Trip Finder
Find Your Next South Carolina Adventure
Choose what you want to do, where, and how hard. Every guide that matches shows up below.
Build your trip
Activity
Region
Effort level
LVL 1 — First Steps
Full day
Rent a pontoon on Lake Murray and watch up to a million purple martins fly into Bomb Island at dusk. How rentals work, where to launch, and SC boat rules.
LVL 2 — Easy Going
4-10 miles (variable)
Half day to full day
One of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast. Paddle through tidal creeks and salt marshes where bald eagles, wood storks, and river otters share the water with your kayak.
- Guided Tours Available
- Dog-Friendly
LVL 1 — First Steps
0.5 miles at Angel Oak, 1-3 miles at Botany Bay
Half day to full day
Two of the most extraordinary natural experiences in South Carolina, 45 minutes apart. Angel Oak is a 400-500 year old live oak with a canopy that covers 17,000 square feet. Botany Bay is a ghost forest boneyard beach unlike anything else on the East Coast.
- Wheelchair Accessible (Angel Oak)
- Stroller-Friendly (Angel Oak)
- Dog-Friendly (Angel Oak)
LVL 2 — Easy Going
1 to 30+ miles (trail network)
1 hour to full day
2,100 acres of privately owned conservation land in Fort Mill with 30+ miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. One of the best trail networks in the Charlotte-Rock Hill corridor.
- Dog-Friendly
- Bike-Friendly
LVL 1 — First Steps
11 miles
Half day to two days
Drive Ashley River Road (SC 61), 11 miles under moss-hung oaks past Drayton Hall, Magnolia and Middleton Place: stops in order, history and access tips.
LVL 3 — Moderate
5 to 12 miles (varies by section)
Half day to full day
The Black River near Georgetown contains bald cypress trees dated to more than 2,000 years old. When these trees were saplings, the Roman Empire was still standing. Paddle right past them through tannin-dark water in one of the most atmospheric paddles in the Southeast.
- Dog-Friendly
Varies
Where to launch on Jocassee, Hartwell, and the Santee Cooper lakes, plus launch fees, parking rules, boater education, and ramp etiquette.
LVL 3 — Moderate
Varies (overlook 0.1mi, Raven Cliff 4mi RT)
2-5 hours
The most dramatic overlook in South Carolina. Caesars Head sits at 3,208 feet and offers views across the Blue Ridge Escarpment that will stop you in your tracks.
- Wheelchair Accessible (overlook)
- Dog-Friendly
- Good for Kids
LVL 4 — Challenging
3 to 6 miles (open-water crossing)
Full day
An open-water crossing to an uninhabited barrier island that is one of the most important loggerhead sea turtle nesting beaches on the East Coast. Bull Island has no development, no cars, and no crowds. Just beach, forest, and wildlife.
- Guided Tours Available
LVL 3 — Moderate
5 to 15+ miles
Full day or overnight
The east bank of the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River through old-growth forest. Burrells Ford is the best backcountry camping in the state. River beaches, swimming holes, and total wilderness.
- Dog-Friendly (Leashed)
LVL 2 — Easy Going
1 to 4 miles
2-4 hours
A 40-foot waterfall visible within 2 minutes of the parking area, plus 4 miles of river trails with swimming holes on the Chauga River. Great add-on for the Walhalla area.
- Dog-Friendly (Leashed)
- Parking Near Falls
LVL 1 — First Steps
112 to 118 miles
3 hours to a full day
Drive SC 11, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, stop by stop: Cowpens, peach stands, Table Rock, Lake Jocassee, plus fall timing, fees and road tips.
Need a campsite tonight?
These campgrounds take walk-ups, so you can show up without a reservation. Check each one before you drive.