SC Trails

High Hills of Santee in Sumter County was named for the high, sandy ridges that are part of the Sandhills geographical region. These rolling hills are the remains of an ancient ocean shoreline found in the Carolinas and Georgia. Over time, the beach sand and shells transformed into rock, called coquina, which can be seen today throughout Poinsett State Park.

This easy paddling section makes for a nice day trip. You will not see many signs of human habitation, although, you may see an abundance of animals and birds including herons, eagles, and American egrets. You will pass under a railroad trestle and a power line, which you can use to gauge your progress. Numerous sandbars along the way provide an opportunity to stop for lunch or just to rest a bit.

Located in South Carolina’s well-known Santee Cooper Country, Santee State Park sits along Lake Marion. The Park offers this looped trail for hikers and mountain bikers, which is considered moderate due to its length.

Hilltop is a 0.5-mile, moderately difficult, out-and-back path nestled between the Laurel Group and Coquina Nature Trails in Poinsett State Park.

This Walt Schrader nature trail circles a pond and winds through diverse wetland and prairie habitats in Historic Brattonsville.

A variety of tours await Historic Camden visitors. Admission to Historic Camden includes a self-guided tour with access to their two log cabin permanent museum exhibits.

The Historic Retreat Road Nature Trails is a straight, easy-to-hike, mile long forested path that connects the Rivers Bridge Battlefield with the Rivers Bridge Civil War Memorial Grounds.

Charles Towne Landing visitors are encouraged to stroll through the original settlement area of 1670-1680 complete with reconstructed fortifications, protective palisade and crop garden.

Hitchcock Woods in Aiken, South Carolina, is among the largest urban forests in the nation, with about 2,100 acres of forestland resources. The trails are open to the public, on horseback or on foot, from dawn to dusk 365 days a year. Admission is free of charge, thanks to donor support.

The Hood Center Trail is a level, paved, bidirectional multi-use trail along quiet streets near The Baxter Hood Center and York Technical College. This section is part of a Park to Park Bike Route that connects Glencairn Garden to Manchester Meadows.