SC Trails

Plunging over a granite cliff surrounded by granite walls, Rainbow Falls is spectacular. In the spring, azalea, meadow rue, and Solomon's plume envelope many of the boulders.

This 400-foot waterfall of Matthews Creek is one of the most scenic and photographed waterfalls in the state. It was named for the ravens that breed in the high cliffs forming the falls. Over 180 species of birds have been identified in this region.

Hikers ascend and descend around McKinney Mountain to a rocky area near the top where trail enthusiasts will be treated to a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west while surrounded by mountain laurel, blueberries, and Bowman’s root.

This is the largest of three loop trails in the Manchester Forest and basically follows the perimeter of the area bordered by SC 261 and Sumter County Roads S-43-51 and S-43-808.

Hikers will experience wetlands areas and bluffs, which at only 40 feet above sea level are the highest points in Georgetown County. The only access to this 3.9-mile loop trail on Sandy Island is by private boat.

Just one of several historic plantations South Carolina is known for, Redcliffe provides a setting for exploring the experiences of the enslaved, as well as the larger institution of slavery, and reflects the historical experiences and impact of the white and black families who lived and worked at the site.The extant slave quarters, mansion and iconic lane of magnolia trees planted in 1860 serve to highlight the plantation’s rich and varied history.

Travelers along Oconee County’s US 76 would never know that just a short walk from the two-lane roadway is a beautiful 30-foot waterfall tucked among the towering trees of Sumter National Forest.

This trip down the Reedy River is the best 3 to 4 hour float in the area. 

This National Recreation Trail follows the Lynches Scenic River from Lynches River County Park to the confluence with the Pee Dee River and an upstream section of the Great Pee Dee River to just below the confluence with the Lynches.

The Ridge Trail is a connector between the Pinnacle Mountain and Table Rock trails. If you ascend the rugged Pinnacle Mountain Trail to the orange-blazed stones at the apex, the Ridge Trail provides an alternate descent.

While exploring Ridge Spring, use the Kids in Parks "A Walk Through Ridge Spring" brochure to learn more about the history of the buildings and art you are passing, as well as go on a scavenger hunt for different items and artwork that can be found around downtown. From tractors to peach art, there is something to be discovered around every corner! 

This natural surface hiking trail connects Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Military Park.

This ADA accessible walking path is made of recycled, rubberized material, and also offers four exercise stations along the trail. Let the children play in the enclosed playground as you watch their every movement while walking along the trail.

This is one of those trails where the moderate 45-minute hike along a recently constructed trail is alone worth your hiking time.

There are several huge rock formations, the most famous being Weight Watchers rock, a formation with an opening you can walk through if you are thin enough. Also, users will be treated to some striking views of Cleveland Cliff and Rainbow Falls.

This trail leads to the Congaree River, the lifeblood of the park's great natural diversity. Approximately ten times a year the river overflows its banks and pulses water through the bottomland forest. When the river is low, a large sandbar may be visible. Much of the forest along the river was logged prior to the park's establishment and vegetation here is noticeably denser than that of other trails.

The River Birch Trail is a hiking trail that parallels Lawson's Fork Creek, nearby Spartanburg Senior High School.

Cypress wading in dark water along the shore are just part of the scenic view of trees and wildlife visible on the River Bluff Trail.

From either parking area, begin this network of well-marked, color-coded, easy-to-follow nature trails that wind along the Catawba River, Manchester Creek and surrounding wetland. As you pass beneath tall trees, including black walnut, shagbark hickory, and sycamore, you may see a variety of birds, snakes, and other wildlife.

This scenic and paved trail is located in Lyman at River Place Park. The trail features a lovely bridge that crosses the Middle Tyger River.

Step back in time with a self-guided journey along the River Trail. The 3/10-mile paved pathway begins at the end of the Saluda River Bridge and curves through woodlands along the river’s edge to the Saluda Mill ruins and Interpretive Center.

This beloved City of Columbia park provides a flat, easy-walking, paved trail that follows the old towpath of the Columbia Canal—which had a brief career in the 19th century, but became obsolete because of the railroads.

This self-guided trail details the Battle of Rivers Bridge by way of interpretive panels along the trail. Ranger-guided tours of one of the most well-preserved Civil War sites in South Carolina, which includes still-intact earthen fortifications, are also given throughout the year.

The nature trail at Rivers Bridge State Historic Site winds through the old campground road and leads in to the natural setting of a sandhills region forest.

This hiking trail runs through the woods along a small creek in the suburbs of Greenwood, SC. Follow the wooden posts along the row of pine trees, pass between the two posts at the end of the lawn, and descend the grassy slope.

There’s plenty of climbing, fast down hills and hard-packed sections to satisfy even expert riders at Croft State Park, but this is an easier mountain bike trail.

The Rock Hill Blackjacks Heritage Preserve covers 291 acres at the edge of the city of Rock Hill in York County. The Preserve is a blend of prairie-like meadows, wetlands, upland swamps, lichen-covered boulders, wildflowers, wildlife and forests, including the blackjack oaks. This small area is all that remains of the once widespread prairie system in South Carolina.

Approximately 6 – 7 total miles of trail are available at the Rock Hill Outdoor Cener with varying levels of difficulty - easy, difficult, and most difficult. Interesting features of the trails include views of the Catawba River and the Carhart Mansion ruins along with challenging terrain.

The Town of Little Mountain provides an excellent hiking trail where visitors will discover a small creek. There is a water fountain, picnic shelter and restrooms located near the parking area.