Mary Black Rail Trail & Cottonwood Trail, Spartanburg
Up to 5 miles
1-2 hours
Spartanburg’s urban trail network on a converted railroad corridor. Flat, paved, and welcoming to strollers, wheelchairs, bikes, and joggers. A legitimate outdoor option in the heart of the city.
A 1,400-acre state park on the edge of Columbia with a lake, hiking trails, and a mountain bike trail. The best accessible outdoor recreation closest to the state capital.
295 acres on the Clemson University campus, free to visit. Cultivated display gardens, a geology museum, nature trails through Piedmont forest, and a stream corridor beautiful year-round.
The most haunting ruins in South Carolina. A Greek Revival church burned by the British in 1779 and again by Sherman in 1865. Massive tabby columns standing in a field of Spanish moss. Free to visit.
Paved riverfront trail along the Congaree River through Cayce and West Columbia. Flat, scenic, and accessible. Sunset views of the Columbia skyline from the river are among the best in the city.
Greenville’s signature urban park. A pedestrian suspension bridge over Reedy Falls, miles of Swamp Rabbit Trail, and a walkable downtown that has been called one of the best in America.
7 miles of paved trail along the Savannah River in North Augusta. Free, flat, and scenic. Connects downtown North Augusta to Riverview Park with views of the river and the Augusta, Georgia skyline.
One of the best birding sites in South Carolina. Thousands of wintering waterfowl, bald eagles, and wading birds on the shores of Santee Cooper. A wildlife drive and walking trails make it accessible for all ability levels.
Georgetown is the third-oldest city in South Carolina and its waterfront is one of the prettiest on the coast. The Harborwalk runs along the Sampit River through historic downtown, past shrimp boats, seafood restaurants, and views of the Georgetown Lighthouse.
The best public beach access near Charleston. Isle of Palms County Park has paved parking, accessible beach access, restrooms, and a lifeguarded swimming area. The beach is wide, clean, and less crowded than Folly Beach on weekends.
