Exploring the Best Bike-Friendly Counties in South Carolina

If you're looking for a great place to explore on two wheels, South Carolina is the perfect destination. From the beautiful city of Charleston to the wild and picturesque Chattooga River, there are plenty of bike-friendly counties in the Palmetto State that offer a variety of activities for cyclists. Charleston is renowned as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the United States. If you're looking for a guided tour, Charleston Bicycle Tours offers multi-day packages with different themes, such as the plantations and picturesque villages of Charleston or a family bike tour.

If you'd rather explore on your own, try the Swamp Fox Trail, one of the oldest bike trails in the area. This 64 kilometer unpaved trail is a great way to learn about local wildlife and enjoy the wonderful landscape. The Spanish Moss Trail is another great option for cyclists. This 10 mile paved trail runs through northern Beaufort County and offers plenty of opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation.

Pets are also welcome on this trail, and there are pet waste stations along the route for your convenience. If you're looking for a more adventurous ride, South Carolina has plenty of mountainous single-track trails to explore. The University of South Carolina has also earned its place as a bicycle-friendly university. Four cities in South Carolina (Greenville, Spartanburg, Columbia and Charleston) have won the bronze award for providing safe accommodations for biking and encouraging cycling as a means of transportation and recreation.

Greenville is the only city in South Carolina with staff positions dedicated to bicycle and pedestrian issues and infrastructure, as well as the only one that has hired professional consultants to work with the city to develop a master plan focused solely on bicycle access and safety. When it comes to outdoor fun, South Carolina's sandy beaches, fish-filled rivers, and picturesque mountains have always ranked high. Protected from development as a “wild and picturesque river”, the Chattooga River is definitely the place to go in South Carolina for whitewater rafting. Whether you're looking for an easy ride or an adrenaline-filled adventure, South Carolina has something for everyone. With its bike-friendly counties, scenic trails, and beautiful landscapes, it's no wonder why so many people choose to explore this amazing state on two wheels.

Carol Toefield
Carol Toefield

Award-winning pop culture expert. Infuriatingly humble pop culture ninja. Total web expert. Award-winning pop culture lover. Evil music maven. Extreme beer maven.