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Nature|Hiking

There’s A Little-Known Nature Trail Just Waiting For South Carolina Explorers

Seabrook Island's Hidden Oaks Nature Trail offers a unique hiking experience with lush greenery and local wildlife.

Published Oct 13, 2022

Written by 

AnneMarie

Seabrook Island is a private, exclusive island near Charleston, accessible only to property owners, club members, and their guests with a little-known nature trail waiting for explorers in South Carolina. There are less than a dozen trails to enjoy, ranging from beginner-level to advanced. Although an untapped treasure in the world of hiking, the Hidden Oaks Nature Trail is the most popular of Seabrook’s trails.

It parallels Hidden Oak Drive in a semicircle, winding through the woods and around a lagoon. Be on the lookout for alligators slinking back into the water.

A crocodile partially submerged in a calm waterway surrounded by green plants and lily pads.
Chris Klonowski/Getty Images

You could also spot some local wildlife in the marsh areas, including American oystercatchers …

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A bird with a black and white body and bright orange beak stands in a green, blurred field.
ps50ace/Getty Images

… and deer moving about through the woods, just for starters.

A small deer stands in a forest, surrounded by greenery and fallen leaves, looking curiously at the camera.
Martyn Large / 500px / Getty Images

This trail is only about half of a mile in length and is considered to be an Intermediate Level 2, with two sets of wooden steps at steeper areas of the trail that could be challenging for some hikers.

A wooden staircase leads down into a lush, green forest with a winding dirt path visible below.
Seabrook Island Virtual Tours/YouTube

Vibrant lush greenery makes the trail a satisfying experience for those who particularly love island environments.

A narrow dirt path winding through a lush, green forest filled with palm plants and dense foliage.
Seabrook Island Virtual Tours/YouTube

The trails are just a small part of the allure of Seabrook Island. You’ll want to spend some time exploring some of the other sights and attractions on the island.

A serene sunset over a calm river, framed by vibrant orange flowers and lush greenery.
chucka_nc/Flickr
Panoramic view of a lush green marsh with winding waterways under a clear blue sky.
chucka_nc/Flickr

You’ll end your day with gorgeous coastal sunset scenery.

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Silhouetted grass sways against a vibrant sunset with pink and orange hues over a calm body of water.
Cindy Robinson/Getty Images

Seabrook Island Virtual Tours walks you through the trail in this video:

But just like pictures don’t do the most beautiful things in life justice, we recommend you check out the trail in person. Many people who visit the island fall in love with it and end up moving there. It’s even on our list of South Carolina’s 15 towns to get away from it all.

Have you discovered a little-known trail somewhere else in our beautiful state? Please share about it with us in the comments below or nominate the trail for us to feature!

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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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