Underrated National Forest Hikes in South Carolina That Rival 4 National Park Hikes

With 47 state parks, three national forests, and eight national wildlife refuges in South Carolina, you can bet you’re never too far away from an outdoor adventure. Some of my favorite forest hikes in South Carolina are filled with such beautiful scenery that they rival some of the most famous national park hikes! Whether you’re a beginner hiker or a seasoned pro, don’t sleep on these epic forest hikes in South Carolina—they showcase some of the best parts of the state.

Table Rock Trail - Table Rock State Park

Rivals: Endless Wall Trail at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Starting off with one of the most popular hiking trails in South Carolina, the Table Rock Trail is a must-do. Clocking in at nearly seven miles with an elevation gain north of 2,300 feet, it’s certainly not the easiest trail in the state. Those who are willing to push themselves will have the ultimate reward: a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and lake below. 

Boardwalk Loop - Congaree National Park

Rivals: Anhinga Trail at Everglades National Park

Congaree National Park’s 26,692 acres are one of the best places to take a forest hike in South Carolina. Wandering through the old-growth bottomland hardwood forest (the largest in the country!) is a magical experience. While you wander, keep an ear out for some of the resident woodpeckers in the area! You’ll certainly hear them banging away on the trees. The loop trail is roughly two miles and stroller-friendly, so bring the youngest nature lover out for the adventure. 

Yellow Branch Falls - Sumter National Forest

Rivals: Deep Creek Waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

There are dozens of hiking trails in Sumter National Forest. Many of them will lead to waterfalls, like the Yellow Branch Falls Trail. The out-and-back trail is about three miles and takes you to a beautiful 50-foot waterfall. Waterfall hikes are tricky because you want to visit them after a good downpour so you can see the falls in full glory, but that often means that the trail will be muddy. Make sure you’ve got some good hiking boots for this one.

Palmetto Trail: Awendaw Passage - Francis Marion National Forest

Rivals Jordan Pond Path at Acadia National Park

Awendaw Passage is the last section of the 500-mile Palmetto Trail that runs across the state from the mountains to the coast. The Awendaw Passage Trail is just shy of 10 miles, but has very little elevation gain (131 feet), so it’s not too strenuous. While it is a fairly popular trail, you should still be able to have some sections to yourself. Keep an eye out for deer!

Regardless of the trail’s length or difficulty, it’s always a good idea to have a trail map handy. We love AllTrails for many reasons, one of which is its simplicity. With a trusty trail map downloaded to your device before you hit the trailhead, you can confidently tackle any number of hiking trails in South Carolina. Feeling inspired? Check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.