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 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 are found in South
Carolina’s coastal region, or Low Country, and seem to be
the perfect place to stretch your legs. At Hunting
Island State Park you will find a 3 mile area of sand
and shore and some shorter trails inside the park.
Keep up with the latest hiking equipment and backpacking
news at our hiking
tips blog where you can learn about hiking and other
fun outdoor activities and adventures.
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+foot
boardwalk.
For more hiking in the Southeast visit our Georgia site and learn about hiking in Georgia and the best trails and campsites.
Raven Cliff Falls by Jas & Suz
Pinckney Island by Lee Coursey |
