13 Best Hikes in Charleston, SC: Trails for Every Skill Level

Charleston, SC, offers some of the Southeast's most varied hiking, from coastal boardwalks with harbor views to shaded forest trails draped in Spanish moss.

Whether you want an easy stroller-friendly walk, a challenging multi-mile trek, or a hike steeped in Revolutionary and Civil War history, Charleston delivers. This guide covers 13 of the best trails in and around the city, organized by type so you can quickly find the right fit.

My family visits Charleston every winter to see close friends, and exploring the area's trails has become part of the tradition. This list pulls together our favorite finds from years of visits.

A paved trail winds through a wooded area, marked by a wooden sign reading "South Carolina State Trails Program." Surrounded by trees and brush, the path invites walkers and cyclists to explore the natural landscape, with bollards at the entrance ensuring accessibility and safety.

Coastal Treks and Historic Walks

Charleston's blend of history and coastline creates some of the most captivating trails in the Southeast.

Pitt Street Bridge (Pickett Park)

Distance: 0.4 miles (one way) | Difficulty: Easy | Address: Pickett Park, Pitt St, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 | Hours: Open 24 hours

This former bridge connecting Mount Pleasant to Sullivan's Island is now a walking path with panoramic views of Charleston Harbor and the Intracoastal Waterway.

It's ideal for sunrise or sunset walks, and fishing is popular here too. You may also see it listed as Cove Inlet Bridge or Cove Inlet Causeway.

Remnants of the Pitt Street Bridge in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, with concrete pylons stretching into marshland and water. The weathered structure contrasts with a serene backdrop of calm water and distant shoreline houses under a clear sky.

Fort Moultrie Historical Trail on Sullivan’s Island

Difficulty: Easy | Address: Sullivan's Island, SC 29482 | Hours: Dawn to dusk

This trail circles Fort Moultrie, site of Revolutionary War and Civil War battles. Educational signage details the fort's history while you take in Atlantic Ocean and Charleston Harbor views, making it a great pick for combining history with a walk.

Silhouetted cannons at Fort Moultrie stand against a cloudy sky, with several visitors observing the historic site. The path leading to the cannons is bordered by grassy embankments, creating a peaceful scene under the diffused light of the overcast day.

Fort Sumter National Monument

Difficulty: Easy | Address: Ferries depart from the Fort Sumter Visitor Center in downtown Charleston and Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant | Hours: Depends on ferry schedule

Fort Sumter marks where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. It's accessible only by ferry (fee required), making it a scenic and historical outing rather than a typical hike.

A walkway leads to the historic Fort Sumter, surrounded by rocky shorelines and calm waters under a clear blue sky. The brick structure stands against the backdrop of an expansive water view, with a few visitors exploring the grounds on a sunny day.

Forest Trails and Wildlife Encounters

When you're ready to trade sandy shores for shaded canopy, these inland trails deliver.

Laurel Hill County Park

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Address: 1251 Park West Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466 | Hours: 8:00 AM to Sunset

Looping trails wind through open meadows and wooded sections, so you can mix and match to create the distance you want.

Don't miss the historic Oak Allee, a striking avenue lined with centuries-old live oaks, and the park's compass course for practicing navigation skills.

Compass used for navigation — “Compass” by urbanwide is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Francis Marion National Forest

Difficulty: Varies by trail | Address: 2967 Steed Creek Rd, Huger, SC 29450 | Hours: Open 24 hours

This 263,904-acre forest north of Charleston spans longleaf pine habitats, cypress swamps, and tidal marshes.

The Swamp Fox Passage, one of the longest sections of the Palmetto Trail, suits experienced hikers, while the shorter I'on Swamp Trail offers a scenic boardwalk through swamp environment for a lighter outing.

dirt trail surrounded by leafless trees — “20220228 02 Palmetto Trail Swamp Fox passage, Awendaw, SC” by davidwilson1949 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Difficulty: Easy | Address: 5200 Savannah Hwy, Ravenel, SC 29470

Interpretive trails wind through a variety of habitats here, with good odds of spotting white-tailed deer and other local wildlife along the way.

A wooden boardwalk winds through a dense forest in Caw Caw County Park, surrounded by tall, slender trees and patches of green undergrowth. The serene setting is dappled with soft sunlight filtering through the leafless branches, creating a peaceful atmosphere ideal for a nature walk.

Awendaw Passage

Distance: 7.1 miles | Difficulty: Easy (flat, well-maintained) | Address: Awendaw, SC | Hours: Dawn to dusk

The starting point for the Palmetto Trail, South Carolina's longest trail, this passage crosses pine savannas, salt marshes, and coastal forests.

Expect boardwalks over marshland, scenic creek views, and good birdwatching. It's about 40 minutes north of Charleston and accessible for most skill levels.

Bulls Island

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Address: Garris Landing, Awendaw, SC | Hours: Ferry schedule varies

Part of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Bulls Island is reachable only by ferry. Beach, forest, and maritime forest trails offer varied scenery, and alligator sightings are common, so keep a respectful distance.

Easy Day Hikes

For days when you want to get outside without much exertion, these trails deliver scenery with minimal effort.

Angel Oak Trail

Difficulty: Easy | Address: 3688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455 | Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily

A short loop around the iconic Angel Oak Tree, with informational signs detailing its history and significance. It's a quick stop, but the tree itself is worth the visit.

The massive Angel Oak tree spreads its sprawling branches across a sunlit clearing, with visitors gathered around to admire its impressive size. The tree's dense canopy of green leaves casts dappled shadows on the ground, emphasizing its ancient and majestic presence in the park.

Wannamaker County Park Trails

Difficulty: Easy | Address: 8888 University Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29406 | Hours: Typically 8:00 AM to sunset

Paved trails including the Old Loop Trail and Oakridge Trail make this a solid choice for a low-key day hike.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Difficulty: Easy | Address: 3550 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414 | Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily

Beyond the well-known Audubon Swamp Garden, Magnolia Plantation offers walking trails through formal gardens, open meadows, and woodland paths lined with centuries-old oaks draped in Spanish moss.

Mountain Adventures and Challenging Hikes

Table Rock State Park

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous | Address: 158 Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671 | Hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM

If you're willing to drive a few hours to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Table Rock Trail and the Dismal Trail Loop offer real elevation and sweeping views. For a longer adventure, the Foothills Trail runs between South Carolina and North Carolina.

Fall trees along a lake — “2006 Pinnacle Lake Table Rock State Park SC” by scmikeburton is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Family-friendly and Accessible Excursions

These trails suit strollers and all ages, blending convenience with natural scenery.

Palmetto Islands County Park

Distance: 0.75 to 1.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy | Address: 444 Needlerush Pkwy, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 | Hours: 8:00 AM to Sunset

Winding boardwalks and padded trails make this a stroller-friendly option, with playgrounds along the way for fun pit stops. The Nature Trail (0.75 miles) offers a relaxed stroll, while the Palmetto Trail (1.5 miles) gives you a bit more mileage. Both are easy.

Dirt trail surrounded by trees and brush in late summer. — “palmetto trail – awendaw passage francis marion nf south carolina” by ken ratcliff is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Edisto Beach State Park (Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve)

Distance: 1 mile walk to beach, plus 6.5-mile driving tour | Difficulty: Easy | Address: 8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438 | Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

About 45 miles south of Charleston, this 4,600-acre preserve offers a self-guided driving tour past archaeological sites and an unforgettable avenue of oaks at the entrance.

The real draw is 3 miles of pristine coastline, reachable via a one-mile walk along the Pockoy Island Trail. Erosion has created a striking “boneyard” of dead trees along the white sand, especially photogenic at sunrise and sunset.

Shells are plentiful but must be left where you find them.

A surfer rides a gentle wave on a sunny day at a South Carolina beach, with the open ocean stretching to the horizon under a clear blue sky. The waves are modest, rolling toward the sandy shore as the surfer maintains balance, capturing a relaxed seaside moment.

Charleston SC Hikes: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best trails for beginners in Charleston, SC?

Palmetto Islands County Park and Pitt Street Bridge offer gentle terrain and strong views, making them ideal starting points for new hikers.

Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails in Charleston?

Magnolia Plantation offers wheelchair-friendly paths, making its gardens and history accessible to all visitors.

Do I need any permits or passes for hiking in and around Charleston?

Some locations charge a fee or require a permit. Check each park's website or contact them directly before your visit to confirm current requirements.

What should I take with me on a hike in Charleston, SC?

Bring water, wear appropriate footwear, and pack sunscreen and insect repellent. It's also wise to tell someone your hiking itinerary before you head out.

So many Charleston, SC hikes to choose from

Each of these trails offers something different, whether it's a peaceful coastal view or a deep dive into the region's history. They've become part of our yearly trips to Charleston, and there's always a new spot worth exploring.

Whether it's your first visit or you're a local looking for a new trail, Charleston's diverse landscapes make it easy to reconnect with nature.

If you're extending your trip, Savannah is a fun add-on just down the coast, or check out our broader guide to National Park Service sites in the Southeast for more nearby adventures.

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