Home › South Carolina › Mt Pleasant › Shem Creek Boardwalk
Shem Creek Boardwalk
4.8 ★★★★★ 470 Google reviews · Running trail in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Shem Creek Boardwalk's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Laid-back waterside walkway with views of the creek and marsh lands, plus benches.
What runners say about Shem Creek Boardwalk
“The boardwalk is clean, peaceful, and perfect for walking before dinner at the nearby seafood restaurants and bars along Shem Creek.”
“The views are beautiful the entire walk—boats cruising by, gorgeous water views, marsh scenery, and so much to look at the whole way.”
Shem Creek Boardwalk was the perfect spot to walk after a fun afternoon at Patriots Point. It was so beautiful to stroll down the boardwalk. The view is stunning! The boardwalk wraps around the canal welcomed by the charm of fishing boats and restaurants. Parking was a bit crazy.
I loved taking a relaxing walk here and I saw multiple types of birds while walking through the marsh, I highly recommend.
Cute little board walk park. About a 20 minute leisurely stroll to the end and back to the free parking lot. It's just a quiet little boardwalk over the creek, not a on-the-shore type boardwalk. Restrooms are at the beginning of the park. Can see local bird life flying about. People fish at the end of it.
It’s our “must-go” destination whenever we are in Charleston. It can be a bit crowded at times, especially in the last pavilion that has the view of the ocean, but there is plenty of space to spread out. I love that it’s dog-friendly! Most of the time we’ve visited, we were able to see a dolphin or two.
Trail conditions & character
“The Shem Creek Boardwalk is one of the best spots around Charleston and Mount Pleasant for a relaxing waterfront walk, dolphin sightings, sunset photos, and Lowcountry views.”
“The Shem Creek Boardwalk is one of the best spots around Charleston and Mount Pleasant for a relaxing waterfront walk, dolphin sightings, sunset photos, and Lowcountry views.”
“About a 20 minute leisurely stroll to the end and back to the free parking lot.”
“There are water fountains (with a dog water fountain) and bathrooms there.”
“There are water fountains (with a dog water fountain) and bathrooms there.”
“There are water fountains (with a dog water fountain) and bathrooms there.”
“The boardwalk was very accessible and easy to walk across with plenty of places to sit and a fishing pier as well.”
Plan your run at Shem Creek Boardwalk
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitetompsc.com
- Phone+1 843-884-8517
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–12 am |
| Tuesday | 5 am–12 am |
| Wednesday | 5 am–12 am |
| Thursday | 5 am–12 am |
| Friday | 5 am–12 am |
| Saturday | 5 am–12 am |
| Sunday | 5 am–12 am |
Running trails near Mt Pleasant
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Shem Creek Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,313 reviews
Boardwalks, trails & fishing boats highlight this tranquil town park with creek & wetlands views.
Patriots Point Nature Trail
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Nature preserve featuring trails for kid-friendly hikes, plus golf and wildlife observation decks.
Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
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Ocean Walk at Pitt Street Bridge Park
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Park with a fishing pier, grassy area and scenic views of Charleston Harbor.
Pickett Park
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Park offering a jogging & biking trail with harbor & sunset views, plus fishing areas & boat launch.
Waterfront Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 11,268 reviews
Well-known park with Charleston Harbor views, plus a large lawn, walkways & fountains.