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Nature|Hiking

You Just Can’t Beat This South Carolina Trail With Crashing Waves, Scenic Views, And A Resident Mink

Huntington Beach State Park's Jetty Trail offers a unique hiking experience with diverse wildlife and scenic views in South Carolina.

Published Jul 19, 2023

Written by 

AnneMarie

Trails are one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the different areas within the state of South Carolina and to see the diverse landscapes we are so blessed to enjoy. Along with the beautiful scenery, one can stay active and get some good exercise in as well! From the mountains to the lowcountry coastal areas to beautiful lakes and more, you'll find tons of trails to explore, each with its own unique personality and some are even trails with a great story. Let's explore together a trail in Huntington Beach State Park that's one of the more unique trails in South Carolina.

Huntington Beach State Park was recognized in a Best of SC State Parks 2020 contest, coming out on top in seven categories: Cleanest Restrooms, Best Wildlife Viewing, Best Day Trip, Best Wedding Location, Best Park for Swimming, Best Retail Location, and Best Overall Park!

A serene landscape featuring twisted trees with a view of a calm water body in the background.
Stephen Schuessler via AllTrails

Located in scenic Murrells Inlet, it's known to be a birding hotspot, with over 300 species that have been spotted in the park.

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The unique Jetty Trail is 4.3 miles out and back and is an easy trail with beautiful sights.

A coastal scene featuring a rocky shoreline, grassy areas, and calm waters under a clear blue sky.
Pete Pantsari via Google Reviews
A serene landscape featuring a calm waterway bordered by rocks and lush green grass under a clear blue sky.
Wes Hayes via AllTrails

The jetty is located at the northern tip of the state park, and you'll need to be prepared to cross over some rocks to reach the paved pathway of the jetty.

A sandy beach with a rocky jetty extending into calm blue waters under a clear blue sky.
Adventuring Through Life with the Whits via Google Reviews
A long stone jetty extends into calm waters under a clear blue sky, with gentle waves lapping at the sides.
Chip James via AllTrails

Expect high winds along this South Carolina trail that could stir up some sand into the air. But the sounds of the ocean, with waves often crashing over the rocks, make it such a peaceful spot to get lost in thought!

A rocky jetty extends into the ocean at sunset, with waves crashing against it under a colorful sky.
Mike Fisher via AllTrails
Waves crashing against rocky shore under a clear blue sky with sunlight reflecting on the water.
Marci Olesen via AllTrails

There's a good chance you'll spot a variety of wildlife, some perhaps very unexpected.

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A close-up of a pale crab with large eyes, surrounded by dry grass and sand.
Jake Janssen via AllTrails

Perhaps the most popular animal often spotted along the jetty trail is a mink, once all but extinct in the state north of Charleston. Thanks to the Department of Natural Resources and the Air National Guard, a re-introduction program has brought them back!

A small brown animal walks across large gray rocks near a body of water, surrounded by tall grass.
D. Rubanenko via AllTrails
A small brown animal walks across a large rock near grassy terrain.
Steve Herndon via AllTrails

Another surprising animal that has sometimes been spotted at the jetty is the harbor seal, not often seen in South Carolina!

A seal resting on a rocky shore, partially submerged in water, with a calm ocean in the background.
South Carolina State Parks via Facebook
A sand dollar resting on a wooden post, showcasing its star-shaped pattern and natural texture.
Stephen dunn via AllTrails

Surf fishing and fishing from the jetty is common. A South Carolina Salt Water Fishing License is required.

A person holds a small fish by the mouth, with a rocky shoreline and water in the background.
Blong Lee via Google Reviews

Check our Ultimate Hiking Packing List while planning your hike of one of the most unique trails in South Carolina with so much to see. What's the most interesting thing you've ever seen on a trail?

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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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