These 14 Incredible Hiking Spots in South Carolina Are Out Of This World
South Carolina is, by its perfect location, a hiker’s delight. From the mountains of the upstate to the lowlands of the coast and coastal islands, South Carolina is rife with hiking trails for every experience level. We recommend you get out that backpack and lace up those boots because we have the 14 best hiking trails in South Carolina that are sure to please!
1. Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve (Kershaw, SC)
Forty Acre Rock Preserve actually spans 2, 267 acres, however, the rock itself is really only 14 acres. There are many trails for hikers to enjoy and the biodiversity of the preserve is astounding.
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Congaree National Park is home to the oldest bottomland hardwood forest in the U.S. There are over 25 miles of hiking trails and 2.4 miles of that are boardwalk. There are even Ranger guided tours on Saturdays year around!
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Teeming with wildlife, this forested wetland is not only good for hikers seeking a change from the mountain scenery, but also a paradise for wildlife and bird enthusiasts. There are miles and miles for the experienced hiker, but there is also a 1.75 mile boardwalk that is wheelchair accessible. In fact, all facilities here are wheelchair accessible and they also have them to borrow if necessary.
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This is a 75-mile trail that travels across the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Be prepared for all the wildlife that you may run into such as black bear, white-tailed deer, and bald eagles. This place is also home to some rare wildflowers so don't forget to take your camera!
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Who knows how many miles of trails are here, but there are many and they cover 11,000 acres! Made for the adventurer. There is also an interactive ecology center, however, be aware that there are only a limited amount of parking spaces and you could run into delays getting into the park as well as admission fees.
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6. Paris Mountain Sulphur Springs Trail (Greenville, SC)
Get your burn on with this one! The trail will take you up and down rocky slopes, through forests, and back again for a 3.5 mile loop. Don't forget to bring insect repellant with you!
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The trail comprises approximately 7.5 miles. On a scale of 1-10, it is ranked a 2-3 with some steep climbing here and there. In years, there have been some graffiti and littering. Please leave only your footprints. Oh, and don't forget insect spray in the warm months.
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Ready for a workout? If so, this trail was made for you! It is 8.8 miles and rates a 7 out of 10 on the difficulty scale, but, oh, the sites you will see complete with a waterfall and a walk over a suspension bridge (not for the faint of heart).
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It is 9.9 miles of amazing vistas including the French Broad River Valley. This is a hike for the experienced hiker. Note, you will need two cars for this one; one at each end of the trail as this is a one-way hike.
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1,400 acres of breathtaking nature in the heart of Columbia, SC, this park offers so much including the much needed getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Family-friendly and pet-friendly with a load of amenities. Note that there is an admission fee.
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Some say this hike is strenuous and some say that it is moderate. My guess is it depends on your physical ability. I would wear some really good shoes either way and take a bottle or two of water. This hike is 6.8 miles and a section cuts through a field of boulders! The view at the top is one amazing, jaw-dropping sight and well worth every step.
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Also known as the "Mountains of the Midlands", there are plenty of nature trails and amazing sights to see from beginning to end. Definitely family friendly hikes and pet friendly. The best part besides all the beauty that will be surrounding you? It's free!
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Wanting something different? I've got just the hike for you! You will have to do a little planning and take a ferry to get to this island, but you won't ever regret it. Left mostly to its own devices, this island offers stunning sights. Hikers will come across the 1.5 mile Boneyard Beach where Red Cedars and Live Oaks have become skeletons of their former selves.
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A nice sized park with plenty of land to cover, Cedar Falls is just in the beginning of its hiking age. They have one trail, which is paved and rated super easy, open now that passes by Cedar Falls. Many trails will be marked in the future as well as other amenities added to the park.
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Don’t you want to get out those hiking shoes now after reading about the best hiking trails in South Carolina? I know I do! For me, there is nothing better than getting in the middle of nature. My stress goes way down while my happiness reaches beyond the skies. The great part of it is South Carolina has every level of nature enthusiast covered from easy to difficult trails.
With all the State Parks and hidden trails, I’m sure I have missed someone’s favorite so I encourage you to share your favorite by nominating it here. Happy Hiking!
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Address: 40 Acre Rock Heritage Preserve, 2207 Conservancy Rd, Kershaw, SC 29067, USA
Address: Congaree National Park, South Carolina, USA
Address: 1391 F Van Clayton Memorial Hwy, Sunset, SC 29685, USA
Address: Sesquicentennial State Park, 9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223, USA
Address: Table Rock State Park, 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Address: Poinsett State Park, 6660 Poinsett Park Rd, Wedgefield, SC 29168, USA
Address: Bull Island, South Carolina 29429, USA
Address: Cedar Falls Park, 201 Cedar Falls Rd, Fountain Inn, SC 29644, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hiking Trails In South Carolina
June 05, 2020
Leah
What are the best hikes with a view in South Carolina?
There are many scenic trails in South Carolina that'll give you an amazing look at the state's landscapes. You can view multiple stunning waterfalls in one hike by taking the Wildcat Wayside Trail located just off of the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway, near Cleveland, SC. The trail starts with a roadside waterfall and then takes you to two more lovely falls, all in one convenient loop. Take an incredible hike on Folly Island with a view of a lighthouse as a reward. The entire walk is on a paved road and is a mere 0.33 miles, with a picture-perfect view of the Morris Island Lighthouse awaiting you at the end.
Which state parks should I visit in South Carolina?
You can experience some of the most beautiful spots in South Carolina by visiting some of the state's awesome state parks. Hunting Island State Park is one of the most visited ones in the state for a good reason - people love the natural beauty, wildlife, lighthouse views, and everything else it has to offer. Kings Mountain State Park is great if you want to see "living history." The historic farm there includes a barn, carpenter, blacksmith, and cotton gin, and it'll take you back in time. For a fun day in the sun, try Lake Hartwell State Park. This park is ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing. Whether you go out on a boat or enjoy it from the shores or dock, it's perfect for a memorable summer day.
Which hikes in South Carolina are short and sweet?
You can take an outdoor adventure in South Carolina with the whole family, whether or not you're all expert hikers or casual strollers. There are short, easy hikes with equally as worthy views as longer treks here. The Glassy Mountain Trail, located near Pickens, SC, is only 1.3 miles and great for families with kids. It's a bit uphill but will take you to a spot where you can see for miles and miles. The Jomeokee Trail is great for a bit of a workout while only being just under a mile in length. It's located on the Pilot Mountain and has out-of-this-world panoramic views of the surrounding area. Paris Mountain State Park has a great trail for beginners, the Lake Placid Loop, that is 0.8 miles and will take you to some of the prettiest spots in the park.
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Gwen is an author, artist, illustrator, graphic designer, mother, wife, and part-time super hero. She loves to tackle her dreams head on and takes life by storm. Coffee is her best friend and a good book cannot be beat! When does she have the time, you ask? Well...do you really need that much sleep?
