Cochran Mill Nature Center, Palmetto

Shhh . . . if you use your outdoor voice at Cochran Mill Nature Center, you don't know what you'll miss. The private, not-for-profit environmental education facility is situated on 50 acres of territory with several pathways for explorers. Keeping your progress at a low volume while traversing these pathways is the best way to ensure some wildlife sightings. Follow the miles of heavily wooded hiking trails from the Nature Center to the waterfall, passing over bridges and ponds and past intricate outcroppings on the way. Visitors can also participate in the center's hands-on learning activities, and attend events such as family gatherings and day camps.