If you’re looking for the best places for hiking in South Carolina, then you’re going to find plenty of amazing locations on this list!
So, you’re looking for the best places for hiking in South Carolina?
The good news is, that you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled all our top hiking locations in South Caroline into this amazing list, so you have all the inspiration in one place!
Is South Carolina a good place for hiking?
Heck yes! There are some beautiful places for hiking in South Carolina, and plenty of them too!
So let’s get into it and find out all the best places for hiking in South Carolina!
Our top 15 places for hiking in South Carolina…
Caw Caw Trail
If you’re searching for the best places for hiking in South Carolina, you can’t beat the Caw Caw Trail.
Spanning just 3 miles and covering flat ground, it’s an ideal hike for the whole family.
What makes this an excellent spot for hiking in South Carolina is largely down to the flora and fauna that you’ll find along the trail.
Not only does it boast gorgeous flowers that bloom along the wide fields, but you’ll spot herons, eagles, and other local birds soaring above you as you trek through the luscious vegetation.
The pathways here are well-trodden, so you won’t struggle to find your way through the brush. However, as you’re walking, I recommend keeping your eye out for turtles, frogs, and fish that are often found swimming in the streams here.
Offering the perfect setting for stretching your legs and getting those steps in, this is the perfect spot for hiking in South Carolina as a family.
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Raven Cliff Falls
The next spot on our list of the top places for hiking in South Carolina? It’s Raven Cliff Falls!
If you’re wondering how this glorious spot got its name, it’s down to the ravens that breed high in the cliffs above this extensive loop.
Believe it or not, there are over 150 different species around here. So, you’re guaranteed to see a few!
Although it’s one of the longer loops on our list of hiking places in South Carolina, it’s worth the trek as you’ll be met with a towering 420-foot waterfall in the middle of your journey.
The falls may be the main draw, but don’t miss the scenic river edges, impressive rock formations, and glimmering streams that you’ll pass along the way.
As one of the most scenic areas for hiking in South Carolina, you don’t want to miss Raven Cliff Falls.
Swamp Rabbit Trail
Swamp Rabbit Trail is a pleasant spot for hiking in South Carolina that’s tucked away in Greenville.
This famous trail passes along the Reedy River and takes you through the downtown area, various city parks, and even an old railway line.
What makes this one of the best areas for hiking in South Carolina is the amount of ground that you’ll cover.
The trail spans an incredible 21 miles across Greenville, so it allows you to cover the entire city without whipping off your hiking boots!
Read more about hiking in the USA: 10 beautiful waterfalls near Seattle!
Coldspring Branch Loop
We couldn’t create a list of the best places for hiking in South Carolina without including the Coldspring Branch Loop in Cleveland!
This incredible loop is part of Caesar’s Head State Park, and it’s packed with challenging climbs, steep descents, and exciting wildlife spotting opportunities.
It spans 5.2 miles, so it’s not the longest loop on our list of areas for hiking in South Carolina.
However, it’s a tricky route that’s ideal for visitors looking for solitude and the chance to experience the beauty of nature while getting their hearts pumping!
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Table Rock Trail
The Table Rock Trail in Pickens is a great spot for hiking in South Carolina if you’re relatively experienced.
The entire trail is approximately 6.4 miles, but it’s not the easiest hike in the world.
As it’s quite steep, features a lot of stairs, and takes approximately 5 hours to cover as a round-trip, it’s not suitable for beginners.
The first few miles of the trail are characterized by glorious streams, gushing waterfalls, and panoramas over the countryside. As you progress, you’ll find several shelters for relaxing or taking a breather (for lunch, of course!), and an incredible view from the top of the peak.
If you decide to go hiking in South Carolina and want to include the Table Rock Trail, you’ll need a reliable pair of walking boots with excellent grip.
Paris Mountain State Park
If you happen to be visiting Greenville, then you’ll adore our next area for hiking in South Carolina.
It’s one of the longer trails on our list and comes in at 15 miles for the entire loop.
Although the trail is considered moderate to difficult, the impressive views along the way are worth persevering with.
Before leaving, you’ll want to check out the glorious waterfall spillway that’s visible from the roadside!
Botany Bay Beach Walk
If you’re looking for gorgeous beachside views and impressive waves, then you’ll want to head on the Botany Bay Beach Walk while you’re hiking in South Carolina.
This trail should be manageable for every fitness level, as most of the trail is flat (phew!).
Less than a mile into the hike, you’ll spot saltmarsh, bizarre-looking trees, and glimmering seashells that are strewn across the entire shoreline.
Although you can admire the shells, it’s strictly forbidden to take any home with you.
Seriously, there’s a very hefty fine for taking shells away, and there’s a dedicated team of volunteers keeping tabs on this activity all the time.
Oh, and if you’re planning on going hiking in South Carolina around any beaches, keep an eye on the tide schedule and plan your visit outside of high tide hours.
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Boardwalk Loop Trail
Another excellent place to visit for hiking in South Carolina is the Boardwalk Loop Trail.
Located in Congaree National Park, this place boasts the largest area of old-growth hardwood forest that remains intact in the Southeastern USA.
The boardwalk raises you six feet off the ground, protecting you from the mucky swamplands below and allowing you to get up close and personal with the beautiful scenery.
If you look up, you’ll also spot adorable woodpeckers, towering cypress trees, and turtles snapping around the Weston Lake area.
This is one of the areas for hiking in South Carolina to take your time exploring. There are hidden treasures around every corner, so I don’t advise rushing through!
Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail
Anyone looking for hiking in South Carolina that covers historical areas will appreciate everything that the Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail has to offer.
Tucked away in Walhalla, this 5-mile trail takes you through to an abandoned railway that was built in the 1800s.
Although it’s no longer in use, it once transported locals and visitors between Charleston and Ohio Valley before work was halted during the Civil War.
As you go walk, keep an eye out for wonderful views of Issaqueena Falls, local fauna, and unique plant life that thrives in the South Carolina area.
Awendaw Passage
If you’re planning to go hiking in South Carolina for the first time, we highly recommend checking out the Awendaw Passage.
Although it spans 8 miles (or 16 if you’re planning to do a round-trip!), it’s surprisingly easy thanks to low elevation levels and well-trodden paths.
The trail starts at the Buck Hall Recreation Trailhead and passes through the Francis Marion Forest which boasts everything from enormous trees to marshlands.
It’s also one of the best places for hiking in South Carolina if you’re here for wildlife spotting, as several local birds and deer call this area home!
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Twin Falls
Twin Falls is one of the best places to visit for hiking in South Carolina as it’s easy and takes you past a truly gorgeous waterfall.
Not only is the trail easy on the feet and knees (which is perfect for tiny tykes on their first hike!), but we can’t name a single person that wouldn’t be impressed by the double waterfall that awaits you just minutes from the start of the trailhead.
It really is one of the most beautiful places to go hiking in South Carolina!
Falls Creek Waterfall Trail
Although Falls Creek Waterfall Trail is one of the shortest walks on our list of places to go hiking in South Carolina, it’s certainly not easy!
With an above-average difficulty rating, this tricky walk in Marietta will test even the most seasoned hikers.
The trail only runs for 1.9 miles, so you can easily take an hour out of your day to cover this out-and-back trail.
The waterfall itself is 125 feet high and is worth a spot on anyone’s Instagram feed – trust us.
You’ll just need to persevere through a few rather difficult steep climbs to get to it!
Read more about hiking in the USA: 10 Beautiful waterfalls near Los Angeles!
Congaree National Park Trails
If you’re looking for truly excellent places for hiking in South Carolina, you can’t beat the Congaree National Park Trails.
Located in the charming area of Hopkins, this hardwood forest is home to over 25 miles of hiking trails that can take you days to complete.
There are several moderate trails (like the Weston Lake Trail!), but it’s worth checking out the Oakridge Trail if you’re up for a challenge.
However, the Bluff Trail, Sims Trail, and Kingsnake Trail are all solid options for hiking in South Carolina that won’t disappoint even the most experienced trekkers.
Palmetto Trail
The Palmetto Trail is among the best places for hiking in South Carolina, and it’s the longest option on our list by a significant margin.
Spanning an incredible 425 miles, it’s a monster.
Not many people will ever be able to cover the entire thing, which is why we suggest checking out the pleasant 7-mile stretch in Awendaw Park.
You’ll get to see plenty of local flora and fauna without completely wearing out your hiking boots, which is always a plus in our books!
Read more about hiking in the USA: 20 beautiful waterfalls in New York State
The Foothills Trail
The final spot on our list of the best places for hiking in South Carolina is the Foothills Trail.
Located near Mountain Rest and Lake Jocassee, it may be the most aesthetically pleasing hike that we’ve come across.
Although we don’t recommend hiking in South Carolina during the wintertime (as you’ll have to layer up!), the trail is technically open to visitors year-round.
It’s worth noting that you probably won’t get to cover all of it as the entire trail is an incredible 77 miles long.
However, you can totally pick out a few sections and tackle them with sturdy hiking boots and plenty of determination.
Hopefully, this list of the best places for hiking in South Carolina has been useful!
Has this list of the best places for hiking in South Carolina given you loads of ideas? We hope so!
Which location on our list of the best places for hiking in South Carolina, will you want to try first?
