Paris Mountain State Park Launches ‘Seasonal Strolls’ Nature Series for Adults

Outdoor education at Paris Mountain State Park is no longer just for youth field trips. South Carolina State Parks has introduced Seasonal Strolls, a brand-new monthly guided nature series geared specifically toward adults looking to deepen their connection with the outdoors.

To lead the excursions, the park is welcoming back a familiar face: beloved retired ranger and naturalist Cathy Taylor. Each monthly two-hour walk invites community members to slow down, explore the park’s diverse foothill ecosystems, and learn practical naturalist skills across the changing seasons.

The recurring Tuesday morning lineup focuses on hands-on discovery and seasonal shifts throughout late summer and fall:

• Creek Explorations for Grown-Ups (Aug. 25, 9–11 AM): A late-summer field study wading into Mountain Creek. Participants will test water temperature and pH, evaluate ecosystem health, and search for local aquatic wildlife. (Meets at Sulphur Springs Shelter 6; water shoes recommended).

• Mindful Meander (Sept. 22, 9–11 AM): A sensory-focused walk marking the first day of fall along Sassafras Trail. Activities include forest bathing, journaling in provided notebooks, and exploring citizen-science mobile apps. (Meets at the Sulphur Springs Campfire Circle).

• Autumn’s Colors (Oct. 27, 9–11 AM): A 1.5-mile trek to Mountain Lake exploring the science and chemistry behind changing fall foliage, complete with hands-on tree and leaf identification. (Meets at Sulphur Springs Shelter 6).

• Reading the Woods (Nov. 17, 9–11 AM): A seasonal exploration along the Mountain Creek Trail focused on decoding landscape patterns, animal behaviors, and forest signs ahead of winter. (Meets at Shelters A & B).

Each stroll costs $6 per person (in addition to standard park admission) and is capped at 25 participants to maintain an intimate, small-group experience. While the curriculum is tailored for adults, curious naturalists of all ages are welcome to attend.