Let's be honest, does anything beat getting the whole family out of the house, away from the screens, and reconnecting with nature? Kids these days just don't get outside as much as they should. The following are seven of the best hikes in South Carolina that are perfect for everyone in the family, young and old alike, and they're sure to be especially enjoyed by the little ones. Whether you're spending the day with your own children or your grandchildren, you can't beat the quality time spent outside hiking with the kids. Take a peek at these kid-friendly hikes in South Carolina below... which ones will you choose to conquer first?
1. Issaqueena Falls: Stumphouse Tunnel Road, Walhalla, SC 29691
All it takes to get to the beautiful Issaqueena Falls is a short 0.3-mile hike from Walhalla's famous Tunnel Park. This 100-foot-tall cascading waterfall has a secret cave ledge directly underneath the water veil.
Two legends in South Carolina history have been passed down regarding these mysterious falls. Both involve a Native American woman named Issaqueena who was chased to this spot. In the first version, she jumped to her death so as to escape capture. In the second version, she outsmarted the hunters by hiding in the waterfall's secret ledge cave.
Tunnel Park is definitely worth visiting in its own right: did you know it's home to the only railroad tunnel in South Carolina? Both the park and the Issaqueena Falls trailhead are located on Stumphouse Tunnel Road near Walhalla.
2. Sullivan's Island Nature Trail on Sullivan's Island
You might be surprised at just how relaxing this short 0.6-mile trail on Sullivan's Island can be. The town is one of our favorite day trips in South Carolina, and this hike is a big draw.
You'll weave your way along a clearly-marked trail (make sure to stay on the trail!) and end right on the beach. What could be more fun for the kids ... or you, for that matter?! The trailhead is located right at the intersection of Station 16 and Atlantic Avenue on Sullivan's Island.
3. Wildcat Wayside: 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635
Follow a creek upstream to see a series of three waterfalls on this kid-friendly hike in South Carolina. The trail is right around one mile. It does have a few stairs.
Avoid hiking this one after a rainfall as the surface can get slippery. You'll also want to make sure everyone stays on the marked pathway, for the same reason. The trailhead for Wildcat Wayside is located right on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway (SC-11).
4. 40 Acre Rock Heritage Preserve: 2207 Conservancy Rd, Kershaw, SC 29067
The entire family will love the adventures to be found here! This is a great 14-acre rock outcropping that's so much fun to explore. Note that there are two trails here. The one that starts at the lower parking lot is 1.7-miles long. However, if you continue driving along the same road, you'll encounter another parking lot (the upper one) and the trail that starts at this lot is much, much shorter. Did you know this place has been designated as a National Natural Landmark in South Carolina?
5. Lake Placid Loop at Paris Mountain State Park: 2401 State Park Rd, Greenville, SC 29609
There's so much to discover on this short 0.8-mile loop around Lake Placid! This wonderful trail is located at the beautiful and allegedly haunted Paris Mountain State Park, located not far from downtown Greenville. There's enough to see to keep both the little ones and teenagers entertained here. The trail begins at the visitor's center right next to the lake. Note that the state park does charge admission fees, so come with cash!
6. British Camp Trail at Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site: 398 State Park Rd, Clinton, SC 29325
At only a mile, and with a variety of historic sites right along this lovely nature trail, it's easily one of the best hikes in South Carolina! It leads right to an old homestead that was occupied by the British in 1780. The homestead is now gone, but there are many other ruins to explore here. This is one of our favorite educational hikes in the Palmetto State!
7. Chau-Ram Falls Trail at Chau Ram County Park: 1220 Chau Ram Park Rd, Westminster, SC 29693
The one-mile Chau-Ram Falls trail follows a loop around a small portion of this beautiful county park. Everyone will enjoy the 40-foot waterfall, but there's also a great suspension bridge right over the Chauga River. After you've hiked, it's a perfect spot to plan a picnic to refuel! If you visit on a hot day, you can even take a swim under the waterfall!
For more adventures in the Palmetto State that you can enjoy while still saving money, check out these 26 free things to do in South Carolina!
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