Maybe we’re a bit biased, but we believe winter in South Carolina is the best! There’s a chill in the air, and it’s a great time to be outside without the daunting cloud of sweat-inducing humidity following you everywhere.
Without a doubt, the fall and winter seasons can be a perfect time to get outside and explore the beautiful Palmetto State. We’re here to help in that department. Here are our recommendations for the best winter hikes in South Carolina. Each trail will deliver outstanding views and special surprises — like waterfalls! Ready to start exploring?
The Carrick Creek Trail is a two-mile loop at Table Rock State Park. Rated "moderate," the trail rises about 400 feet overall and offers clear views of a few cascading waterfalls, including Carrick Creek Falls shown above. There's also an overlook not too far into the trail. It's also one of our favorite easy-access waterfall hikes in South Carolina
Winter is the perfect time to explore Falls Park on the Reedy, one of the only city parks in the nation with a natural waterfall of this size at its center. You can even venture onto the Swamp Rabbit Trail from here. The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a rails-to-trails path that travels approximately 19 miles to Cleveland. Perfect! Is it any wonder why this park is considered one of the best-kept secrets in South Carolina?
Congaree National Park is a real treasure to have here in our home state. Among other wonders, it contains the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the nation. That's something! The park offers eight hiking trails ranging from .3 mile to 11.7 miles. At least one of them has a boardwalk surface.
This 3.2 mile segment of the Palmetto Trail known as the Oconee Passage is accessed from Oconee State Park. Much of the trail follows an old railroad bed, however in places the trail gets relatively narrow as you make your way down a hillside. It's one of the reasons the trail is rated "moderate." But the pay off, shown above, is a full-on view of the beautiful Station Cove Falls. While you're in the area, be sure to take time to explore some other trails. In fact, there are more than 50 hikes in this one South Carolina county
The High Hills of the Santee provide a perfect setting for a hike at Poinsett State Park. Several trails are mapped out online. Or you can just wander along the banks of the 10-acre pond.
This 2,100-acre nature preserve in Fort Mill, South Carolina offers up 40 miles of trails, including biking and equestrian trails. The bridge shown above is located near the Nature Center.
Rocky Creek trail is 4.8 miles out and back and is rated easy, although in the winter you'll want to watch for ice. The trail features this waterfall (look up) plus a lake the locals call "stumpy pond." You'll see why when you get there. Here's more on what makes this trek one of the most unique trails in South Carolina
Next up on our list of some of the best winter hikes in South Carolina is Twin Falls Trail. Located near Sunset, this trail is about two miles out and back and features an overlook where you can see the two magnificent falls at the same time. The trail is rated easy, however getting down to where Fido is in this photo could prove to be more challenging, especially in the winter, so exercise caution.
This short and sandy trail is less than a five minute walk but takes you to an empty beach where you can explore and hike until your heart's content. You'll also get a panoramic view of the Morris Island Light and all the waters surrounding her. Learn more about this fantastic lighthouse trail in South Carolina.
Okay, so you won't always find snow at Caesar's Head State Park, but no "winter hikes" list could be complete without at least one snow photo, right? Caesar's Head has trails ranging from a half mile to ten miles and most are rated moderate to strenuous. In fact, you're asked to register with the park office any time you decide to hike in this state park. But you can drive almost all the way to the overlook shown here. Park in the lot and then it's just a short walk to the overlook where, in the winter, you'll have a good view of Raven Cliff Falls (shown above).
We really do have it all here in South Carolina. Even in the winter, the Palmetto State is an outdoor dream. Whether you prefer hiking to a beach or way up on a mountaintop, this list of the best winter hikes in South Carolina is sure to have something that piques your interest. Where’s your favorite place to hike when the weather turns cold? We’d love to know in our comments!
Want more things to do in South Carolina in the winter? Check out our list of winter Festivals.
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