Your Guide to Hiking & Biking in Charleston, SC

Charleston’s unique coastal setting, marshes, waterways, and lowcountry forests make it a surprisingly rich playground for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re a casual walker, avid hiker, or weekend cyclist, there are trails and routes for all levels just outside the city.

Check out this curated guide to some of the best hiking and biking in Charleston, SC, plus tips on where to live nearby so you’re never far from your next adventure.

Best Spots for Hiking in Charleston, SC

West Ashley Greenway

A flat, multi-use corridor stretching approximately 10+ miles through neighborhoods, wooded pockets, and marshlands. Partially paved with scenic Lowcountry views, it’s ideal for walking, running, and casual biking, making it a great option for mixed-use outdoor time close to the city.

Awendaw Passage of the Palmetto Trail

This shaded forested trail runs along or near the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s part of South Carolina’s longest hiking trail system, the Palmetto Trail, and offers peaceful, shaded surroundings, great birding, and wildlife sightings. Because it’s less trafficked, you’ll often get stretches all to yourself.

Francis Beidler Forest Boardwalk

​​Set within a protected Audubon sanctuary, this elevated boardwalk winds through a cypress-tupelo swamp. It’s a gentle, family-friendly walk, and the swamp habitat supports owls, woodpeckers, and even alligators. The experience feels deeply immersive with minimal effort required.

Laurel Hill County Park

This quieter trail network near Mount Pleasant offers open fields, shady woods, and broad, flat paths. The park is easy, flat, and gentle, with trail loops between 1.7 and 2.2 miles that showcase pine forest beauty and local wildlife. 

Top Biking Trails in Charleston, SC

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Path

This elevated, protected multi-use path gives panoramic views of Charleston Harbor and the city skyline. It links Charleston to Mount Pleasant and is heavily used by both commuters and recreational cyclists.

Daniel Island Trail Loop

A friendly, paved loop weaving through residential areas, parks, and waterfronts. It’s scenic, flat and accessible, great for families, beginners, or anyone wanting a relaxed ride. 

Palmetto Islands County Park Trails

This park offers bikeable, relaxing loops through wooded areas, marsh edges, and open meadows. Bike rentals are available on site, making it convenient for visitors or families traveling light.

Pitt Street Bridge to Sullivan’s Island Ride

This is a scenic, low-traffic coastal route connecting Mount Pleasant to Sullivan’s Island. Ideal for a breezy, scenic ride, featuring marsh vistas, coastal breezes, and relaxed road conditions. 

Dream Finders Communities Near Charleston, SC

Abbey Walk | Moncks Corner, SC
Abbey Walk combines solar-powered efficiency with Lowcountry-inspired design. With a variety of home styles and great amenities, it’s an affordable, family-friendly community near hiking, fishing, and boating along the Cooper River.

Central Park | James Island, Charleston, SC
Minutes from Downtown Charleston and Folly Beach, Central Park combines timeless Charleston architecture with laid-back island living. This boutique neighborhood puts you minutes from everything on James Island.

Heron Preserve | Hanahan, SC
Set in scenic Tanner Plantation, Heron Preserve blends natural beauty with the perennial charm of traditional Lowcountry-style elevated homes. Families and outdoor enthusiasts alike will enjoy easy access to parks, trails, and downtown Charleston and Mt. Pleasant. 

Rivercroft | Awendaw, SC
Rivercroft is a luxury pocket neighborhood, offering waterfront and dockable homesites. Perfect for boaters and nature lovers, it delivers a peaceful coastal lifestyle just minutes from Mt. Pleasant Towne Centre, top-rated schools, beautiful local beaches, and Charleston.  

Tidewater at Lakes of Cane Bay | Summerville, SC

Located in the master-planned Cane Bay community, Tidewater offers modern single-family homes designed for today’s lifestyles. Hiking on scenic trails, fishing and kayaking on the calm lakes, and resort-style neighborhood amenities are all within easy reach.

FAQs About Hiking and Biking in Charleston, SC

Are the trails pet-friendly?

Boardwalks, greenways, and paved loops typically allow leashed dogs. Always check signage at trailheads. The wetter swamp or forest trails might be more challenging for some dogs during wet seasons.

When is the best time of year to hit the trails?

Late fall through early spring (roughly November to March) tends to offer the best conditions for hiking near Charleston, SC: cooler temps, fewer bugs, and lower humidity. Summer can be sweltering and buggy, so early mornings or late afternoons are safer bets.

Are there mountain biking trails in Charleston?

True “mountain biking” terrain is scarce in the largely flat Lowcountry region. But some forest trails offer unpaved, single-track, or mixed-surface routes. For most residents and visitors, the paved loops, greenways, and forest paths will be the go-to options for Charleston, SC, biking.

Live Near the Best Trails in Charleston

If you love biking and hiking in Charleston, SC, consider choosing a home near these scenic trails. From flat greenways and urban paths to forested routes and coastal rides, Charleston offers surprisingly varied choices for outdoor lovers. Ready to explore homes near your favorite trails? Connect with us to start your journey.