May Forest State Park sits on just over twelve acres of James Island dirt. Its brand new to the state park system. Honestly, the coolest part is the history. The Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy lived here for decades before selling the property in 2023. You can still see their brick convent and a chapel right on the grounds. Massive, moss-draped live oaks shade the paths. Then, you hit the waterfront. Fort Sumter sits right out there in the harbor. Pretty wild view.

Do not expect miles of grueling hiking trails here. You won't find them. Instead, this place is all about a slow walk under the maritime forest canopy. Grab a bench. Watch the container ships slide past the horizon. Because it is so fresh on the map, the park service is still figuring out long-term plans for the historic buildings. But right now, it offers a rare, peaceful pocket of green in a rapidly growing coastal area. Bring a notebook or a camera. You will want to capture the light filtering through the Spanish moss. It is seriously that good.

For decades, Catholic nuns walked these quiet paths. The Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy bought the 42-acre property along the Stono River back in 1961. Before that, it was a private estate. Actually, long before the estate, enslaved laborers worked this marshy ground. The sisters built a convent. They hosted spiritual retreats and operated their ministry here for over sixty years. But maintenance costs got too high. Developers eyed the deep-water docks, eager to build luxury condos. So, the state bought it in 2023. A major win for conservation.

If you visit, you can still see their history carved into the dirt. A small, solemn cemetery sits near the woods, where several of the sisters rest under simple headstones. The mid-century chapel is the real standout. Built in the late 1960s, it features dramatic rooflines and stained glass that catches the afternoon sun. It feels quiet. Massive, moss-draped live oaks shade the walking paths. Some of these trees actually witnessed the Civil War skirmishes that happened nearby. Walk down to the river. You can practically hear the old chapel bells ringing across the water.

South Carolina offers a variety of Park Passports. You can read more about the South Carolina Park Passports and order online by visiting the SOUTH CAROLINA PARK PASSPORTS web page.