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Best running trails in South Carolina
Ranked by the runners who actually run there — Google rating weighted by review volume, across 195,251 reviews of South Carolina trails. A trail needs at least 25 reviews to qualify (139 in South Carolina do) and each name appears once. Nobody pays for a place. Updated 2026.
The 20 below run across 13 cities, 4 of them paved, 3 loops, 8 shaded, and 1 with a stated distance. This is a popularity ranking, not a difficulty score — for what a trail is actually like underfoot, open its page for surface, loop distance, shade, lighting, restrooms and parking.
Falls Park on the Reedy
4.9 ★★★★★ 21,473 reviews
Picturesque park with waterfall views, a curved suspension bridge & many acres of gardens.
Waterfront Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 11,268 reviews
Well-known park with Charleston Harbor views, plus a large lawn, walkways & fountains.
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 4,070 reviews
Celebrated riverfront park providing landscaped green space, a playground & stage for performances.
Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,947 reviews
A nautical-themed playground, 1,250-ft pier with bench swings, cafe/gift shop & scenic harbor views.
James Island County Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,630 reviews
This serene park with tidal creeks & trails is a popular spot for biking, crabbing & camping.
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,137 reviews
Old pump houses shed light on the canal works amid natural hiking & biking trails & picnic tables.
West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,112 reviews
This park on the Congaree River features an amphitheater & connects with the Three Rivers Greenway.
Conestee Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,652 reviews
Home to more than 200 bird species, this 400-acre wildlife preserve offers paved trails & bog walks.
Cleveland Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,514 reviews
Lakeside park with fishing, an amphitheater & a promenade on the water, plus rental facilities.
Century Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,186 reviews
Preserve with various sports fields, a stadium, recreation centers & spacious playgrounds.
Folly Field Beach Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,998 reviews
Tranquil beach with restrooms & outdoor showers, plus seasonal umbrella & lounge chair rentals.
Conway Riverwalk
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,908 reviews
Tranquil path bordering the Waccamaw River, with benches, grassy areas & playgrounds along the way.
Cherry Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,966 reviews
Green space, a 1.5-mile trail, picnic areas & fields, including 5 baseball diamonds, on 68 acres.
Croft State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,901 reviews
This 7,000-acre park boasts 12 miles of hiking & horse trails, 2 lakes & an equestrian center.
Hampton Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,851 reviews
Featuring extensive floral displays, this park also offers a baseball diamond, playground & trail.
Unity Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,832 reviews
Playgrounds and swings, plus a climbing wall, for kids of all ages, next to a park with picnic tables.
Francis Marion National Forest
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,816 reviews
Large pine forest & marsh area with hiking, biking, motorcycle & canoe trails, plus rifle ranges.
Lake Murray Dam North Recreational Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,668 reviews
Relaxed park and picnic area featuring a manmade sandy beach plus fishing pier, dock and boat ramps.
Conestee Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,497 reviews
Family-friendly recreational space featuring ballfields, picnic tables, dog parks and an array of trails.
Moore Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,469 reviews
Wooded park with a pond, picnic shelters, walking trails, multiple playgrounds & an amphitheater.
Where these trails are
The cities in this ranking, if you'd rather start from where you live.
- Running trails in Greenville, SC
- Running trails in Charleston, SC
- Running trails in Beaufort, SC
- Running trails in Mt Pleasant, SC
- Running trails in Columbia, SC
- Running trails in West Columbia, SC
- Running trails in Spartanburg, SC
- Running trails in Greer, SC
- Running trails in Hilton Head Island, SC
- Running trails in Conway, SC
- Running trails in Rock Hill, SC
- Running trails in Huger, SC
- Running trails in Irmo, SC
All 365 trails in South Carolina → Best trails in other states →