One thing is for sure: South Carolina offers plenty of options to get out into nature and enjoy its beauty and serenity. With hundreds of scenic trails and walking paths throughout the state, it can be challenging to narrow down where to go hiking next. You've got to prioritize what you're looking to get out of the hike. Is the level of difficulty of the hike most important? Or perhaps it's the type of scenery you want to take in while hiking? With the natural areas of more than half of the state recognized as part of a globally significant natural landscape with rich biodiversity, there are so many options when it comes to scenic trails. If water is what you're craving, we've got nine waterfront trails in South Carolina you'll want to consider, especially on warmer summer days when a breeze coming off of the water feels so refreshing.

1. Chatooga River Trail - Mountain Rest

We'll begin in the mountains along the South Carolina-Georgia border with the Chatooga River Trail, located in the Ellicot Rock Wilderness. It's considered a moderate hike totaling 7.3 miles out and back. You'll enjoy scenic river vistas, waterfalls, fairytale footbridges, and more along this peaceful trail.

2. Lake Placid Loop - Greenville

Our next trail is located within Paris Mountain State Park near Greenville. Lake Placid Loop follows around Lake Placid for 0.8 miles. It's an easy hike with the exception of an area with some steep slopes below the dam as well as some of the stairs around the dam. The waterfall is the highlight of this hike.

3. Riverwalk Greenway Trail - Rock Hill

Rock Hill's Riverwalk Greenway Trail made our list of 12 best hikes in South Carolina anyone can take. Following the Catawba River for 7.8 miles out and back, it's a spot that feels like you're out in the countryside, yet, you're close to both downtown Rock Hill and Fort Mill with plenty of great places to eat, shop, and more.

4. Columbia Canal Path - Columbia

Now, we're headed to the capital of South Carolina for the Columbia Canal Path in Riverfront Park. This trail follows a levy between the canal and Broad River. It's a 5.2-mile out-and-back easy hike with lots of sunshine, so don't forget a pair of good sunglasses and your sunscreen!

5. Swan Lake Gardens Loop - Sumter

Possibly the most unique hike in this list of nine fabulous waterfront trails, the Swan Lake Gardens Loop is located within Swan Lake Iris Gardens, where all seven species of swan have been found! When you finish this easy 0.8-mile loop, if you're still in the mood for unique experiences, check out the incredible piece of WWII history hiding at a tiny museum in Sumter. What a fascinating journey back in time you'll discover there.

6. Myrtle Beach State Park to Boardwalk Beach Walk Trail - Myrtle Beach

Our only beach walk in this list begins at the Myrtle Beach State Park pier and ends after about five miles of calming beach scenery at the fun Myrtle Beach boardwalk. It's a moderate hike, but if you're planning to hike both ways out and back, you can break for a bit and spend some time on the boardwalk enjoying some games, a bite to eat, or people-watching.

7. Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge - Mount Pleasant

Another different type of hike, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Walk is a South Carolina waterfront trail totaling 5.4 miles out and back, once again, with no shaded areas. If you've got a heights phobia, this may not be the hike for you – this bridge crosses over the Cooper River and is one of the tallest bridges in the country at 575-feet at its tallest point! (The hike itself is easy, though.)

8. Waterfront Park Loop - Charleston

The Waterfront Park Loop trail is located in a city park in Charleston, the Joe Riley Waterfront Park, which was renamed after Mayor Joe Riley just before he completed his final term in office. The trail is an easy 0.5-mile loop around the park. Along the trail, there are two water fountains you can cool off in on a hot day and a pier with swings if you'd like to relax a bit while taking in views of the Charleston Harbor after your walk.

9. Beaufort River & Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Walk - Beaufort

Our final trail along the water is also in a beautiful city park in Beaufort situated along the Beaufort River. This park was also named after a former mayor, and the trail is a 2.1-mile easy hike.

Which of these waterfront trails in South Carolina is most appealing to you, and why? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. And don't forget to take a look at our hiking essentials packing list!