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
5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Google Local/Isa Monfil
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
Persimmon Ridge Road, Persimmon Ridge Rd, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
alltrails/Lina Voloshin
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
2401 State Park Rd, Greenville, SC 29609, USA
alltrails/Russell Austin
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!

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4. Issaqueena Falls
Stumphouse Tunnel Road, Stumphouse Tunnel Rd, South Carolina, USA
TripAdvisor/Papa-Ratzi
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
2401 State Park Rd, Greenville, SC 29609, USA
alltrails/Rebecca Rogers
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
Burrells Ford Road, Burrells Ford Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
alltrails/Sean Hogan
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
406 S Glassy Mountain Church Rd, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
alltrails/Stephen Eaton
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!

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Hiking Trails For Beginners

Tori Jane | February 13, 2023
  1. What are some of the best hiking trails for beginners in South Carolina? 

South Carolina is home to thousands of miles of amazing hiking trails just waiting to be explored, and many of those miles are nice, easy, and perfect for beginners. Some of our favorite easy hikes for beginners in South Carolina are:  

  • Issaqueena Falls – The hike to this stunning waterfall is just 0.3 miles long – and the payoff is amazing! 
  • Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail – This trail is just over a half-mile long and features nice, soft sand to sink your toes into.  
  • Lake Placid Loop at Paris Mountain State Park – Another top-notch, easy waterfall hike in SC that’s sure to please at just 0.8 miles in length.  

 

Learn more about all these easy SC hiking trails and more!   

  1. What are some of the easiest trails in South Carolina? 

Of course, the list of easy hikes in South Carolina doesn’t end with just the above. There are dozens – if not more – of other easy hikes in SC worth doing. Some of our other favorite easy trails in South Carolina are:  

  • Yellow Branch Falls – This one’s a little longer, at three and a half miles long, but the waterfall is amazing!  
  • Lake Haigler Loop – 3.3 miles of wonderful water views, bird watching, wildlife, and more.  
  • The Doodle Trail – This one’s paved and lengthy, making it ideal for bikes and those who enjoy long hikes.  

 

Learn more about each of these awesome, easy hikes in SC and more.   

  1. What are some other amazing SC hiking trails to add to my bucket list? 

But wait, there’s more! Other awesome SC hiking trails that are sure to thrill you are gems like:  

  • Table Rock Trail – This one’s a challenge, but the rewards – and the incredible views – are worth it.  
  • The Palmetto Peak to Passage Trail – This one’s perfect during the spring and a favorite among mountain bikers.  
  • The Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve – An interesting hike for anyone intrigued by the unique geology of the region!  

 

Learn more about some of the best hiking trails in South Carolina that belong on your bucket list.  

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