocassee Gorges, Sassafras Mountain, and the Chattooga River.
Kidding Around covered this epic month-long event in 2021; you can find everything about that year’s route in our article South Carolina’s Top 30 Beautiful Natural Spots! This year the team is following a similar path across the state, with a few new locations – including several in the Upstate.
What is the SC7 Expedition
The first SC7 expedition took place in July of 2020, following the Palmetto Trail across the state to highlight the ‘Carolina 7,’ seven geographic wonders unique to the Palmetto State. The purpose of the expedition was to bring attention to the natural marvels that need our protection, and the multitude of outdoor adventures that await us in our own backyard.
Along the way, the expedition discusses topics such as conservation, adult & childhood fitness, outdoor therapy, floodwater mitigation issues, and more. This year the SC7 will continue to include a “family expedition” aspect, and everyone is invited to join in on the fun of exploring the state that we call home – from the mountains to the sea!
Get Started on the SC7 Expedition
First things first: download your free copy of the 2025 SC7 Expedition Field Guide! A day-by-day handbook for this year’s expedition, it contains trail information, local places to see, and information on the various outings. Even if you’re not joining the expedition on the trail, the guide is a tremendous resource for exploring the various regions of South Carolina!
You can also download the SC7 Outdoor Adventure Book, perfect for kids who are joining in. The booklet has tons of information about our state, fun facts about wildlife, ecological principles, and so much more!
Next, check your calendar for the public participation days. The 2025 SC7 Expedition Field Guide has more information on how to participate, or you can follow along virtually through daily Facebook and Instagram videos.
The expedition will be in the Upstate the first 9 days of July, though some of the Midlands locations can be done in a day trip from Greenville/Spartanburg, including the Enoree Passage of the Palmetto Trail, Congaree National Park, and Columbia.
2025 SC7 Key Events
July 1st-30th, 2025: SC7 The Kick-off event statewide will happen on July 1st, 2025. Hikes & adventures in the Upstate from rafting the Chattooga river, the Oconee Passage, Sassafras Mountain, Jocassee Gorges, Jones Gap State Park, downtown Greenville, the Swamp Rabbit Trail, Yellow Branch Falls, Table Rock Trail, Boundless Pointe, and more.
July 1st, 2025 : Kickoff Event!
Oconee Passage Hike – Join the Lt. Governor, Oconee County Legislative Delegation and the general public for the annual Kick-off Ceremony at Oconee Station State Historical Site, a backcountry military garrison and trading post from the 1790s. From the park, the team will hike to the popular Station Cove Falls. One of the prettiest in the county, the waterfall is a majestic 60-foot, tiered cascade. After time at the falls, the group will return to the park
July 9th, 2025: Dog Days of Summer – Take a scenic hike from Unity Park to Falls Park along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, one of Greenville’s most popular greenways. This leisurely route follows the Reedy River and offers beautiful views, shaded paths, and plenty of places to pause and enjoy the surroundings. It’s the perfect outing for nature lovers—and their four-legged companion
SC7 Key Events in the Midlands
July 15th, 2025 : Hike Congaree National Park – We’ll explore Congaree National Park, home to the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the U.S. Known as the “Redwoods of the East,” the park features towering trees, including a 167-foot loblolly pine, just shy of the tallest tree in the East. After the South Carolina Wildlife Federation will be giving a presentation.
SC7 Key Events in the Lowcountry
July 27th, 2025: Tube the Edisto River – The Edisto River gets its name from the Native American word edisto, meaning “black,” a reference to the river’s dark, tea-colored water caused by tannins from decaying leaves and vegetation. It holds the distinction of being the longest free-flowing blackwater river in the United States—and one of the longest of its kind in the world. To participate you will need to bring your own gear or ent some on site.
The Adventure Continues
There is so much to do and see in South Carolina that it will take far longer than just a month to get to it all. And, while it is exciting to join an expedition to explore your way across the state, it can be just as thrilling to discover new places with your children and family.
It is our hope that the destinations featured here can serve as an outline to get you started, a framework for travel and exploration across the state!! Happy adventuring, South Carolina!
Follow the South Carolina 7 Expedition on Facebook South Carolina 7 | Facebook
SC7 on Instagram: South Carolina 7 (@sc7wonders)
Love the Outdoors?
Learn more about Things to Do Outdoors near Greenville, SC in our guide.