Charleston: Palmetto Trail (Awendaw Connector)
This 9.8-mile out-and-back strolls through sandy pine and oak forest, and across tidal creeks to stunning coastal views in Francis Marion National Forest.
| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
South Carolina
Hiking and Backpacking Trips
|
|
Charleston: Palmetto Trail (Awendaw Connector)This 9.8-mile out-and-back strolls through sandy pine and oak forest, and across tidal creeks to stunning coastal views in Francis Marion National Forest. Charleston: Palmetto Trail (Swamp Fox Passage)This leisurely 8.2-mile out-and-back meanders through the low-country forests and cypress swamps of Francis Marion National Forest. Charleston: High Ground LoopThis is literally one for the birds. Take a hike along a waterfowl-rich marsh on this 8-miler through Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge.
|
|
|
Marty HaughnThis "Rail Trail," called Peak to Prosperity as part of the Palmetto Trail, takes even the most beginner of hikers on an easy stroll of 13 miles out and back. Crossing several railroad trestles converted to boardwalks provides 11 points of interest and plenty of photographic opportunities.
|
Readers' Choice 2012: Your Neck of the Woods - Southeast HikesSee Shenandoah's tallest waterfall, traverse secluded ridgelines, score cliff-top panoramas, swim beneath falls, and walk through wildflowers and oak stands on the Florida Trail. 
Local Hikes: SoutheastHike these long trails in North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida, and paddle three days in the Everglades backcountry. |
Less is More: 50-Mile Thru-HikesTen point-to-point treks with the payoffs of a thru-hike, but hikeable in a week. 
Best. Hikes. Ever.We've covered 245,591 miles of trails in our 37-year history. Here are our 20 all-time favorite trips, plus—shocking!—20 routes we never covered. Best Hikes Ever: Sandpiper Trail, SCEmerge from crane-crossed coastal grasslands to pristine beaches. |
Share your tales of travel & adventure with our step-by-step guide. Upload trail descriptions, photos, video, and more.
Photos + Videos
Packing for a Backcountry Ski DayKristin Hostetter shows you the essential gear, and how to pack it, for a day of backcountry skiing. |
Adjust Your Pack Straps on the TrailMaximize your pack's comfort with a few easy, on-trail strap adjustments. |
|
Life's Short, Hike More!
What makes a backpacker a backpacker? It's not the garage full of gear or piles of guidebooks--it's the experiences, from thru-hiking a long trail to pushing your personal envelope to inspiring a child's love of wilderness. Here we present BACKPACKER's new Life List: 10 experiences to add to your tick-listnow--and the key skills you need to nail them.
Secret Hikes: Appalachian Trail
The last lonely stretch of the AT beckons from the mountains of western Maine.
Secret Hikes: Glacier National Park
Score wildlife sightings daily, choice views hourly--and at least one juicy burger--on this weeklong circuit.
Secret Hikes: Grand Canyon National Park
Surprise: This park's busy corridor trails offer a fast track to a private slice of heaven.
Secret Hikes: Grand Teton National Park
Rise above the crowds and earn solo views of elk, wildflowers, and summit sunsets.
South Carolina
Courtesy of SC Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
| Most Popular |
Charleston: Palmetto Trail (Awendaw Connector) Greenville: Raven Cliff Falls Loop Greenville, SC: Sassafras Mountain |
International Travel
From Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' trek abroad.
Navigation Center
Learn how to orient a map, navigate any terrain, and the ins-and-outs of GPS devices.
BACKPACKER's Free Smartphone GPS App
Record and share you adventures with our new, free navigation app. Plus, discover thousands of GPS-enabled hikes in national parks and major cities.
Green Guide
A backpacker's guide to environmental issues and "green" gear.
