A Passion for Parks
The Ultimate Outsider program is just what the name implies. It’s ultimate and it’s outside. The program is designed for those who love the outdoors and enjoy visiting the S.C. state parks. Participants explore each of the 47 parks with a chance to earn perks. The benefits include the opportunity to participate in planned events and challenges, as well as the gratification of knowing you completed the program. Many park explorers continue with the program even after finishing it the first time.
What started a little over ten years ago in 2013 when the first person completed the program has grown to nearly 4,000 members, according to Sarah Pardue, the former operations manager. Pardue worked with the program until a recent change in roles. She explained that the program is point-tiered with rewards. Official program guides, like booklets, can be ordered online or picked up at a state park. The guides list the parks, show photos of what to expect, and provide information on each of them such as what to see, things to do, and addresses. Once participants complete exploring a park they can get an ink stamp as proof that they have been there, like a passport. There is no specified time limit in which to complete the visits. Once a participant finishes visiting all the parks and has all the stamps, it is verified by a park ranger and the member can get a T-shirt by mail.
Jean Burke-McIntyre has been in the program for about ten years. “I started my journey to be an Ultimate Outsider in early 2014 and completed it in July 2016 at Hunting Island State Park,” she said. “My favorite hike is the Table Rock trail in Table Rock State Park. This is a strenuous hike and I feel quite accomplished when I am done.”
Sheila Frame is another member who visited her first park, Table Rock Park, in December 2021. She finished the program in June 2023 at Poinsett State Park. “It took me approximately a year and a half. I am sure some people complete the program quicker, but I tried to spend time at each park to get to know more about what each park had to offer,” Frame said. “Plus, I enjoyed walking in the parks that had trails.”
Each park varies from another based on what it offers. It might be green space, open air, campsites, trails, hilly terrain, historical sites, or coastal views. Activities include paddling on lakes, rivers or the ocean, hiking, bird watching, fishing, picnicking, and geocaching. Or simply curl up with a book under the shade of a giant oak tree. You can look for native wildflowers, photograph a South Carolina sunset, and embrace Mother Nature. “Each park has something different and special,” Frame said. “The parks along the coast have beach areas and interesting wildlife including shore birds and turtle hatchlings.” The list goes on with so much to offer and many ways to make memories while exploring the parks.
Ultimate Outsider members have the benefits of participating in park events, like the first-day hikes and ranger-guided hikes. “I enjoy the first-day hikes held on January 1st of each year, and the ranger-led hikes throughout the year. Typically, the hikes guided by a ranger are more interesting because they are so knowledgeable about the historical significance of the park and/or special one-of-a-kind features of the park,” Frame said. “For example, Landsford Canal State Park has the rare spider lily which blooms in May. It is the largest growth of the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily in the United States. Three of the state parks are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: Table Rock, Poinsett, and Sesquicentennial.”
Parks are located throughout the state. Once all 47 parks have been explored and verified, the fun does not have to stop. A scavenger hunt creates a little adventure and a way to further explore. “Once you complete the program, it is not over. You become eligible to download the Goosechase app where participants have a chance to go for a hunt at parks around the state to find features, people, and animals,” Frame explained. “From finding a picture of a ranger leading a hike, or a reenactment of South Carolina history, to finding a sign in a park, the app gives you challenges that will help you learn more about the parks as you visit. Every time you find and complete a challenge, you submit your proof, either by taking a picture or having your location geotagged via the app to earn points. Once you reach a certain level of points in the app, you receive recognition either by earning South Carolina State Park swag, or credit towards the State Park gift shops.”
Since the parks can be explored at the participant’s own pace and time, it is feasible for anyone who appreciates the beauty of South Carolina’s state parks. Frame suggests not rushing things and taking the time to genuinely enjoy being outside. “Go with friends or family to make it more memorable. If they like to hike, the trails are not too difficult,” she said. “There are children who have finished the program, and most parks have plenty of recreation for children aside from hiking.”