South Carolina Hiking

In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is 1,100 acre Oconee State Park. The Park is surrounded by the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest and has copious nature and trails which meander through pine and hardwood forest. The trails range from short and easy to long and difficult and are shared by hikers, bikers, and horseback riders alike. You will see indigenous flora and fauna, magnificent waterfalls, and incredible rock formations.

The trails that are a bit leisurely, you will find South Carolina’s coastal region, or Low Country, to be the perfect place to stretch your legs. At Hunting Island State Park (link to page on scguide) you will find a 3 mile area of sand and shore and some shorter trails inside the park.

The ACE Basin National Wildlife Center has two areas—the Combahee River side and the section along the Edisto River. These sections offer plenty of opportunity for exploration. In the Combahee area there is a 3 mile hiking path where you are sure to see interesting birds or even an alligator. The path’s scenery includes marshes, river dikes, former rice fields, irrigation canals and ponds.

At the Sea Pines Forest Preserve in Hilton Head, you will find almost 8 miles of hiking trails through maritime forest and over marshland. The paths are clearly marked and are built on former rice field dikes and logging trails.

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge has more than 14 miles of trails through marsh, maritime forest, and fresh water ponds. You can pick up a map of the region at the kiosk in the parking area, and then choose the hike that suits your pleasure. One option is the 8 mile round trip to White Point where for waterways meet.

In Charleston, be sure visit the CawCaw Interpretive Center with its 8 self guided trails. As you hike the trails, there are interpretive kiosks which describe the many habitats you pass through. Be sure to hike the 3.2 mile Habitat Loop where you will see many animals. The area is home to more than 200 species of birds, 30 species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles, including snakes and alligators. Insect repellent is a must, as you will pass over swamp and marshland on the 1,200+ boardwalk.

Raven Cliff Falls by Jas & Suz
Pinckney Island by Lee Coursey