South Carolina
Looking for the best hiking in South Carolina? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around South Carolina. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near South Carolina
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Greenville County, South Carolina
Hike the Jones Gap Loop
5.05.5 mi / 2000 ft gainStart on the Jones Gap Trail (blue), which will lead you alongside the Saluda River. After 2.5 miles, take the Old Springs Branch Trail (orange) to loop back to the lot.For a challenging, more strenuous hike, with great views of the Gap, check out Rim of the Gap Trail. It is not advised to take c...Read more -
McClellanville, South Carolina
Hike the South Tibwin Trail
2.4 miThe trailhead is located at the South Tibwin parking lot on the east side of Highway 17, about 12.5 miles north of McClellanville. You will see a large metal gate and hikers bulletin board. This is a lollipop loop trail that is on an old forest road. The trailhead is at the south end of the parki...Read more -
Sunset, South Carolina
Virginia Hawkins Falls (Double Falls)
4.02.6 mi / 456 ft gainA moderate to advanced 2.6 mile hike has many stairs and a lot of ascents and descents along the way. The hike may not be the easiest but the payoff is worth it. The trail is easily marked so no need to worry about getting lost.Read more -
Hopkins, South Carolina
Boardwalk Loop
4.52.33 mi / 157 ft gainThe Boardwalk Loop begins at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center where you can get a Self-guided Boardwalk Tour brochure. There aren't any water refilling stations along this trail, so be sure to fill up your water bottles before you descend down an elevated platform that leads into the forest. Alon...Read more -
Greenville County, South Carolina
Hike the Pinnacle Pass/Rim of the Gap Loop
11.5 mi / 2345 ft gainThe Trailhead: Located at Jones Gap State Park in Marietta, SC of northern Greenville County. Follow the trail across an iron bridge that crosses the Middle Saluda River, and be sure to register at the Ranger’s Station/Gift Shop on the far side of the gap. The trail head(s) are located directly o...Read more -
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
Hike to Big Bend Falls
5.06.5 miThe hike to Big Bend Falls begins on the Chattooga River Trail at the Burrell's Ford Campground. To get here you take Burrell's Ford Road off of SC 107. There will be a good sized gravel parking area off to the left about 3 miles down Burrell's Ford Road. When you park the car you can walk down t...Read more -
Santee, South Carolina
Hike through Santee State Park
10 mi / 0 ft gainFrom Columbia SC, take I-26 South towards Orangeburg. Stay on this road for 31.5 miles and then take exit 136 to merge onto SC-6 E towards St. Matthews. Continue 28.3 miles along this road until you enter the small town of Elloree. Here you will turn left onto E Cleveland Street/ State Rd S-38-10...Read more -
Bluffton, South Carolina
Hike the Nature Trail at Sergeant Jasper Park
3.02.8 miThis park is filled with everything an outdoor adventure should have. Each of the seven lakes has gorgeous look out spots where you can fish (if you purchase a daily pass). There is a nature trail that goes throughout the park as well as wraps around the lakes and twists through the lush forest. ...Read more -
Hopkins, South Carolina
Hike the River Trail at Congaree National Park
5.010 miStart your adventure at the parking lot for Congaree National Park and make your way to the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. There you can find clean bathrooms, drinking fountains, a gift shop, and trail guides. When you're ready to begin your hike, begin on the boardwalk and follow the signs for th...Read more -
Cayce, South Carolina
Hike the Guinard Clay Quarry Loop
2.5 mi / 19 ft gainThis trail is a short 2.5 mile loop through what used to be the Guinard Clay Quarry in West Columbia, SC. The old pits from which clay used to be harvested have formed a bunch of ponds which attract wildlife. There are alligators in this area as well as deer, hogs, bobcats, snakes, turtles and bi...Read more -
Pickens, South Carolina
Backpack the Foothills Trail through the Southeastern Appalachian Mountains
5.076.2 mi / 11036 ft gainStarting at Table Rock State Park (South Carolina) and working your 76.2 miles way towards Oconee State Park (South Carolina) is the most popular route, with a few spur trails that lead to places like Raven Cliff Falls in Cesar's Head State Park. The trail gains ~11,036 feet in elevation with ano...Read more -
Walhalla, South Carolina
Hike to Issaqueena Falls and Stumphouse Tunnel
4.31.5 mi / 250 ft gainFrom Walhalla South Carolina, follow SC 28 westward 7 miles until you see Stumphouse Tunnel Park on the right-hand side of the road. Take this road halfway down, and park in the parking area on the right. From here, you can travel a short walk to the falls overlook, or, for the more adventurous ...Read more -
Charleston, South Carolina
Walk around Audubon Swamp
1.3 mi / 0 ft gainIf visiting Magnolia Plantation and Gardens for the day, consider paying the extra $8 admission to walk around the Audubon Swamp Garden. Parking for these gardens is on the way out of Magnolia Plantation on the left side. The trail begins to the left side of the parking area, and you will have ...Read more -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Caesars Head Overlook
5.00.27 mi / 144 ft gainThe Drive: Head North on SC Highway 11 "Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway" towards Table Rock State Park. Follow SC 11 past Table Rock approximately 8 miles where it will merge with SC 8 at Pumpkin Town. Follow SC 8 for another 3-4 miles until you see the intersection for SC Highway 276 on the le...Read more -
Sunset, South Carolina
Hike to Twin Falls, SC
5.01 mi / 0 ft gainOnce you get to the destination there should be a small parking area. At the end of this parking area you will see the start of the Twin Falls trail that will be mostly a flat walk. Follow this trail approximately 0.5 miles to the falls. You will know you are in the right place if the creek is r...Read more -
Columbia, South Carolina
Explore Columbia Riverfront Park
4.55 miThis park is located alongside of the Columbia Water Treatment Facility. You are able to walk on the paved path that has mile markers every 1/4 of a mile. Or, you can hike along one of the nature trails placed throughout the park that run right alongside the river. Bikes are allowed anywhere alon...Read more