South Carolina offers an incredible diversity of hiking experiences, from the rugged Blue Ridge escarpment in the Upstate to the serene blackwater swamps of the Lowcountry. Discover the trails that showcase the Palmetto State’s natural wonders.
The Blue Ridge Escarpment: Where Mountains Meet the Piedmont
The northwestern corner of South Carolina is where the Blue Ridge Mountains make their dramatic plunge toward the Piedmont. This escarpment—one of the steepest and most continuous in eastern North America—creates perfect conditions for waterfalls, and South Carolina has more than its share.
The Jocassee Gorges
Often called the “Amazon of the East,” the Jocassee Gorges region harbors some of the most biodiverse terrain east of the Mississippi. The combination of elevation changes, abundant rainfall, and protected wilderness has created a haven for rare plants and animals found nowhere else. The Foothills Trail - Jocassee Gorges section traverses this spectacular landscape.
Whitewater Falls
Straddling the North Carolina border, Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, with the upper falls dropping 411 feet. The lower falls, entirely in South Carolina, add another 400 feet of cascades. The Coon Branch Trail - Lower Whitewater Falls Spur connects viewing platforms for both falls, with the South Carolina side offering a more intimate experience with fewer crowds.
Oconee Station Falls
A gentle 1.5-mile walk through piedmont forest leads to this hidden 60-foot cascade. The adjacent historic Oconee Station, a frontier outpost from 1792, adds historical interest to the natural beauty.
Table Rock State Park
The iconic granite face of Table Rock Mountain has drawn hikers for generations. The challenging 3.6-mile trail to the summit gains over 2,000 feet, rewarding persistent hikers with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge escarpment and Lake Jocassee shimmering in the distance.
For a less strenuous option, the Carrick Creek Nature Trail offers a 2-mile loop past a beautiful waterfall, showcasing the park’s lush cove hardwood forests.
Caesars Head State Park
Perched at 3,208 feet, Caesars Head offers some of South Carolina’s most dramatic overlooks. The famous Naturaland Trust Trail descends through rhododendron tunnels to a suspension bridge with views of Raven Cliff Falls, a 420-foot cascade—one of the tallest in the eastern United States.
In autumn, Caesars Head becomes a premier hawk-watching destination, with thousands of raptors riding thermals along the escarpment during their southern migration.
The Midlands: Sandhills and Swamps
South Carolina’s middle region offers a completely different hiking experience, where ancient sand dunes and cypress swamps tell the story of a prehistoric coastline.
Congaree National Park
South Carolina’s only national park protects the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. These champion trees—some of the tallest in the East—create a cathedral-like atmosphere on the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop Trail.
For a more immersive experience, the Weston Lake Loop extends to 4.4 miles, passing through areas where you might spot river otters, wild boar, or the elusive bobcat. The park’s designated Wilderness area offers backcountry camping for those seeking true solitude.
Don’t Miss: The synchronous fireflies that light up the forest in late May and early June—one of only a few places in the world where this phenomenon occurs.
Cheraw State Park
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, Cheraw State Park showcases the unique Carolina Sandhills ecosystem. The 4-mile Turkey Oak Trail winds through longleaf pine savannas, once home to the now-extinct Carolina parakeet. Today, the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker still finds refuge here.
The Lowcountry: Where Land Meets Sea
South Carolina’s coastal plain offers hiking unlike anywhere else—boardwalks through maritime forests, trails along pristine beaches, and paths through some of the most historically significant landscapes in America.
Huntington Beach State Park
The finest birding destination on the South Carolina coast, Huntington Beach combines three miles of undeveloped beach with freshwater lagoons and salt marshes. The Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail offers easy access to prime birding habitat, while the Kerrigan Nature Trail explores the maritime forest ecosystem.
The park’s centerpiece, Atalaya Castle, was the winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. This Moorish-style structure provides fascinating exploration between trail outings.
ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge
One of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the Atlantic Coast, the ACE Basin (named for the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto rivers) encompasses over 350,000 acres of protected wetlands. The Grove Plantation area offers walks through managed wetlands where alligators bask on sunny banks and wood storks wade through shallow waters.
Bulls Island
Accessible only by ferry from Awendaw, Bulls Island offers 16 miles of trails through one of the most pristine barrier islands on the East Coast. Boneyard Beach, where salt-bleached skeletons of live oaks create an otherworldly landscape, is worth the ferry ride alone.
Best Seasons for South Carolina Hiking
Spring (March-May)
- Wildflowers blanket the mountain forests
- Waterfalls run at peak flow
- Migrating songbirds fill the coastal forests
- Comfortable temperatures throughout the state
Summer (June-August)
- Beach trails offer cooling ocean breezes
- Mountain trails provide escape from lowcountry heat
- Early mornings best to avoid afternoon thunderstorms
- Prime time for Congaree’s canoe trails
Fall (September-November)
- Peak foliage in the mountains (late October)
- Hawk migration at Caesars Head
- Cooler temperatures return to the lowcountry
- Fewer crowds at popular destinations
Winter (December-February)
- Best time for lowcountry hiking (no humidity!)
- Bare trees reveal hidden waterfalls
- Prime birding season on the coast
- Occasional snow dusts the mountains
Planning Your South Carolina Adventure
The state’s compact size makes it possible to experience mountains and coast in a single long weekend. Charleston and Greenville both serve as excellent base camps for regional exploration.
Upstate Itinerary (3 Days)
Day 1: Table Rock State Park—summit hike and Carrick Creek
Day 2: Caesars Head and Naturaland Trust Trail to Raven Cliff Falls
Day 3: Whitewater Falls and Foothills Trail - Jocassee Gorges
Lowcountry Itinerary (3 Days)
Day 1: Congaree National Park boardwalks and backcountry
Day 2: ACE Basin and historic plantations
Day 3: Bulls Island or Huntington Beach State Park
Trail Ethics in South Carolina
South Carolina’s trails traverse a mix of state parks, national forest, wildlife refuges, and private land. Respect posted boundaries and:
- Obtain permits where required (especially for backcountry camping)
- Stay on designated trails to protect fragile ecosystems
- Keep dogs leashed in state parks
- Pack out all trash—leave no trace
- Report wildlife sightings to park staff (especially rare species)
Final Thoughts
South Carolina may be small, but its trail diversity rivals states many times its size. From the misty waterfalls of the Blue Ridge escarpment to the haunting beauty of Boneyard Beach, the Palmetto State rewards hikers who venture beyond its famous beaches and historic cities.
The trails are calling—from mountains to coast, South Carolina is waiting to be explored.