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Hiking in South Carolina

South Carolina Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in South Carolina.

By Updated

This guide covers 15+ hiking trails in South Carolina — Table Rock Trail, Raven Cliff Falls Trail and Palmetto Trail: Swamp Fox Passage top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

South Carolina blends antebellum grandeur with pristine Atlantic coastline, Lowcountry marsh landscapes, and vibrant culinary traditions. From the cobblestone streets of historic Charleston to the sprawling Grand Strand beaches of Myrtle Beach, the lush Blue Ridge foothills of the Upstate, and the primeval cypress swamps of Congaree National Park, the Palmetto State offers an extraordinary range of experiences anchored by legendary Southern hospitality.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Table Rock Trail

    7.2 miles round-trip4-6 hours2,100 ft gain (summit: 3,124 ft)

  2. 2

    Raven Cliff Falls Trail

    4 miles round-trip2-3 hours420 ft gain

  3. 3

    Palmetto Trail: Swamp Fox Passage

    47 miles one-way (sectional hiking common)1-4 days (sections: 5-15 miles each)Minimal elevation change (Coastal Plain)

  4. 4

    Congaree National Park Boardwalk Loop

    2.4 miles loop1-1.5 hoursMinimal

  5. 5

    Winding Stairs Trail

    6 miles round-trip3-4 hours980 ft gain

  6. 6

    Foothills Trail: Whitewater Falls to Burrell's Ford

    10 miles one-way5-7 hoursSignificant variation through Blue Ridge terrain

  7. 7

    Hunting Island Lighthouse Trail

    3 miles (beach and nature trails combined)1.5-2.5 hoursMinimal

  8. 8

    Sassafras Mountain Trail

    1 mile round-trip to summit30-60 minutes3,553 ft summit (highest in SC)

  9. 9

    Paris Mountain State Park Loop

    4.5 miles loop2-3 hours740 ft gain

  10. 10

    Boo Hag Trail at Harbison State Forest

    5.3 miles loop2-3 hours280 ft gain

  11. 11

    Lake Jocassee Gorges Trail

    5 miles round-trip to gorge overlooks3-4 hours600 ft gain

  12. 12

    Poinsett State Park Nature Trail

    3.8 miles (two connected loops)2-3 hours200 ft gain (unusual ridge for the coastal plain)

  13. 13

    Calhoun Falls Heritage Preserve Trail

    4 miles round-trip2-3 hours300 ft gain

  14. 14

    Waterfall Country on the Chattooga

    3 miles round-trip (Issaqueena to Stumphouse Tunnel)2 hours250 ft gain

  15. 15

    Station Cove Falls Trail

    1.7 miles round-trip1 hour220 ft gain

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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