9 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In South Carolina
Hiking in a state with so many mountain trails can be a difficult path to negotiate if you’re a novice or are dealing with a minor injury keeping you from the more strenuous trails. Whatever category you fall within, it can be a daunting task to do the homework to make sure the trail you pick matches your needs. Here’s a list to get you started.
From mountain waterfalls to a coastal forest along the beach, this spectacular list of easy hikes in South Carolina hits the mark. Enjoy!
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The trail leading to Yellow Branch Falls is 1.5 miles each way. Primarily, it's pretty easy but it's not all smooth sailing. There are some small staired hills to climb, a few bridges and then there's this stone-laden bridge crossing a small stream. In spite of these few pleasant surprises, the trail is still pretty easy for the novice hiker. Yellow Branch Falls Road is located at 2907-, 3023 SC-28, Walhalla, SC 29691.
The Sandhills Hiking Trail at Sesquicentennial State Park is an easy 1.9 mile loop around the beautiful lake. There are boardwalks, sandy trail beds and a waterfall. If "easy" is your mantra, then this is the trail for you. You'll find this state park at 9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223.
There are nine trails in this national park and many of them have a boardwalk as their primary surface. Most of them are rated easy; the shortest is three-tenths of a mile and the longest is 11.7 miles. The parks' website has great information about each trail here. You'll find Congaree National Park at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061.
Huntington Beach State Park has a two-mile hiking trail that has a boardwalk over a marsh and then hops off onto a sandy trail through a coastal forest. Beautiful! After, explore the beach and the popular "Atalaya Castle." Huntington Beach State Park is located at 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.
Perhaps one of the best kept secret state parks in South Carolina, Goodale S.P. puts on a stunning display no matter what season you visit. There's also a two-mile forested trail that's rated "easy." Take it and then take some amazing photos like this one before you leave. Goodale State Park is located at 650 Park Road, Camden, SC 29020.
For those who love history and the outdoors, the 1.5 mile "easy" Living History Farm Trail at Kings Mountain State Park is a must do! The path winds through a representative revolutionary-era farm with a two-story farmhouse, a barn, smokeshop, blacksmithing shop and more. Kings Mountain State Park is located at 1277 Park Rd, Blacksburg, SC 29702.
WIth over six miles of interconnecting trails the Caw Caw Interpretive Center's 650+ acres is the perfect place to explore and hike. Located in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry, this set of trails won't be challenging you to any steep climbs or quickly-dropping slopes. Caw Caw is located at 5200 Savannah Hwy, Ravenel, SC 29470.
This moderately easy hike is short and sweet and ends up at a viewing platform overlooking not one - but TWO waterfalls! Get an idea of how easy this trail is by watching the video below from YouTube user Jason Ireland. You can follow this group as they hike this trail.
Getting there requires walking through a private preserve. Location: From Pickens, SC follow the directions at this link
Getting there requires walking through a private preserve. Location: From Pickens, SC follow the directions at this link
The Canal Trail at this South Carolina State Park is an easy three miles roundtrip. Go in the month of May for the big money shot: the largest collection of Rocky Shoal Spider Lillies you'll find anywhere in the U.S. Landsford Canal State Park is located at 2051 Park Dr, Catawba, SC 29704.
With so many amazing choices here it’s likely going to be difficult to chose where to start. Which one is your favorite? We’d love to know in our comments – and to see pics if you’ve already hiked any of these.
Want more time outside? Here’s The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In South Carolina Who Loves The Outdoors.
