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<\/span>Best Easy Hiking in South Carolina<\/span><\/h2>\nThese trails are intended for those looking for an easy, flat hike in South Carolina.<\/p>\n
1. Oconee Station and Station Cove Fall Trail<\/h3>\n
Oconee Station and Station Cove Fall Trail<\/a>\u00a0are located at the Oconee Station State Historic Site. Together, they make up two miles of easy, carefree hiking in South Carolina. This hike is a favorite of Upstate naturalists.<\/p>\nBoth trails lead you to a gorgeous view of Station Cove Falls, a 60-foot waterfall and among the prettiest in the county<\/p>\n
Station Cove Falls has a rich history. In 1792, the first European settlers of Oconee County built Oconee Station, a small wood-and-stone house about a mile from the waterfall. This fort and an 1805 house were intended to protect settlers from the Cherokee.<\/p>\n
Today, the military fort and nearby residence are on the National Register of Historic Places.<\/p>\n
2. Boardwalk Loop Trail<\/h3>\n
The\u00a0Boardwalk Loop Trail<\/a>, Congaree National Park\u2019s most popular hiking trail, offers hikers in South Carolina easy access to natural sights. The 2.4-mile trail starts at Harry Hampton Visitor Center, where you can pick up a self-guided Boardwalk Tour brochure.<\/p>\nThis boardwalk trail is marked with several historical sites to educate hikers in South Carolina about the area\u2019s rich history.<\/p>\n![\"Boardwalk](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" "\\"15")
<\/a><\/figure>\nThe soil and vegetation transition into a wetter, dense layer of soil, often referred to as a muck swamp because the water source in the area is from a 600-foot thick sand layer from millions of years of deposits.<\/p>\n
You won\u2019t be in the swamp long, though, since the trail leads into higher and drier soil conditions. Throughout your hike, you\u2019ll pass various species of trees and wildlife.<\/p>\n
3. Winding Stairs Trail<\/h3>\n
The\u00a0Winding Stairs Trail<\/a> at Cherry Hill Recreation Area is an easy, beginner hike as long as you start at the northern trailhead (located at the recreation area entrance). The 3.5-mile trail leads to a 75-foot waterfall.<\/p>\nBeginner hikers are advised to arrange to be picked up at the southern trailhead because the hike back can be a challenge, with a 1,100 feet elevation change. Alternatively, if you want a more difficult hike, you can start at the southern trailhead and hike toward the Cherry Hill Recreation Area.<\/p>\n
4. The Doodle Trail<\/h3>\n
The Doodle Trail<\/a> is an easy 7.5-mile multi-use trail that opened in 2015 as a partnership between the City of Easley and the City of Pickens. The Pickens trailhead is one block from downtown, and the Easley trailhead is about half a mile from downtown.<\/p>\nThe trail is away from traffic and only has a few railroad crossings. It passes over several scenic bridges, and there are two parks along the trail: Easley\u2019s Doodle Park and Pickens\u2019s Railroad Park.<\/p>\n
5. Spanish Mount Trail<\/h3>\n
Spanish Mount Trail (sometimes referred to as Indian Mound Trail) at\u00a0Edisto Beach State Park<\/a>\u00a0is an easy hike in South Carolina that leads to a fascinating piece of history: The Indian Mound (also called the Spanish Mount).<\/p>\nThe Indian Mound is a mysterious shell mound dating back to 2,000 B.C. when Native Americans created a shell ring and filled it with oyster shells over many years. Archaeologists say it\u2019s a mystery as to why they did this, though it\u2019s incredible.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/figure>\nUnfortunately, the mound won\u2019t last forever, so now is the best time to visit Edisto Beach State Park and hike along the Spanish Mount Trail.<\/p>\n
Edisto Beach State Park, in general, is the perfect place for beginner hikers in South Carolina to visit since the park features over four miles of ADA-accessible trails.<\/p>\n
6. Timmerman Trail in Cayce<\/h3>\n
Timmerman Trail is part of the\u00a0Cayce Riverwalk<\/a>\u00a0in Cayce, South Carolina. It is a popular concrete trail appropriate for strollers, wheelchairs, and roller skates that follow the west side of Congaree Creek.<\/p>\nThe trail offers an easy 3.5-mile hike, although South Carolina hikers are advised to be on the lookout for snakes, birds, alligators, and other wildlife that may pop up. This is a beautiful trail for taking photos, especially of the creek.<\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Best Moderate Hiking in South Carolina<\/span><\/h2>\nIf you\u2019re ready for a slight challenge but don\u2019t want to experience a trail that\u2019s too intense while hiking in South Carolina, then a moderate hiking trail is what you want. Take a look at the best trails for moderate hiking in South Carolina.<\/p>\n
7. The Palmetto Trail<\/h3>\n
The Palmetto Trail<\/a>\u00a0is 500 miles of cross-state hiking alongside lakes, swamps, and mountain ridges. It enters cities and towns of all sizes, taking hikers in South Carolina through a multitude of forests. This trail is no more than two hours away from any section of the state.<\/p>\nOver half of the trail is completed\u2014380 to be exact\u2014and the remaining 120 miles are under construction. The trail connects state and county parks, national forests, national preserves, and wildlife management areas.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/figure>\nVarying terrain types are found throughout the Palmetto Trail, with a mix of easy, moderate, and strenuous elevations. There are 31 passages throughout the trail, ranging from 1.3 to 47 miles.<\/p>\n
The Palmetto Trail is a must-stop when hiking in South Carolina!<\/p>\n
8. Yellow Branch Falls Trail<\/h3>\n
The\u00a0Yellow Branch Falls<\/a>\u00a0trail is a moderately challenging out-and-back trail that takes hikers in South Carolina to a stunning 50-foot waterfall. This trail can be found after a short hike on Yellow Branch Nature Trail. In the winter, parts of the city of Walhalla are visible from the trail.<\/p>\nWhile the beginning of the trail is easy, the trail becomes moderately difficult when you hike along steeper terrain about one mile before the waterfall. The trail will wind downward, passing along the mountainside, then level out as you get closer to the waterfall.<\/p>\n
Hikers in South Carolina are advised to use caution during wet conditions since the trail is on the edge of deep ravines. If it hasn\u2019t rained in a while, the cascade will be just a trickle of water.<\/p>\n
9. Brasstown Falls Trail<\/h3>\n
Brasstown Falls<\/a>\u00a0is a 120-foot waterfall located on the southern edge of Sumter National Forest. Little Brasstown Falls is also accessible from the Brasstown Falls Trail.<\/p>\nThe hike to both waterfalls is approximately a one-mile round trip and includes easy to difficult walking paths, with the longest being a .15-mile moderately difficult walking trail.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/figure>\nSouth Carolina hikers are advised to watch their steps\u2014viewing platforms and stairways to them can be slippery. Also, you will not have cell service at the trailhead or while on the trail.<\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Best Difficult Hiking in South Carolina<\/span><\/h2>\nIf you\u2019re a hiking professional and find difficult hiking trails exciting, then the following trails are what you\u2019re looking for when hiking in South Carolina.<\/p>\n
10. Table Rock Trail<\/h3>\n
Table Rock Trail<\/a> is a very popular and strenuous path at Table Rock State Park, found in the northwest corner of South Carolina. This 3.6-mile trail is a rugged hike and elevates 2,000 feet to the highest point of a granite dome.<\/p>\nThe scenic trail includes sights of vegetation common in the Southern Appalachians, including oak and hickory trees with some pines and hemlock. This hike begins at the Nature Center and ascends through forests and boulders.<\/p>\n
11. Sulphur Springs Trail<\/h3>\n
Sulphur Springs Trail<\/a>\u00a0is a strenuous hike over a rocky and rugged loop trail. Hikers in South Carolina can start this trail in either direction at Paris Mountain State Park\u2019s Picnic Area Six. The trail typically takes around 2.5 hours to complete.<\/p>\nYou will hike through a mixed pine and hardwood forest atop a mountain ridge and climb up and down deep ravines. You may see birds, snakes, deer, and other wildlife along your hike. This is a beautiful trail to visit while hiking in South Carolina.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/figure>\nThe trail flattens along the shores of Mountain Lake, where hikers pass a large dam and follow one of the several trail branches that take you back to the parking lot where the trail started. This is an exciting adventure to check out on your South Carolina hiking trip.<\/p>\n
12. Raven Cliff Falls Trail and Dismal Trail Loop<\/h3>\n
On its own, Raven Cliff Falls Trail at\u00a0Caesars Head State Park<\/a>\u00a0is only a moderate hike. But when hikers follow the Dismal Trail Loop from Raven Cliff, the journey becomes quite strenuous. Raven Cliff Falls is the most popular hike at Caesars Head and leads visitors to a view of the highest waterfall in South Carolina.<\/p>\nThe Raven Cliff Falls Overlook is a 4.4-mile trail that takes around two to three hours roundtrip. From Raven Cliff, hikers can take the Dismal Loop, which is an 8.3-mile trail recommended only for those who are physically fit and are seeking a considerable challenge.<\/p>\n
The Dismal Loop has a 1,200-foot elevation drop going down. This loop typically takes hikers five to seven hours to complete roundtrip, so plan to spend the better part of your day hiking if you dream of completing The Dismal Loop.<\/p>\n
13. Pinnacle Pass Trail<\/h3>\n
Pinnacle Pass Trail<\/a>\u00a0is a 10-mile hike also at Caesars Head State Park that leads to a beautiful view from the top of the highest ridges in the state. It\u2019s also the longest trail in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. It\u2019s quite strenuous, but it offers some of the best views on the East Coast.<\/p>\n14. Rainbow Falls and Jones Gapp Falls Trails<\/h3>\n
Rainbow and Jones Gapp Falls Trails can be found in\u00a0Jones Gap State Park<\/a>. Hikers in South Carolina will need a parking reservation to enjoy these trails on weekends and holidays. Together, these two trails are about 7.5 miles. You can expect to spend around four hours hiking in South Carolina on these trails.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/figure>\nHikers in South Carolina are advised to do the Rainbow Falls trail first, so you can get most of the elevation out of the way while you\u2019re fresh and full of energy. This strenuous hike is worth it because it pays off with magical waterfall views.<\/p>\n
15. The Foothills Trail<\/h3>\n
Both trails lead you to a gorgeous view of Station Cove Falls, a 60-foot waterfall and among the prettiest in the county<\/p>\n
Station Cove Falls has a rich history. In 1792, the first European settlers of Oconee County built Oconee Station, a small wood-and-stone house about a mile from the waterfall. This fort and an 1805 house were intended to protect settlers from the Cherokee.<\/p>\n
Today, the military fort and nearby residence are on the National Register of Historic Places.<\/p>\n
2. Boardwalk Loop Trail<\/h3>\n
The\u00a0Boardwalk Loop Trail<\/a>, Congaree National Park\u2019s most popular hiking trail, offers hikers in South Carolina easy access to natural sights. The 2.4-mile trail starts at Harry Hampton Visitor Center, where you can pick up a self-guided Boardwalk Tour brochure.<\/p>\n This boardwalk trail is marked with several historical sites to educate hikers in South Carolina about the area\u2019s rich history.<\/p>\n The soil and vegetation transition into a wetter, dense layer of soil, often referred to as a muck swamp because the water source in the area is from a 600-foot thick sand layer from millions of years of deposits.<\/p>\n You won\u2019t be in the swamp long, though, since the trail leads into higher and drier soil conditions. Throughout your hike, you\u2019ll pass various species of trees and wildlife.<\/p>\n The\u00a0Winding Stairs Trail<\/a> at Cherry Hill Recreation Area is an easy, beginner hike as long as you start at the northern trailhead (located at the recreation area entrance). The 3.5-mile trail leads to a 75-foot waterfall.<\/p>\n Beginner hikers are advised to arrange to be picked up at the southern trailhead because the hike back can be a challenge, with a 1,100 feet elevation change. Alternatively, if you want a more difficult hike, you can start at the southern trailhead and hike toward the Cherry Hill Recreation Area.<\/p>\n The Doodle Trail<\/a> is an easy 7.5-mile multi-use trail that opened in 2015 as a partnership between the City of Easley and the City of Pickens. The Pickens trailhead is one block from downtown, and the Easley trailhead is about half a mile from downtown.<\/p>\n The trail is away from traffic and only has a few railroad crossings. It passes over several scenic bridges, and there are two parks along the trail: Easley\u2019s Doodle Park and Pickens\u2019s Railroad Park.<\/p>\n Spanish Mount Trail (sometimes referred to as Indian Mound Trail) at\u00a0Edisto Beach State Park<\/a>\u00a0is an easy hike in South Carolina that leads to a fascinating piece of history: The Indian Mound (also called the Spanish Mount).<\/p>\n The Indian Mound is a mysterious shell mound dating back to 2,000 B.C. when Native Americans created a shell ring and filled it with oyster shells over many years. Archaeologists say it\u2019s a mystery as to why they did this, though it\u2019s incredible.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, the mound won\u2019t last forever, so now is the best time to visit Edisto Beach State Park and hike along the Spanish Mount Trail.<\/p>\n Edisto Beach State Park, in general, is the perfect place for beginner hikers in South Carolina to visit since the park features over four miles of ADA-accessible trails.<\/p>\n Timmerman Trail is part of the\u00a0Cayce Riverwalk<\/a>\u00a0in Cayce, South Carolina. It is a popular concrete trail appropriate for strollers, wheelchairs, and roller skates that follow the west side of Congaree Creek.<\/p>\n The trail offers an easy 3.5-mile hike, although South Carolina hikers are advised to be on the lookout for snakes, birds, alligators, and other wildlife that may pop up. This is a beautiful trail for taking photos, especially of the creek.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re ready for a slight challenge but don\u2019t want to experience a trail that\u2019s too intense while hiking in South Carolina, then a moderate hiking trail is what you want. Take a look at the best trails for moderate hiking in South Carolina.<\/p>\n The Palmetto Trail<\/a>\u00a0is 500 miles of cross-state hiking alongside lakes, swamps, and mountain ridges. It enters cities and towns of all sizes, taking hikers in South Carolina through a multitude of forests. This trail is no more than two hours away from any section of the state.<\/p>\n Over half of the trail is completed\u2014380 to be exact\u2014and the remaining 120 miles are under construction. The trail connects state and county parks, national forests, national preserves, and wildlife management areas.<\/p>\n Varying terrain types are found throughout the Palmetto Trail, with a mix of easy, moderate, and strenuous elevations. There are 31 passages throughout the trail, ranging from 1.3 to 47 miles.<\/p>\n The Palmetto Trail is a must-stop when hiking in South Carolina!<\/p>\n The\u00a0Yellow Branch Falls<\/a>\u00a0trail is a moderately challenging out-and-back trail that takes hikers in South Carolina to a stunning 50-foot waterfall. This trail can be found after a short hike on Yellow Branch Nature Trail. In the winter, parts of the city of Walhalla are visible from the trail.<\/p>\n While the beginning of the trail is easy, the trail becomes moderately difficult when you hike along steeper terrain about one mile before the waterfall. The trail will wind downward, passing along the mountainside, then level out as you get closer to the waterfall.<\/p>\n Hikers in South Carolina are advised to use caution during wet conditions since the trail is on the edge of deep ravines. If it hasn\u2019t rained in a while, the cascade will be just a trickle of water.<\/p>\n Brasstown Falls<\/a>\u00a0is a 120-foot waterfall located on the southern edge of Sumter National Forest. Little Brasstown Falls is also accessible from the Brasstown Falls Trail.<\/p>\n The hike to both waterfalls is approximately a one-mile round trip and includes easy to difficult walking paths, with the longest being a .15-mile moderately difficult walking trail.<\/p>\n South Carolina hikers are advised to watch their steps\u2014viewing platforms and stairways to them can be slippery. Also, you will not have cell service at the trailhead or while on the trail.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a hiking professional and find difficult hiking trails exciting, then the following trails are what you\u2019re looking for when hiking in South Carolina.<\/p>\n Table Rock Trail<\/a> is a very popular and strenuous path at Table Rock State Park, found in the northwest corner of South Carolina. This 3.6-mile trail is a rugged hike and elevates 2,000 feet to the highest point of a granite dome.<\/p>\n The scenic trail includes sights of vegetation common in the Southern Appalachians, including oak and hickory trees with some pines and hemlock. This hike begins at the Nature Center and ascends through forests and boulders.<\/p>\n Sulphur Springs Trail<\/a>\u00a0is a strenuous hike over a rocky and rugged loop trail. Hikers in South Carolina can start this trail in either direction at Paris Mountain State Park\u2019s Picnic Area Six. The trail typically takes around 2.5 hours to complete.<\/p>\n You will hike through a mixed pine and hardwood forest atop a mountain ridge and climb up and down deep ravines. You may see birds, snakes, deer, and other wildlife along your hike. This is a beautiful trail to visit while hiking in South Carolina.<\/p>\n The trail flattens along the shores of Mountain Lake, where hikers pass a large dam and follow one of the several trail branches that take you back to the parking lot where the trail started. This is an exciting adventure to check out on your South Carolina hiking trip.<\/p>\n On its own, Raven Cliff Falls Trail at\u00a0Caesars Head State Park<\/a>\u00a0is only a moderate hike. But when hikers follow the Dismal Trail Loop from Raven Cliff, the journey becomes quite strenuous. Raven Cliff Falls is the most popular hike at Caesars Head and leads visitors to a view of the highest waterfall in South Carolina.<\/p>\n The Raven Cliff Falls Overlook is a 4.4-mile trail that takes around two to three hours roundtrip. From Raven Cliff, hikers can take the Dismal Loop, which is an 8.3-mile trail recommended only for those who are physically fit and are seeking a considerable challenge.<\/p>\n The Dismal Loop has a 1,200-foot elevation drop going down. This loop typically takes hikers five to seven hours to complete roundtrip, so plan to spend the better part of your day hiking if you dream of completing The Dismal Loop.<\/p>\n Pinnacle Pass Trail<\/a>\u00a0is a 10-mile hike also at Caesars Head State Park that leads to a beautiful view from the top of the highest ridges in the state. It\u2019s also the longest trail in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. It\u2019s quite strenuous, but it offers some of the best views on the East Coast.<\/p>\n Rainbow and Jones Gapp Falls Trails can be found in\u00a0Jones Gap State Park<\/a>. Hikers in South Carolina will need a parking reservation to enjoy these trails on weekends and holidays. Together, these two trails are about 7.5 miles. You can expect to spend around four hours hiking in South Carolina on these trails.<\/p>\n Hikers in South Carolina are advised to do the Rainbow Falls trail first, so you can get most of the elevation out of the way while you\u2019re fresh and full of energy. This strenuous hike is worth it because it pays off with magical waterfall views.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/figure>\n3. Winding Stairs Trail<\/h3>\n
4. The Doodle Trail<\/h3>\n
5. Spanish Mount Trail<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n6. Timmerman Trail in Cayce<\/h3>\n
\n<\/span>Best Moderate Hiking in South Carolina<\/span><\/h2>\n
7. The Palmetto Trail<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n8. Yellow Branch Falls Trail<\/h3>\n
9. Brasstown Falls Trail<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n
\n<\/span>Best Difficult Hiking in South Carolina<\/span><\/h2>\n
10. Table Rock Trail<\/h3>\n
11. Sulphur Springs Trail<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n12. Raven Cliff Falls Trail and Dismal Trail Loop<\/h3>\n
13. Pinnacle Pass Trail<\/h3>\n
14. Rainbow Falls and Jones Gapp Falls Trails<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n15. The Foothills Trail<\/h3>\n