With a variety of trails ranging from mountain hikes with breathtaking waterfalls to river and seaside paths, South Carolina is a fantastic place to get outdoors for some fresh air and exercise. But not everyone has an entire day to devote to hiking, right? And sometimes you want to find kid-friendly hikes in South Carolina that your little ones can do too. So we've compiled a list of short hikes under three miles that won't necessarily zap your entire day or all of your energy. They're some of the best hikes in South Carolina! Take a look:

1. Station Cove Falls - Walhalla

If you love a slow meandering sort of hike that's relatively easy and short, then this trail is right up your alley. It's only 1.6 miles out and back. In the spring enjoy all the wildflowers bordering this gorgeous trail. See the full Trail map.

Read more about Station Cove Falls.

2. Sandhills Trail - Columbia

Runners, hikers and walkers alike enjoy the scenery on this short 1.9 mile loop around a lake in Columbia. There's a waterfall along the way, too.

Learn more about Sesquicentennial State Park.

3. Horseshoe Falls - Enoree

1.7 miles is all it takes to get you there and back on this short and relatively flat trail with a big payoff: a waterfall swimming hole! Cross some quirky, fun bridges along the way and savor a cool dip once you get there. This is one of those easy hikes in South Carolina that you'll love to visit again and again.

4. Forty Acre Rock - Kershaw

This trail is a moderately strenuous hike IF you part at the lower parking lot. It's 2.4 miles out and back and you'll get treated to a beaver pond, a waterfall and a cave on your way to the top of this amazing spectacle known as Forty Acre Rock. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.

Check out more about Forty Acre Rock.

5. Cedar Falls - Fountain Inn

You'll love this scenic 2.2 mile loop trail offering forever views of the bustling Reedy River.

Find out more about Cedar Falls.

6. Peachtree Rock - Lexington

This 2.4 mile loop dishes up a waterfall and a rock that favors the shape of a Peach tree. It's rated "easy" and you can bring the pooch as long as he's on a leash. It's even more fun to get to enjoy this scenic hike in South Carolina with your furry friend.

Read more about Peachtree Rock.

7. Canal Trail - Catawba

Follow alongside the Catawba River on this 1.5 mile out and back mostly shady trail. Time your hike for May and June and you'll be treated to the largest stand of Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies in the U.S. right here on the Catawba River. Estimates put the massive display at 20 acres of lilies scattered over the water.

Learn more about Canal Trail.

8. Lick Log Creek Falls - Mountain Rest

Hike into the Sumter National Forest to discover this beauty. Along the way you'll find several cascades that are smile-worthy too. The hike is pretty easy up until the very end - where things can be a bit dicey making your way to the very bottom of this waterfall. Fortunately, you don't have to stand at the very bottom to see it at all.

Find out more about Oconee County, where Lick Log Creek Falls in located.

9. Rock Hill River Park Loop - Rock Hill

Parts of this 1.7 mile paved loop trail in Rock Hill run parallel to the Catawba River, while other parts run alongside a picturesque creek. There's a slight elevation change so it's not entirely flat, but most find it relatively easy to hike or walk.

Learn more about Rock Hill.

10. Caw Caw - Ravenel

Head into a Cypress swamp on a mostly boardwalk trail that's 3 miles out and back. Don't be surprised to see a variety of wildlife like snakes and alligators.

Read more about Caw Caw.

11. Falls Creek Falls - Marietta

Rounding out our list of the best hikes in South Carolina is the beloved Falls Creek Falls. Coming in at just under two miles out and back, the Falls Creek Falls trail has a gigantic payout: a 100-foot waterfall in a combination of cascades and stacked ledges. But that payout comes with its own price in the form of a difficult trail.

Check out more about Falls Creek Falls.

Whether you're an avid hiker or more of a "walker," this list of short hikes is sure to have something that will suit your skill level. What's your favorite trail in South Carolina? We'd love to know in our comments!

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