SC Trails

This excellent hiking and mountain biking trail is an official segment of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail that runs along the southern shore of Lake Whelchel in Gaffney.

This trail is marked with purple blazes and offers a bit of history, great views of the mountain, and a family friendly alternative to hiking up the steeper mountain trails.

The Lake Loop is seven miles of beautifully hand built single-track that can be enjoyed by mountain biking or hiking. The trail is very fast but has numerous logs to cross and two cool rock outcroppings that are each fun and challenging.

Take a hike or ride horseback on the Langley Pond Loop Trail, a 4.75 mile wooded trail winding through a cool canopy of lush woods. Langley Pond Park is also home to Aiken County's only championship level disc golf course.

This trail begins at the beach near Thoroughfare Creek Landing, and offers views of Longleaf Pine and Pocosin Bay communities. Sandy Island is also home to more than 40 families of the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.

Hiking into this 80-foot high waterfall involves a strenuous five-to-six hour hike of 8.4 miles from US 178 on the Foothills Trail. You will follow Laurel Creek and at times crisscrossing the stream on permanent bridges and at one point a suspension bridge.

This moderately difficult out and back trail is a section of three connecting trails within Poinsett State Park. Named after the rustic mountain laurel that surrounds it, this trail guides you through rugged terrain you would not expect in the lowlands of South Carolina.

This beautiful park site features several miles of running, walking, or biking trails that wind through a variety of landscapes.

This 1.2-mile trail is primarily used for mountain biking and is part the Clemson Experimental Forest trail system located in Central.

The best months to paddle this stream are October through May when the water level and flow is at its highest, but even so, be aware that there are several sections of the creek where you will have to portage due to blockage, or depending on your skill, rough water.

The Learning Trail at Harbison State Forest is an easy loop hike that starts at the Education Center and winds past some outdoor classrooms and a small vernal pond.

The 75-foot high falls has no official trail, but hikers have been making the difficult 1.5 mile trip here for hundreds of years.

Lee State Park sits along the winding and scenic Lynches River. The park’s twelve miles of trails provide horseback riders with the chance to view the wonders of the sandy coastal plains of South Carolina as well as the wetlands along the beautiful Lynches River.

Levi's is a short run that connects the picnic shelter to the overlook shelter.

The Lick Fork Lake Hiking Trail is an easy 1.9-mile loop surrounding the lake that provides scenic views of piedmont pines and hardwoods.

The 25-foot stack of Pigpen Falls and the two-tiered, 80-foot Licklog Falls are much prettier than their names imply. This hike is ideal for a family outing.

Lightsey Park offers a lighted and paved walking path, as well as playground equipment and picnic areas.

South Carolina natives and out-of-towners alike can find something fun to do in Santee State Park. Tucked away within the park, this is an easy, one-mile loop trail.

The trail is a natural surface path that follows the perimeter of the Limestone College Athletics Department, around the quarry, and up to the college's baseball fields.

Enjoy a playground and a walk around the park at this location in Taylors. There is also a picnic shelter, a basketball court and athletic fields.

Paddle down the canal to the Combahee River on this trail. On the Beaufort side you will pass Parker’s Plantation (former home of W. Summerset Maugham).

You will begin at the Old Ferry Landing, follow Little Bull Creek, and then return concurrent with the Red-cockaded Woodpecker Trail. Since you follow Little Bull Creek for part of the hike, be aware that the tides can influence the water levels.

Spanning three islands, encompassing 348 acres and providing access to 12 miles of Lake Murray shoreline, Dreher Island State Park is one of the Midlands’ most cherished natural sanctuaries. Visitors are drawn by a variety of recreational water activities, as well as the meandering nature trails.

The Little Pee Dee Scenic River is a 48-mile stretch that flows through Dillon County between the Marion and Marlboro County lines.

From Main Street, begin this occasionally hilly, paved park trail that winds along the Little River and Reedy Fork Creek.

This trail, located in Sumter, is perfect for an easy afternoon walk and picnic.

History and nature come together at this 6,883-acre park that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the late 1930s. The park features the Living History Farm, which offers visitors a chance to experience how South Carolina yeoman farmers lived during the 19th century.

To add more challenge and miles to the Southside Loop, add the Lizard Trail into your route.

The Long Cane Horse Trail is an intermediate 25+ mile trail network in Sumter National Forest between Abbeville and Greenwood, SC.