Not all hiking excursions have to be a monumental workout, like this one. It’s nice to just take it easy and stretch your legs, enjoying the scenery around you as you make your way around a nice, easy loop trail or out into the woods to see a waterfall or two. Below are 10 of the best hikes in South Carolina that are relatively easy and have some pretty amazing payoffs – without enduring a major workout. Check them out.

  1. Yellow Branch Falls

alltrails.com/Kord Flowers Meander through a hardwood forest crossing a couple of small creeks on your way to this 50-foot waterfall with ribbons of water falling over the rock edges. The trail is considered easy, and is 3.5 miles round trip. It’s one of the most scenic hikes in South Carolina. Find the trailhead for Yellow Branch Falls, then plan your visit there. Yellow Branch Falls, 2907-, 3023 Hwy 28 S, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA

  1. Twin Falls

alltrails.com/Justin P This hikes leads to not one, but two waterfalls in the same spot! One is a massive vertical drop; the other is a lovely cascading waterfall. Drive to the parking lot, and follow the trail for approximately one-half mile to reach the overlook at the base of the falls. This is one of the most beautiful easy hikes in South Carolina. Get more information about Twin Falls, then grab your hiking boots and check it out. Twin Falls Lane, Twin Falls Ln, South Carolina 29063, USA

  1. Swamp Rabbit Trail

alltrails.com/ Brigham O’Rourke Perfect for walking, running or biking, the Swamp Rabbit Trail offers a variety of attractions, including an up close look at the fabulous Reedy River Falls. In all, the trail covers 15.6 miles and has a variety of places where you’ll find access. Get more information and an interactive map for Swamp Rabbit Trail, then grab your camera and head over. Swamp Rabbit Trail, Greenville, SC, USA

  1. Lake Haigler Loop

alltrails.com/Kelly Brockman This trail is comprised of mostly flat terrain with wide trails. In all, you’ll travel 3.3 miles, including a loop that circles the picturesque Lake Haigler. It’s one of the more kid-friendly hikes around South Carolina. So get more information about the Lake Haigler Loop, then grab the whole family to give it a go. Lake Haigler, South Carolina 29715, USA

  1. Cedar Falls Park

alltrails.com/Rory Steppling Enjoy views of the lovely Cedar Falls near the entrance of this 2.3 mile trail. The trail is part of a community park and is well-trafficked. Find the park entrance at 201 Cedar Falls Rd., Fountain Inn, SC 29644. Read more about Cedar Falls Park, then plan your next visit there. Cedar Falls Road, Cedar Falls Rd, South Carolina, USA

  1. Glassy Mountain

alltrails.com/Hannah Hudson This trail can be a bit narrow, but the lookouts along the hike make it worth the effort. This is one of the best hikes in South Carolina. Be sure to learn more about Glassy Mountain, then gather all your hiking gear and go check it out. Glassy Mountain, South Carolina 29671, USA

  1. Wildcat Wayside

alltrails.com/Scott Jorgensen A series of three waterfalls can be seen along this trail. The first waterfall can be seen from the road/parking area. Fatal accidents have occurred at the top of the third waterfall on the one mile trail, so be sure to stay on the trail and don’t attempt to stand on the top of the rocks. It’s one of the most scenic hikes in South Carolina, but be sure to be prepared and be careful. Get more information about Wildcat Wayside and see if it’s the right trail for you. Wildcat Wayside, 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA

  1. Old Santee Canal

alltrails.com/Katia Madigan Make your way around a 2.7 mile loop trail with gorgeous water features and a forest setting. Canoes and kayaks also offer a great way to see this area. Get more information about Old Santee Canal and then pencil in your next visit. Old Santee Canal, South Carolina 29461, USA

  1. Little Gap Trail

alltrails.com/Belin Alexander Make your way through part of Dreher Island State Park on this easy 2.3 mile loop trail that offers stunning views of Lake Murray. You’ll find the trailhead within the park. Read more about one of the easy hikes in South Carolina by checking out this website with more information on Little Gap Trail. Little Gap Trail, South Carolina 29127, USA

  1. Doodle Trail

TripAdvisor/southernchelz Utilized for walking, running, hiking and biking, this 7.6 mile trail travels from Pickens to Easley, is well traveled and offers much to see along the way. Get more details on Doodle Trail, then check it out. Doodle Trail, Pickens, SC, USA

Not all hiking excursions need to include a strenuous workout in order to have a big payoff. This list of best hikes in South Carolina that are low-key are perfect for those who have been searching for “easy hiking trails near me.” The scenery provides big rewards as well. For another fun, easy hike in the Palmetto State check out The Easy Wildflower Hike In South Carolina That Will Transport You Into A Sea Of Color, and have fun!

alltrails.com/Kord Flowers

Meander through a hardwood forest crossing a couple of small creeks on your way to this 50-foot waterfall with ribbons of water falling over the rock edges. The trail is considered easy, and is 3.5 miles round trip. It’s one of the most scenic hikes in South Carolina. Find the trailhead for Yellow Branch Falls, then plan your visit there.

Yellow Branch Falls, 2907-, 3023 Hwy 28 S, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA

alltrails.com/Justin P

This hikes leads to not one, but two waterfalls in the same spot! One is a massive vertical drop; the other is a lovely cascading waterfall. Drive to the parking lot, and follow the trail for approximately one-half mile to reach the overlook at the base of the falls. This is one of the most beautiful easy hikes in South Carolina. Get more information about Twin Falls, then grab your hiking boots and check it out.

Twin Falls Lane, Twin Falls Ln, South Carolina 29063, USA

alltrails.com/ Brigham O’Rourke

Perfect for walking, running or biking, the Swamp Rabbit Trail offers a variety of attractions, including an up close look at the fabulous Reedy River Falls. In all, the trail covers 15.6 miles and has a variety of places where you’ll find access. Get more information and an interactive map for Swamp Rabbit Trail, then grab your camera and head over.

Swamp Rabbit Trail, Greenville, SC, USA

alltrails.com/Kelly Brockman

This trail is comprised of mostly flat terrain with wide trails. In all, you’ll travel 3.3 miles, including a loop that circles the picturesque Lake Haigler. It’s one of the more kid-friendly hikes around South Carolina. So get more information about the Lake Haigler Loop, then grab the whole family to give it a go.

Lake Haigler, South Carolina 29715, USA

alltrails.com/Rory Steppling

Enjoy views of the lovely Cedar Falls near the entrance of this 2.3 mile trail. The trail is part of a community park and is well-trafficked. Find the park entrance at 201 Cedar Falls Rd., Fountain Inn, SC 29644. Read more about Cedar Falls Park, then plan your next visit there.

Cedar Falls Road, Cedar Falls Rd, South Carolina, USA

alltrails.com/Hannah Hudson

This trail can be a bit narrow, but the lookouts along the hike make it worth the effort. This is one of the best hikes in South Carolina. Be sure to learn more about Glassy Mountain, then gather all your hiking gear and go check it out.

Glassy Mountain, South Carolina 29671, USA

alltrails.com/Scott Jorgensen

A series of three waterfalls can be seen along this trail. The first waterfall can be seen from the road/parking area. Fatal accidents have occurred at the top of the third waterfall on the one mile trail, so be sure to stay on the trail and don’t attempt to stand on the top of the rocks. It’s one of the most scenic hikes in South Carolina, but be sure to be prepared and be careful. Get more information about Wildcat Wayside and see if it’s the right trail for you.

Wildcat Wayside, 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA

alltrails.com/Katia Madigan

Make your way around a 2.7 mile loop trail with gorgeous water features and a forest setting. Canoes and kayaks also offer a great way to see this area. Get more information about Old Santee Canal and then pencil in your next visit.

Old Santee Canal, South Carolina 29461, USA

alltrails.com/Belin Alexander

Make your way through part of Dreher Island State Park on this easy 2.3 mile loop trail that offers stunning views of Lake Murray. You’ll find the trailhead within the park. Read more about one of the easy hikes in South Carolina by checking out this website with more information on Little Gap Trail.

Little Gap Trail, South Carolina 29127, USA

TripAdvisor/southernchelz

Utilized for walking, running, hiking and biking, this 7.6 mile trail travels from Pickens to Easley, is well traveled and offers much to see along the way. Get more details on Doodle Trail, then check it out.

Doodle Trail, Pickens, SC, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in South Carolina March 30, 2022 Jessica Bohl What are some kid-friendly hikes around South Carolina? Getting the whole family outside into nature for a day of fresh air is an amazing way to have quality family time. Fortunately, in South Carolina, there are a lot of great kid-friendly hikes that your whole family will enjoy. For instance, Issaqueena Falls in Walhalla is a great trail under 1 mile that leads to a spectacular 100-foot waterfall. Another great option is the British Camp Trail in Clinton. This trail combines history and nature as the trail leads to the ruins of an old homestead that was occupied by the British in 1780. For bridge-lovers, try the Chau-Ram Falls Trail in Westminster, which has a cool suspension bridge over the Chauga River. Check out this article for more amazing kid-friendly hikes around South Carolina.

The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in South Carolina

March 30, 2022

Jessica Bohl

What are some kid-friendly hikes around South Carolina? Getting the whole family outside into nature for a day of fresh air is an amazing way to have quality family time. Fortunately, in South Carolina, there are a lot of great kid-friendly hikes that your whole family will enjoy. For instance, Issaqueena Falls in Walhalla is a great trail under 1 mile that leads to a spectacular 100-foot waterfall. Another great option is the British Camp Trail in Clinton. This trail combines history and nature as the trail leads to the ruins of an old homestead that was occupied by the British in 1780. For bridge-lovers, try the Chau-Ram Falls Trail in Westminster, which has a cool suspension bridge over the Chauga River. Check out this article for more amazing kid-friendly hikes around South Carolina.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Getting the whole family outside into nature for a day of fresh air is an amazing way to have quality family time. Fortunately, in South Carolina, there are a lot of great kid-friendly hikes that your whole family will enjoy. For instance, Issaqueena Falls in Walhalla is a great trail under 1 mile that leads to a spectacular 100-foot waterfall. Another great option is the British Camp Trail in Clinton. This trail combines history and nature as the trail leads to the ruins of an old homestead that was occupied by the British in 1780. For bridge-lovers, try the Chau-Ram Falls Trail in Westminster, which has a cool suspension bridge over the Chauga River. Check out this article for more amazing kid-friendly hikes around South Carolina.