Kick Off Spring In South Carolina With These 7 Scenic Hikes Under One Mile
Few things are as sweet as reconnecting with nature after a winter filled with unpredictable weather, busy holidays, and more that keep us from enjoying the great outdoors as much as we’d like. This year, welcome the new season with a few short and sweet scenic hikes sure to boost your morale way more than your heart rate because the hikes below are all relatively easy and either right at – or well under – a mile in length. You’ll likely agree that these are some of the best hikes in South Carolina. So let’s get started!
Enjoy a less traveled trail that provides much peace and quiet on an adventure that takes you to a stunning cascading waterfall with ample spots to sit and enjoy the sights and the sounds. There is no clearly marked parking area, so use the map above and this link to guide you to the start of this one-mile loop located in Central, South Carolina. Learn more about what makes this one of the most scenic trails in South Carolina.
2. Woods Bay State Park - Lynchburg
Woods Bay State Park, 11020 Woods Bay Rd, Olanta, SC 29114, USA
Explore one of the most unique state parks in South Carolina which features a large, lone Carolina Bay. Although you can explore a mile long kayak and canoe trail inside of the mysterious Carolina Bay, a hike along the 1,150-foot boardwalk trail will give you an immersive experience as well. Be sure to watch out for the occasional alligator getting some sun on a lazy day. Learn more about why Woods Bay State Park is one of the most underrated state parks in South Carolina.
You're trek a super short 0.3 miles to the observation deck next to this lovely waterfall adjacent to Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel. Getting to the base of the falls takes considerably more effort and should probably be avoided in damp conditions. The trailhead begins in the parking lot at Tunnel Park in Walhalla. There's so much to enjoy about this scenic waterfall trail in South Carolina.
4. Sullivans Island Nature Trail - Sullivans Island
Sullivan's Island Nature Trail, Sullivan's Restaurant, Station 16 St S, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482, USA
Navigate this short trail featuring a forested tunnel of trees that ends up at the beach. We can't think of a better place to stop and relax for a while before heading back to your car! Find the trailhead at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Station 16 on Sullivans Island. It's also one of the most kid-friendly hikes in South Carolina if you're planning on traveling with the little ones.
5. Wildcat Wayside Nature Trail - Cleveland
Wildcat Wayside, 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Follow this one mile loop that begins at a roadside waterfall and trails through the forest to discover two more drops of the same set of falls. The video above, from YouTube user Swept Away With Jennifer Broome, gives a nice peek at the trail and some surprises you'll encounter along the way. You'll find the location of the small roadside parking area and the start of the trail at this Google Maps link. Learn more about this underrated waterfall trail in South Carolina.
Located at Andrew Jackson State Park, this 1.1-mile trail circles the pond and delivers stunning views. Find the trailhead inside the state park located at 196 Andrew Jackson Park Rd., Lancaster, SC 29720.
7. Twin Falls Lower Trail - Sunset
Twin Falls Trail, Waterfalls Rd, Sunset, SC 29685, USA
Last but not least on our list of the best hikes in South Carolina is the Twin Falls Lower Trail. You'll enjoy the ease of the hike to this double waterfall located within a nature preserve. Plan to pass at least part of the day in awe of the two falls; the higher of which is a 75-foot drop. The trail is easy, but you'll encounter a few rocks and some roots. Locate a parking area and the trailhead from this link on Googe Maps.
Do you agree that this list includes some of the best hikes in South Carolina? Which trails would you add? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you!
Address: Woods Bay State Park, 11020 Woods Bay Rd, Olanta, SC 29114, USA
Address: Issaqueena Falls, South Carolina 29691, USA
Address: Sullivan's Island Nature Trail, Sullivan's Restaurant, Station 16 St S, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482, USA
Address: Waldrop Stone Falls, Central, SC 29630, USA
Address: Wildcat Wayside, 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Address: Lancaster, SC 29720, USA
Address: Twin Falls Trail, Waterfalls Rd, Sunset, SC 29685, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in South Carolina
March 23, 2022
Beth C.
Are there any kid-friendly hikes in South Carolina?
South Carolina is brimming with family-friendly attractions, but we’re partial to the ones that are outside. If you’re looking for kid-friendly hikes, South Carolina will not disappoint! One of the best is located in Greenville. Lake Placid Loop is a short, 0.8-mile pathway situated in Paris Mountain State Park. Just 6 miles from Greenville, it’s the perfect destination for a quick family outing. Some more hikes that are appropriate for even the littlest adventurers include British Camp Trail in Clinton, Chau-Ram Falls Trail in Westminster, and Forty Acre Rock, between Kershaw and Lancaster. For more information about these trails, be sure to check out our previous article: 7 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In South Carolina That Are 1 Mile And Under.
What’s the most beautiful trail in South Carolina?
South Carolina has so many beautiful trails that it’s difficult to pinpoint the most beautiful of them. Of course, Congaree National Park is an easy contender. The oldest bottomland hardwood forest in the U.S., this region is something special. It’s here you’ll find over 25 miles of beautiful hiking trails, 2.4 miles of which are on boardwalks. If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, this park is a must! Check out some other beautiful hiking trails in South Carolina.
Address: Woods Bay State Park, 11020 Woods Bay Rd, Olanta, SC 29114, USA
Address: Issaqueena Falls, South Carolina 29691, USA
Address: Sullivan's Island Nature Trail, Sullivan's Restaurant, Station 16 St S, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482, USA
Address: Waldrop Stone Falls, Central, SC 29630, USA
Address: Wildcat Wayside, 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Address: Lancaster, SC 29720, USA
Address: Twin Falls Trail, Waterfalls Rd, Sunset, SC 29685, USA
South Carolina In Your Inbox
Thank you! You will receive your first email soon.
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
