Expedition South Carolina

Difficulty Level: Level 2 — Easy Going

Every trail, paddle, campground and scenic drive in the Palmetto State, with accessibility information on every single one.

LVL 2 — Easy Going

Yellow Branch Falls Hike

1.7 miles round trip
1-1.5 hours
An easy waterfall hike that delivers a 50-foot cascade through a beautiful hardwood cove. One of the best bang-for-effort waterfalls in the Upstate.
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Good for Kids
  • Stroller-Friendly (lower section)
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Folly Beach Surf Guide & Morris Island Hike

1 to 3 miles (Morris Island walk)
Half day to full day
Charleston’s surf beach and the hike to Morris Island Lighthouse. Folly Beach has the best surf on the Charleston coast. At the south end, wade across to Morris Island at low tide and walk to a lighthouse standing in the surf.
  • Dog-Friendly (with restrictions)
  • Good for Kids (beach)
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Dreher Island State Park Camping

Various trails on 3 islands
Overnight to multi-night
Three islands connected by causeways on Lake Murray. Camping, fishing, and paddling on one of South Carolina’s most beautiful lakes.
  • Wheelchair Accessible (fishing pier)
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Camping Available
  • Fishing
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Folly River Kayak & SUP

2 to 5 miles
1.5-3 hours
The back side of Folly Beach. Paddle the Folly River through salt marsh with views of the Morris Island Lighthouse and the Charleston skyline in the distance. Calmer than the ocean side and excellent for SUP.
  • Guided Tours Available
  • Dog-Friendly
LVL 2 — Easy Going

ACE Basin Wildlife Paddle

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 2 — Easy Going

Kings Mountain National Military Park

1.5 miles (battlefield loop)
1-2 hours
October 7, 1780. Patriot militiamen surrounded and destroyed a Loyalist force on this forested ridge in 65 minutes. Thomas Jefferson called it the turning point of the American Revolution. The 1.5-mile loop trail climbs the ridge and follows the battle line.
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Free Admission
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Francis Marion Blackwater Creek Paddle

Variable
2-4 hours
Paddle through ancient cypress swamps where the water runs the color of dark tea and the silence is absolute. The blackwater creeks of Francis Marion are among the most atmospheric paddling in the Southeast.
  • Dog-Friendly
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Green Pond Landing & Lake Hartwell Fishing

N/A (boat-based)
Half day to full day
The premier bass tournament launch on Lake Hartwell. Wide ramp, massive parking, and access to nationally recognized spotted bass fishing. Kayak anglers welcome.
  • Dog-Friendly (On boat)
  • Large Parking Lot
  • Paved Ramp
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Murrells Inlet Kayaking Guide

3-6 miles (variable)
2-3 hours
Tidal creek paddle with dolphins. Murrells Inlet is the seafood capital of South Carolina and one of the best places in the state to paddle with bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
  • Guided Tours Available
  • Dog-Friendly
LVL 2 — Easy Going

Chau Ram County Park & Falls

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