South Carolina

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Nature|Hiking

Hike To An Emerald Lagoon On The Easy Riley Moore Trail In South Carolina

Riley Moore Falls in South Carolina offers a refreshing swimming hole and an easy hike, perfect for a summer day.

Published Apr 11, 2021

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

Few things are better on a hot summer day than finding a swimming hole, complete with fresh and cool mountain water to help you cope with the heat. Fortunately, South Carolina is home to a number of waterfall swimming holes replete with a refreshing way to cool off. If you're up for a short and easy little hike, then a visit to the gorgeous emerald lagoon found in the middle of the forest just 11 miles northwest of Westminster, South Carolina, is a must.

An ideal destination any time of year, Riley Moore Falls is ideal on a warm day when bathing suits are as commonplace as sharing the expansive plunge pool and large lagoon with other hikers.

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alltrails/Joe Ohandley

But to get here, you'll first have to hike a mile into the woods. But fear not, the trail is ranked as easy, and clocks in at 1.9 miles, round trip.

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alltrails/Daniel Luttinger

There is a small elevation gain of 357 feet over that mile. Afterall, this swimming hole is located in the mountains.

Pack a picnic lunch, grab the beach towels and plan for a fun day in the sun (and shade)!

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Google Maps/Mark Mefferd

There's even a beach next to this emerald lagoon. It's ideal for hosting a picnic break from swimming.

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alltrails/Daniel Luttinger

Just remember the "leave no trace" principal so we can all leave this spot in pristine condition for generations to come.

Bring an inflatable float and relax on top of the gorgeous waters of the Chauga River — or claim one of the big, flat rocks stationed along the outflow of the waterfall.

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Google Maps/Luis Castiblanco

Of course, the beach is also a great spot for observing the action or just admiring the scenery.

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Google Maps/ K BB

The trail to Riley Moore Falls is accessible year-round. Dogs are allowed on the hike as long as they are leashed.

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Google Maps/Lauren Berry

Have you ever hiked to Riley Moore Falls? How was it? We'd love some feedback, so join the discussion in the comments!

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Google Maps (embellished to add state outline)

Learn more about the trail to Riley Moore Falls from our friends at AllTrails.com.

And for another can't-miss waterfall hike in South Carolina: The Yellow Branch Falls Trail In South Carolina Is A 3-Mile Out-And-Back Hike With A Waterfall Finish.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Iconic Trail in South Carolina Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

Explore the unique Sandhills Hiking Trails in South Carolina, where ancient sandy dunes, longleaf pine forests, and diverse wildlife create a distinctive outdoor adventure.

Published Oct 17, 2024

Written by 

Megan Todaro

One thing I really love about hiking trails is how wildly different one can be from another. You can have a twenty-miler that kicks your butt and shifts in elevation the likes of which rock climbers only see. But then you can also have (sometimes in the same park!) A two-mile jaunt that takes you through nature in a relaxed, morning stroll type of way. The good news for everyone hiking in South Carolina is we have both varieties of trails at our disposal. If you are leaning more toward the latter though, we recommend checking out Sandhills Hiking Trail in Sesquicentennial State Park.

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Alltrails Adrian Zona

The Sandhills Hiking Trail in South Carolina is a popular trail that highlights the uniqueness of the Sandhills region. Located just outside of Columbia, the park is well-known for its scenic beauty, pine forests, and beautiful lake. The Sandhills Hiking Trail gives visitors an excellent opportunity to experience the distinctive ecosystems of the region while enjoying a peaceful outdoor escape.

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Alltrails Robert Stegall-Smith

In terms of trail overview, this hike is rated as easy-to-moderate, and suitable for hikers of all skill levels and ages. Clocking in at around two miles total, this loop trail will take hikers through towering pine trees, stunning shaded longleafs, and through the Sandhills terrain.

What’s more fascinating about the Sandhills region and what levels up this hike to iconic status is the fact that the terrain is the result of ancient beach dunes left behind when the Atlantic Ocean receded. In case you didn’t know, over 100 million years ago, much of inland South Carolina was covered by the ocean, which is why today, sediments, fossils, and other marine deposits typical of the area, can be found out in the wild!

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Alltrails Cindy Clark

Keep in mind, the park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset and there is a small admission fee for day-use visitors. This goes to a good cause though, as it helps maintain the park and keep conservation efforts coming! Also, dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leash.

Have you ever trekked the Sandhills Hiking Trail before? What were your favorite parts about the experience? Sound off in the comments section!

Also, make sure to sign up for an Alltrails Plus membership before you hike! That way you can get even more information before you start your journey.

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Nature|Hiking

Hike This Easy Trail in South Carolina for an Unforgettable Adventure

This easy trail in beautiful Cheraw State Park won't take all day and has some gorgeous views!

Published Oct 17, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

We love a good difficult hike that ends up being an all-day trek. If you ask us, there's no better way to get out and exercise - after all, there are plenty of great trails in South Carolina, and you're surrounded by natural beauty wherever you go! Still, we also recognize the need for family-friendly hikes, too. Maybe you're not in the best of shape, or you're out with young kids or use mobility aids like a wheelchair or walker. If you're in the mood for something a bit more relaxed but just as beautiful, we think you'll love the spot we're featuring today. The gorgeous Lake Juniper Boardwalk Trail in Cheraw's Cheraw State Park is one of our favorite kid-friendly hikes in the Palmetto State. The scenery is lovely, and it's quite the easy jaunt that just about anyone can enjoy.

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Scott Densmore/AllTrails

Cheraw State Park shares its name with the city where it lies, and it's a wonderful place for an afternoon of fun. One of the biggest draws here is the championship golf course, but you'll find plenty of other amenities, like the magnificent 360-acre Lake Juniper.

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calder wilson/AllTrails

There's a lot to do at the lake. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent, and it's full of catfish and bass, which is perfect for those looking to try their luck at fishing. If you're looking to make a few days out of your getaway here, the lakefront cabins offer great views of the water.

One of the lake's best simple pleasures, though, is to enjoy a walk along the shore. The 1.2-mile Lake Juniper Boardwalk Trail is one of the park's easiest hikes. With very little elevation gain and an out-and-back time of just under 25 minutes, this is the type of exercise that just about anyone can enjoy.

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Robert Timmons/AllTrails

The trail offers beautiful scenery. The five-foot-wide dirt and wooden path is appropriate for strollers or wheelchairs, and the gentle grade will not wear you out too much.

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Tina S/AllTrails

Next time you're looking for a family-friendly outing in nature, this is definitely the hike to check out!

For more information about this great hike in Lake Cheraw State Park, check out our friends at AllTrails.

If you're a regular hiker in South Carolina, you don't want to miss a free trial of AllTrails+. You'll get to enjoy amazing benefits like downloadable maps and trail guides that will help you make the most of all your adventures, whether you're close to home or across the globe.

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