South Carolina Trails
South Carolina, located in the southeastern U.S., is dominated by hundreds of sea islands off the coast, the Atlantic Coastal Plain that stretches island, hilly forested terrain in the center of the state, and the Blue Ridge Mountains that stretch across northwestern South Carolina.
South Carolina is home to Congaree National Park, where hikers and backpackers can disappear among the bald cypress and tupelo trees of this jungly park.
The editors at Backpacker have created an extensive collection of popular trails and trips for hiking and backpacking South Carolina.
Finish Your First Thru-Hike On These 50-Mile Trails
These ten point-to-point treks pack the payoffs of a thru-hike, but they're hikeable in a week.
Score Winter Beach Time on Hunting Island, South Carolina
Grab a site in the dunes and go camping with the palm trees and the sea turtles.
6 Eastern Fall Hikes to Catch Epic Colors
With its mixed hardwood forests, the east coast has some of the country's best fall leaves. See them before they're gone on these six hikes.
8 Classic National Park Hikes Every Backpacker Should Do
It's hard to find an ugly spot in the national parks. But these eight hikes take it to the next level, with gorgeous scenery and wildlife. Go for a walk.
The Best Day Hikes in America: South Carolina
Let the hordes crowd the Appalachians up north.
Charleston, SC: Float a Wild Coast (Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge)
Kayak where land, sea, and river converge, then camp on a beach and take to a wildlife refuge on foot on this multiway paddling trip to Capers and Bulls Islands. BY DAVID KUCZKIR
Sponsor Content: The South Carolina Scavenger Hunt
Enter the South Carolina Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win Editor’s Choice Gear!
River Trail, Congaree National Park, SC
Bush whack through the jungles of Congaree National Park, SC, to find the River Trail, then find sanctuary on one of the secluded beaches.
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: High Ground Loop
This is literally one for the birds. Take a hike along a waterfowl-rich marsh on this 8-miler through Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge.
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.
Greenville, SC: Raven Cliff Falls Loop
This 7.7-mile lollipop loop through the Mountain Bridge Wilderness leads to Raven Cliff Falls, arguably South Carolina's most famous waterfall.
Greenville, SC: Sassafras Mountain
Tag the two highest peaks in South Carolina on this 17.2-mile out-and-back with overlooks, waterfalls, and a homestead crumbled by weather and time.
Greenville, SC: Long Cane Loop
Wander among the big trees and rocky ridges of the Old South's Sumter National Forest.
Greenville, SC: Foothills Trail
Walk the wilderness that bridges North and South Carolina on a 33-mile shuttle hike that samples lush riverside trail and ridgetop views.
Greenville, SC: Table Rock Mountain
Notch unrivaled vistas of South Carolina's Piedmont region from one of the state's most revealing vantage points on this 7-mile out-and-back to the iconic Table Rock Mountain.
Jocassee Gorges, SC: Laurel Fork Falls via Foothills Trail
Link waterfalls, rushing creeks, and a refreshing swimming hole on this 14.6-miler in Jocassee Gorges.
Rip & Go: Kingsnake Trail, Congaree National Park, SC
Spy diverse swamp wildlife in one of the newest national parks.
Local Hikes in the East — March 2013
Tromp through a Florida cypress swamp, find solitude on a Catskills peak, look for rare Carolina blooms, plus 9 more.
Trail Mix — East — March 2013
Your region's go-now guide: Visit a new hikers' hostel connected to 50 miles of trail in Maine's Bigelow Mountains, see the rare Oconee bell in South Carolina's Jocassee Gorges area, explore the world's longest mapped cave system near Louisville, and more.
BACKPACKER Trail Scouts' Top Eastern Local Hikes
Check out the River Trail in South Carolina, the Florida Trail, or a loop in Mississippi and Virginia.
Readers' Choice 2012: Your Neck of the Woods - Southeast Hikes
See 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.