South Carolina attracts visitors with its picturesque beauty. Over 400 hiking trails meander through dense forests to reach mountain summits or end at a beautiful waterfall. You’ll also find some trails that take you along the beach and offer gorgeous ocean views. Here are some of the best hikes in South Carolina, having different difficulty levels, hiking along which you could enjoy the scenery at every step.
Caw Caw Trail is one of the best day hike trails in South Carolina, particularly for families and nature lovers, due to the flat terrain and unending scenery all around. Located close to Charleston, the trail takes one through swamps, marshes, and wetlands. You could sit on the benches along the way and enjoy spotting several birds like egrets, herons, and bald eagles perching atop towering trees or flying overhead. The boardwalks and flat paths are not overly crowded and can be accessed by anyone. However, before you start hiking, be sure to collect the trail map from the Caw Caw Interpretive Center at the trailhead and get a quick insight into the area’s history and foliage.
Bringing your dogs to hike the trail is not permissible. Also, remember to maintain a safe distance while witnessing the alligators in the swampy areas.
Length: About 3 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: All year round
If you’re up for some challenge, you could try hiking this loop trail. You will have to tread along steep paths with switchbacks, maneuver ladders, and scramble over rock faces. As there are more than 150 species of ravens residing on the cliff top, it has been named so. The views of the lush vegetation, wildflowers, and rock formation all along the loop trail will undoubtedly make your strenuous hike a rewarding one. Besides this, the cliff’s main attraction, the 420-foot awe-inspiring waterfall, provides a visual treat and some relaxation to weary hikers before they continue treading along the loop trail.
Do wear a pair of waterproof shoes as some parts of the trail can be wet and muddy. Though dogs are allowed, the difficult terrain wouldn’t be ideal for them to access.
Length: About 8.8 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: All year long
One of the most popular trails, Table Rock Trail, attracts experienced hikers to try out their skills while enjoying the picturesque landscape. Hiking the extremely steep inclines and scrambling over the boulders is indeed strenuous, but you will be rewarded with the breathtaking views from the top of Table Rock Mountain. Besides this, you can also witness Carrick Creek Falls and take in the views from the overlook at Governor’s Rock. Do bring plenty of water and snacks to help you keep going. On your return, don’t miss taking a dip at the Carrick Creek to remove all your weariness. Accessing it requires an entry fee of about $6 per adult, $ 3.75 per senior, $3.5 per child, and free for toddlers till the age of 5. You could also bring your four-legged companions with you, but do keep them on leash.
Length: About 7 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: All year round
This well-maintained short and easy trail offers hikers a blend of history and a visual treat. Do not expect the trail to be all by yourself, particularly on weekends, as its beauty and easy accessibility draw numerous visitors to tread along it.
The trail starts at the historic site of Oconee Station, an abandoned stone blockhouse that the South Carolina State Militia used as an outpost from 1792 to 1799. Traversing through a swamp and an old-growth Sumter National Forest, it reaches the lovely 80-foot Station Falls on a relatively flat terrain. You could spend some time wading or splashing water in the pool below and have a picnic while taking in the waterfall views. The scenic ponds, natural bridges, and blooming wildflowers along the route add to the beauty. Your dogs, too, can tag along with you to enjoy walking in the natural setting.
Length: About 1.6 miles (round-trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: March to May
The 6-foot raised boardwalk loops shortly into the heart of Congaree National Forest, offering hikers an experience of having entered the world of Jurassic Park. The trail is easy to access and wheelchair and stroller-friendly, making it one of the most popular hikes in South Carolina. To reach its trailhead at Harry Hampton Visitor Center, just a short drive from Columbia is required. You can collect a self-guided walk brochure from the visitor center before you start your hike.
As the trail meanders through an old-growth forest, the towering cypress and pine trees provide shade all along the way. You will also get plenty of opportunities to spot various wildlife species, including alligators, deer, woodpeckers, owls, and hawks. Since the trail sometimes gets flooded or blocked due to downed trees, do remember to call and check with the officials before you plan your trip.
Length: About 2 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: All year round
This trail within Jones Gap State Park is a must-hike if you enjoy waterfalls and consider yourself physically fit. Many visitors are deceived by the easy start along the flat terrain. However, the trail soon gains elevation requiring one to hike along the rocky uphill paths and climb steep stone and wooden stairs. The payoff, though, is not at all disappointing, as you will end your strenuous hike in front of a gorgeous waterfall cascading into the Cox Camp Creek. Do wear a pair of sturdy waterproof shoes and carry sufficient water with you.
Do keep in mind to reserve a parking space if you plan to visit the state park before 2 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.
Length: About 4.4 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: March to October
Awendaw Passage is the final section of the iconic 500-mile Palmetto Trail, requiring a leisurely walk on a flat surface. You can either begin your hike from Buck Hall Recreation Area, Awendaw Canoe Launch Trailhead, or Swamp Fox Trailhead. If starting your hike from Buck Hall Trailhead, you will have to pay a parking fee of about $ 7 per vehicle.
The trail is well-maintained, and the scenic views all along will not make you feel bored for a moment. Traversing through dense hardwood forests and salt marshes, it offers opportunities to view birds like egrets, herons, ibis, and various songbirds. Do put on a pair of waterproof shoes as you will have to cross creeks and muddy parts. Also, bring an insect repellant if hiking in summer to keep away from the menace of mosquitoes and flies.
Length: About 8.2 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: All year round
One of the well-traversed trails of Paris Mountain State Park, Sulphur Springs Trail, takes one through a mixed pine and hardwood forest to the scenic Mountain Lake and a large old rocky dam. Though one can access it in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, many hikers prefer choosing the former option. Rated as moderate on the difficulty level, the trail is exposed to rocks and roots and has steep inclines and declines. However, the views of blooming rhododendrons, cascading waterfalls, various wildlife species, and sightseeing make the trail ideal for a day hike. Do carry a bug spray on hot days to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
Length: About 4.5 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All year round
A popular getaway hike, Raven Rock Loop Trail traverses through the former lands of Cherokee Indians in Keowee-Toxaway State Park. Though it begins with an easy hike along a natural bridge, the trail soon gains elevation and descends steeply to reach Lake Keowee. The views of the pristine lake with a backdrop of mountains appear stunning. With an attractive campsite on the lakeshore, you can plan to stay overnight. However, do remember to reserve it in advance at the ranger station.
Length: About 4.2 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: April to October
Botany Bay Beach Walk boasts incredible ocean views as you take a stroll on it. The beach area is filled with shells of different sizes and shapes, providing excellent photo opportunities. However, keeping any is not permissible and would result in paying a hefty fine. If planning a visit, make sure to go at low tide to see the beach in all its glory. Also, do keep in mind that it is a day-use area, and the beach remains closed on Tuesdays. Dogs are not allowed in the beach at Botany Bay.
Length: About 1.8 miles (round-trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: All year round
To enjoy a blend of history and adventure, you can consider hiking along the Blue Ridge Railroad Historical Trail. Located near downtown Walhalla, the trail offers spectacular views of Isaqueena Falls, rich flora and fauna, and an abandoned Saddleback Tunnels at the end. You would also find many signs giving an insight into the area’s flora and the history of the railroad. There are a few steep, slippery, and muddy sections which make the trail moderately difficult. Your little pups can tag along with you only if they’re on leash. Wear full-sleeved clothes and bring a bug spray for mosquitoes in summer.
Length: About 4 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All year long
Foothills Trail is a must-hike if planning a backpacking adventure. Even though it is an incredibly strenuous workout, every step is worth it. You can either start hiking from Oconee State Park or Table Rock State Park. As it mainly traverses through Sumter National Forest and Elliott Rock Wilderness, you will be rewarded with spectacular scenery throughout the trail. The steep ascents and descents are surely going to test your skills. You would find many excellent campsites where you can spend an overnight. Hiking the entire trail would require about five to six days. It is highly recommended not to overpack and make your bags heavy.
Length: About 71.5 miles (point to point)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: March to November
You will find the trailhead of Sassafras Mountain after crossing Highway 178. The trail is a combination of steep inclines, wooden steps, and level sections, taking you to the top of the mountain through a deciduous forest setting. Once you reach the top, the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are sure to leave you spellbound. There is also an observation tower that offers more breathtaking panoramic views.
Length: About 9 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: April to September
Hiking the Carrick Creek Trail in Table Rock State Park would be ideal for a quick hike with moderate challenges. It requires you to tread along steep inclines and declines, scramble over rocks, and cross the stream quite a few times. Despite the challenges, you will witness the picturesque landscape with little cascades and waterfalls, including Carrick Creek Falls. Also, the views of Table Rock from the trail are jaw-dropping. The water features also appear impressive in winter, making the hike ideal throughout the year.
Length: About 2 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All year round
Hiking along the moderate terrain of this trail in Walhalla will lead you to a 50-foot lovely waterfall flowing in several separate cascades. Though it starts as an easy hike, the trail consists of many steep inclines and declines. If you have a bad knee, think twice before attempting the hike. Do wear waterproof shoes to cross the streams and bring your picnic baskets to enjoy a meal by the waterfall. From the trail’s end, you can also enjoy the distant views of Walhalla when the trees are fewer leaves or are entirely bare, particularly in winter.
Length: About 3 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All year round
TOP PICKS
Best Waterfall Hikes: Rainbow Falls Trail, Yellow Branch Falls Trail, Raven Falls Trail and Dismal Trail Loop
Best Mountain Hikes: Table Rock Trail, Sassafras Mountain Trail, Raven Rock Loop Trail
Best Winter Hikes: Yellow Branch Falls Trail, Carrick Creek Trail, Awendaw Passage
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