Outdoor activities are plentiful in the the Palmetto State. From this list of the state’s best flea markets, to epic waterfall swimming holes, you’ll have plenty to choose from to get outside on beautiful South Carolina weekends. But don’t forget hiking. Our state has more trails than we could possibly list in a short article so we’ve narrowed it down to seven of the best hikes in South Carolina. Here they are:
- Table Rock Trail - Pickens
AllTrails.com/Dominic Walick This heavily-trafficked iconic trail in the Upstate is rated difficult, but as you can see the payoff is worth the effort. It’s easily one of the most scenic hikes in South Carolina. Table Rock Mountain Trail, South Carolina, USA
In all, you’ll trek six and a half miles roundtrip getting up to the top of Table Rock and then back down to the base.
AllTrails.com/Adria El-Khayya On the way up, pass the beautiful Carrick Creek Falls and then turn right onto the Table Rock Trail to head up the mountain.
The zen moment(s) you’ll enjoy at the top of Table Rock are out of this world.
AllTrails.com/Dominic Walick Table Rock Trail is found inside Table Rock State Park. The address is 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671. Read more about Table Rock Trail, then pay it a visit.
- Rocky Creek Trail - Great Falls
AllTrails.com/alltrailsuser A gravel path suitable for both hiking and biking leads from the trailhead along Highway 21. Rocky Creek Trail, South Carolina 29212, USA
Aside from the mere spectacle that is known as Rocky Creek, this trail also has a scenic waterfall.
AllTrails.com/Ellen Baker Depending on water levels you may find different conditions when you get to Rocky Creek, a tributary of the Catawba River.
Rocky Creek is a quick and relatively easy 1.5 miles roundtrip from the trailhead. So it’s one of the more kid-friendly hikes around South Carolina.
AllTrails.com/alltrailsuser Scenic waterfalls in the midlands are few and far between. Add this trail to the bucket list for the stunning waterfall as well as the spectacle known as Rocky Creek. You’ll find the trailhead about 1.5 miles south of Great Falls on U.S. 21. Learn more about Rocky Creek Trail, then grab your hiking boots and give it a go.
- Palmetto Trail - Peak to Prosperity Passage
AllTrails.com/Nate Swift This level trail perfect for hiking and biking is 10.8 miles following a converted rail bed. Peak To Prosperity Passage of the Palmetto Trail, Palmetto Trail, Pomaria, SC 29126, USA
This short segment of the much longer Palmetto Trail dishes up 14 trestles.
AllTrails.com/Sarah Webb It’s a great trail for a day hike. Bring your dog if you want, as long as he’s on a leash.
A nice little camping spot has been carved out along the way.
AllTrails/John Harmon Spend the night. Make a weekend of it. Why not??
Or, just take your time and make the journey in a day hike, enjoying all the peacefulness you’ll find on this hike.
AllTrails.com/Nate Swift The Peak to Prosperity passage of the Palmetto Trail is accessed from three trailheads: Altson, Hope Station and Pomaria. Get directions and find out more about Palmetto Trail, then plan your next visit there. It’s one of the best hikes in South Carolina.
- Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve - Lexington
AllTrails.com/Paul Palmer South Carolina’s “newest” iconic landmark was recently promoted to the main event at this preserve. Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve, 883 Peachtree Rock Rd, Lexington, SC 29073, USA
That’s because the “peachtree rock” for which this preserve is named finally toppled over.
AllTrails.com/Alfredo Hogfat The unfortunate demise of this sandstone marvel was discovered by a hiker in the Fall of 2015.
Word quickly spread among the admirers of the idolized rock.
AllTrails.com/Leanne Kimbrell But then at the very back of the preserve, someone noticed another “Peachtree Rock.”
Peachtree Rock Preserve Trail includes a moderately trafficked easy 2.4 mile loop.
AllTrails.com/Alan Hanscom Enjoy the sights and sounds of this trail to one of the Palmetto State’s newest landmarks. It’s a great option for easy hikes in South Carolina. Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve is located at 883 Peachtree Rock Rd, Lexington, SC 29073. Plan your next visit by reading more about Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve.
- Nine Times Preserve - Pickens
naturalandtrust.org Among the state’s newest and most popular trails are the hikes that have been carved into Nine Times Preserve in Pickens County. Nine Times Preserve, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Three bonafide trails ranking from easy to difficult are clearly marked in the preserve.
sctrails.net/South Carolina Dept Parks Recreation and Tourism site The hardest (go figure) is the Rocky Bald Loop Trail. This challenging trek involves 0.6 miles of switchbacks up to the top of Rocky Bald. The views are amazing!
For Spring wildflower spotting, take the easy 0.25 mile Trilliam Trail winding along Eastatoee Creek.
Flickr/Phillip Bouchard
sctrails.net/South Carolina Dept Parks Recreation and Tourism site Nine Time Preserve has a bonus hiking area of less structured trails located across the street in the Nine Times Forest. We’d probably stick to the three trails in the Preserve. Learn more about Nine Times Preserve, then grab your hiking boots and give it a try.
- King Creek Falls Trail - Mountain Rest
AllTrails.com/Irishheatbeat P A short and easy 1.7 miles out and back is rewarded with a front row seat for viewing this 70-foot beauty. King Creek Falls Trail, South Carolina 29664, USA
The hike getting there has some spectacular things of its own worth seeing and experiencing too.
AllTrails.com/Shane Gibbs The King Creek Falls hike is relatively easy and is one of the best kid-friendly hikes around South Carolina. You can take the dog as long as he’s on a leash. Check out more on King Creek Falls Trail, then plan your next family hike there.
- Congaree National Park - Hopkins
Flickr/Bernard Barbour The largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the U.S. is right here in South Carolina and you can hike it - for free. Congaree National Park, 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA
You’ll think big as you make this trek.
TripAdvisor/Pietrosmom For starters, that’s an uprooted tree she’s standing in front of in the photo above.
Congaree National Park has 11 stunning trails winding through the 26,000+ acres here.
TripAdvisor/Kristen S The trails are all relatively level and range in length from 0.3 miles to 11.7 miles.
Bring mosquito spray so you can stay long enough to find all the hidden treasures in this park.
Flickr/Miguel Vieira Congaree N.P is a national treasure that belongs on your bucket list. The park is located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061. Learn more about Congaree National Park and plan your visit there.
These are some of the best hikes in South Carolina and absolutely deserve “bucket list status” for one reason or another. So now you don’t need to search for “hiking trails near me” the next time you’re looking for an iconic hike. Do you know of others you think should be added to the list? You’re always welcome to add to our lists in the comments section.
AllTrails.com/Dominic Walick
This heavily-trafficked iconic trail in the Upstate is rated difficult, but as you can see the payoff is worth the effort. It’s easily one of the most scenic hikes in South Carolina.
Table Rock Mountain Trail, South Carolina, USA
AllTrails.com/Adria El-Khayya
On the way up, pass the beautiful Carrick Creek Falls and then turn right onto the Table Rock Trail to head up the mountain.
Table Rock Trail is found inside Table Rock State Park. The address is 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671. Read more about Table Rock Trail, then pay it a visit.
AllTrails.com/alltrailsuser
A gravel path suitable for both hiking and biking leads from the trailhead along Highway 21.
Rocky Creek Trail, South Carolina 29212, USA
AllTrails.com/Ellen Baker
Depending on water levels you may find different conditions when you get to Rocky Creek, a tributary of the Catawba River.
Scenic waterfalls in the midlands are few and far between. Add this trail to the bucket list for the stunning waterfall as well as the spectacle known as Rocky Creek. You’ll find the trailhead about 1.5 miles south of Great Falls on U.S. 21. Learn more about Rocky Creek Trail, then grab your hiking boots and give it a go.
AllTrails.com/Nate Swift
This level trail perfect for hiking and biking is 10.8 miles following a converted rail bed.
Peak To Prosperity Passage of the Palmetto Trail, Palmetto Trail, Pomaria, SC 29126, USA
AllTrails.com/Sarah Webb
It’s a great trail for a day hike. Bring your dog if you want, as long as he’s on a leash.
AllTrails/John Harmon
Spend the night. Make a weekend of it. Why not??
The Peak to Prosperity passage of the Palmetto Trail is accessed from three trailheads: Altson, Hope Station and Pomaria. Get directions and find out more about Palmetto Trail, then plan your next visit there. It’s one of the best hikes in South Carolina.
AllTrails.com/Paul Palmer
South Carolina’s “newest” iconic landmark was recently promoted to the main event at this preserve.
Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve, 883 Peachtree Rock Rd, Lexington, SC 29073, USA
AllTrails.com/Alfredo Hogfat
The unfortunate demise of this sandstone marvel was discovered by a hiker in the Fall of 2015.
AllTrails.com/Leanne Kimbrell
But then at the very back of the preserve, someone noticed another “Peachtree Rock.”
AllTrails.com/Alan Hanscom
Enjoy the sights and sounds of this trail to one of the Palmetto State’s newest landmarks. It’s a great option for easy hikes in South Carolina. Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve is located at 883 Peachtree Rock Rd, Lexington, SC 29073. Plan your next visit by reading more about Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve.
naturalandtrust.org
Among the state’s newest and most popular trails are the hikes that have been carved into Nine Times Preserve in Pickens County.
Nine Times Preserve, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
sctrails.net/South Carolina Dept Parks Recreation and Tourism site
The hardest (go figure) is the Rocky Bald Loop Trail. This challenging trek involves 0.6 miles of switchbacks up to the top of Rocky Bald. The views are amazing!
Flickr/Phillip Bouchard
Nine Time Preserve has a bonus hiking area of less structured trails located across the street in the Nine Times Forest. We’d probably stick to the three trails in the Preserve. Learn more about Nine Times Preserve, then grab your hiking boots and give it a try.
AllTrails.com/Irishheatbeat P
A short and easy 1.7 miles out and back is rewarded with a front row seat for viewing this 70-foot beauty.
King Creek Falls Trail, South Carolina 29664, USA
AllTrails.com/Shane Gibbs
The King Creek Falls hike is relatively easy and is one of the best kid-friendly hikes around South Carolina. You can take the dog as long as he’s on a leash. Check out more on King Creek Falls Trail, then plan your next family hike there.
Flickr/Bernard Barbour
The largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the U.S. is right here in South Carolina and you can hike it - for free.
Congaree National Park, 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA
TripAdvisor/Pietrosmom
For starters, that’s an uprooted tree she’s standing in front of in the photo above.
TripAdvisor/Kristen S
The trails are all relatively level and range in length from 0.3 miles to 11.7 miles.
Flickr/Miguel Vieira
Congaree N.P is a national treasure that belongs on your bucket list. The park is located at 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061. Learn more about Congaree National Park and plan your visit there.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in South Carolina March 31, 2022 Jessica Bohl Is Congaree National Park in South Carolina worth a visit? National parks in the United States receive approximately 330 million visitors annually. Some of the most popular national parks will see 15 million of those at their parks alone. But what about some of the lesser known national parks? Enter Congaree National Park in South Carolina, which is a hidden gem definitely worth a visit. This national park is located just outside of Columbia and has over 20 miles of hiking trails! The amazing Boardwalk Loop Trail is 2.4 miles long and takes you through the stunning old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. Visitors can even canoe or kayak through the Congaree River. Learn more about Congaree National Park, then plan your next visit there. If I live in Charleston, South Carolina, what are some hiking trails near me? There are some amazing hiking trails in South Carolina. And fortunately, if you live in Charleston, there are some great hikes nearby. You don’t have to venture too far to explore Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail. This short trail features a forested tunnel of trees that leads to the gorgeous sandy beaches. It is a great hike for kids, so be sure to bring the whole family to this short trail. Read more about Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail and other great hikes in South Carolina, then check them out!
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in South Carolina
March 31, 2022
Jessica Bohl
Is Congaree National Park in South Carolina worth a visit? National parks in the United States receive approximately 330 million visitors annually. Some of the most popular national parks will see 15 million of those at their parks alone. But what about some of the lesser known national parks? Enter Congaree National Park in South Carolina, which is a hidden gem definitely worth a visit. This national park is located just outside of Columbia and has over 20 miles of hiking trails! The amazing Boardwalk Loop Trail is 2.4 miles long and takes you through the stunning old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. Visitors can even canoe or kayak through the Congaree River. Learn more about Congaree National Park, then plan your next visit there. If I live in Charleston, South Carolina, what are some hiking trails near me? There are some amazing hiking trails in South Carolina. And fortunately, if you live in Charleston, there are some great hikes nearby. You don’t have to venture too far to explore Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail. This short trail features a forested tunnel of trees that leads to the gorgeous sandy beaches. It is a great hike for kids, so be sure to bring the whole family to this short trail. Read more about Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail and other great hikes in South Carolina, then check them out!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
National parks in the United States receive approximately 330 million visitors annually. Some of the most popular national parks will see 15 million of those at their parks alone. But what about some of the lesser known national parks? Enter Congaree National Park in South Carolina, which is a hidden gem definitely worth a visit. This national park is located just outside of Columbia and has over 20 miles of hiking trails! The amazing Boardwalk Loop Trail is 2.4 miles long and takes you through the stunning old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. Visitors can even canoe or kayak through the Congaree River. Learn more about Congaree National Park, then plan your next visit there.
If I live in Charleston, South Carolina, what are some hiking trails near me?
There are some amazing hiking trails in South Carolina. And fortunately, if you live in Charleston, there are some great hikes nearby. You don’t have to venture too far to explore Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail. This short trail features a forested tunnel of trees that leads to the gorgeous sandy beaches. It is a great hike for kids, so be sure to bring the whole family to this short trail. Read more about Sullivan’s Island Nature Trail and other great hikes in South Carolina, then check them out!
