Taking the plunge to start hiking, or know someone who is? For that person in your life (even if it's you) who just doesn't enjoy the overwhelming thought of hiking a trail that becomes too difficult halfway through the trek, the following list is ideal for mountain hiking adventures for beginner hikers. These seven hiking trails for beginners in SC are so nice even experienced hikers will enjoy the trek, too!

1. Wildcat Wayside Trail

This one-mile loop known as the Wildcat Wayside Trail follows a roadside waterfall up the creek to view two more waterfalls before it meanders back to the starting point located on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway (SC-11). There are stairs here, but overall it's a pleasant hike — even for the hiking (un)enthusiast in your life. Be sure to avoid the temptation to venture out onto the rocks that surround the waterfalls and creek... they are slippery, even if they look fine.

Allow this mesmerizing 4k walkthrough to show you what an amazingly beautiful little slice of paradise this is:

2. Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve Trail #1

Who says mountain trail hiking means you have to climb a mountain? The #1 trail at this nature preserve is a short 0.5-mile loop that follows Slickum Creek for a short while and then ascends a whopping 52 feet to the top of a huge granite bluff where the views seem endless. Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery!

3. Sulphur Springs Trail

Take the more adventurous non-hiker in your life along on this trail and you just may take credit for upping their enthusiasm for future hiking adventures. Although the trail has no real technical maneuvers, it is a bit more challenging at 3.8 miles in length and with a total elevation change of 582 feet — but the payoff is astounding when you reach the old 1930s stone dam in the middle of the woods!

4. Issaqueena Falls

It's a mere 0.3 miles round trip to the top of Issaqueena Falls at Tunnel Park in Walhalla. The cascading waterfall drops 100 feet over stacked rocks and even has a small cave under a ledge where, legend has it, a Native American princess escaped attackers trying to kill her. You can read all about it on the info kiosk at the entrance to the trail.

Enjoy this amazing video that offers a stunning glimpse of this amazing South Carolina waterfall:

5. Lake Placid Loop

Circle the 13-acre Lake Placid at Paris Mountain State Park for an easily conquered 0.8-mile trek that is perfect for beginners. Be sure to carve out enough time to stand on the footbridge that crosses the plunge pool for the reservoir spillway so you can enjoy the cool mist from the water.

6. King Creek Falls

The King Creek Falls trail is an easy-to-moderate trail spanning a total of 1.7 miles out and back. The payoff at the end is a 70-foot waterfall that chutes down a cascade and into a golden plunge pool at the base. Don't bring small children on this one and if you're a beginner, come prepared for a few challenges, like occasional trail obstacles you may have to climb over (downed trees, mainly) and you'll need to pay more attention to your footing on this hike, especially after a rain.

We can't get enough of this stunning video depicting the falls and everything wonderful about them:

7. Glassy Mountain Trail

This 1.3-mile trail near Pickens is perfect for kids just learning to hike. There is a small uphill challenge that's rewarded with incredible views. Then, the loop trail converts into an old road as you wind back to the trailhead.

Do you have a person in your life who doesn't enjoy the thought of hiking? Think you can get them on one of these trails? We'd love to know if you've already tried ...

Love taking the kids hiking but just aren't sure about kid-friendly trails in South Carolina? Need hiking trails for beginners - as in very beginners? Check out our favorite kid-friendly likes in South Carolina for some inspiration!