Best Hiking in South Carolina

Trying to find the best hiking in South Carolina? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

North Carolina, Transylvania County

04 :16 hrs
5.2 mi
93.59662 ft
Expert

This is a gorgeous hike through DuPont State Forest along the Little River that views four waterfalls. The trail first heads west to Hooker Falls, where there is an observation deck and then continues downhill to a nice sandy beach and swimming hole across from the falls. After retracing your steps, the trail then goes southeast to Triple Falls, a 120 foot waterfall and then to High Falls, a 150 foot waterfall. Triple Falls drops in three sections. High Falls can be viewed from an overlook and is remarkable with a covered bridge at the top. The trail then climbs up and crosses the covered bridge and then continues to a smaller Grassy Creek Falls. DuPont State Forest is a mecca for mountain biking and this trail especially is popular for hiking and biking.

2

North Carolina, Jackson County

01 :12 hrs
0.9 mi
168.81763 ft
Moderate

This trail leads to both Whitewater Falls and Laurel Falls, both amazingly over 400 feet waterfalls. The trail leads to an observation deck overlooking Whitewater Falls, said to be the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River at 411 feet and part of a Natural Heritage Area. From the observation deck, the route leads down old steps on a strenuous decline to the river's edge. There is a footbridge at the base of Laurel Falls, which is a 400 foot waterfall, but only a small portion is visible.

3

South Carolina, Lancaster County

00 :15 hrs
0.6 mi
35.597 ft
Moderate

Caves with stream flowing throughout. Waterfall.

4

South Carolina, Pickens County

04 :21 hrs
3.3 mi
596.22754 ft
Expert

Considered by many as one of the best mountain hikes in all of South Carolina, this steep trail takes one past several waterfalls initially, then eventually to the summit of Table Rock Mountain, from which you will have an unparalleled view of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Definitely considered a 'must-do' hike by any serious hiker in the region.

5

South Carolina, Pickens County

02 :36 hrs
2.7 mi
186.72809 ft
Hard

This trail takes you through the Eastatoe Heritage Preserve and offers great views of the surrounding Sassafras Mountains, the Eastatoe Creek where you are sure to see Rainbow Trout (also a popular fishing area), and the pretty 60’ Eastatoe Falls. Also, due to the unusual humidity in the area, three rare tropical ferns can be found that cannot be seen elsewhere in North America.

6

North Carolina, Gastonia

01 :51 hrs
1.8 mi
219.811 ft
Moderate

Located in Crowders Mountain State Park, this hike leads to the top of The Pinnacle, one of the two main peaks located within park, with the other being Crowder's Mountain. The trail gradually climbs through the forest and then becomes very rocky, passing through a small boulder field until it reaches the forest again. The top of The Pinnacle is very rocky again and has very interesting rock formations. The view from the top is amazing.

7

South Carolina, Greenville County

02 :24 hrs
2 mi
339.66055 ft
Hard

In a state known for waterfalls, Rainbow Falls is considered one of the best by many. But the hike isn't without difficulty as there is over 1000' of elevation change in 2.5 miles. Regardless, if up to the challenge, this hike is definitely worthy of consideration.

8

South Carolina, Greenville County

00 :17 hrs
0.4 mi
5.695923 ft
Easy

Just to be clear, this scenic overlook situated atop a large smooth rock out-cropping is not a hike, nor really even a walk, since it only takes a couple of minutes to reach after parking your car. Regardless, Bald Rock is often considered a must-visit location for anyone in the area, especially those heading to Table Rock State Park since it is only a few miles from the park, off the side of U.S. 276. What it offers up for no effort is spectacular however, as you will enjoy fantastic views of the foothills of Greenville and Pickens counties, including Table Rock itself, a large and majestic granite dome.

9

South Carolina, Greenville County

00 :34 hrs
1.7 mi
10.890137 ft
Easy

The main highlight of Cedar Falls Park is at the beginning of the trail-head, Cedar Falls, an expansive cascade on the Reedy river that has been called a miniature Niagra Falls. This is due to its shape, not height, as the falls aren't very tall. Regardless, they are visually appealing and worth seeing before starting the walk/hike through the park that mostly follows the Reedy River. Keep in mind that this park is still under development and eventually the trail network will be expanded and additional amenities included such as picnic groves, a playground, and interpretative signs describing the historical significance of the area. Such may eventually make the area very popular, but currently however, it lends itself to a very quiet and peaceful experience.

10

South Carolina, Sumter County

00 :31 hrs
1.4 mi
25.185055 ft
Easy

The most impressive part about this particular section of the Poinsett State Park trail system is the sheer variety of terrain and wildlife as you initially pass through the most mountain like environment available in this part of South Carolina, to then descend to a swamp like section where you may even spot an alligator. Definitely one of the more diverse trails you will encounter in South Carolina.

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