Exploring the Best Bike-Friendly Forests in South Carolina

South Carolina is a sunny, vibrant, and inviting state that offers something for cyclists of all levels. From the Spanish Moss Trail in Beaufort County to the Palmetto Trail in Walhalla, there are plenty of bike trails to explore. The Spanish Moss Trail is a 10-mile paved path that takes you through the heart of Beaufort County, South Carolina. This picturesque route follows the old Magnolia railway line, passing through historic buildings, mossy trees, and tree-lined neighborhoods.

Along the way, you can also take advantage of fishing spots and observe a variety of coastal wildlife. Pets are welcome on this trail, and pet waste stations are conveniently located throughout. Paris Mountain State Park is home to 15 miles of bike trails that attract mountain bikers from all over the country. Just 7 miles north of downtown Greenville, you can escape to this beautiful natural area for long climbs with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The park offers trails for cyclists of all skill levels, with plenty of wildlife to observe along the way. For a short and easy ride, try the 1-mile Pipsissewa Trail. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, check out the 3.6-mile Sulphur Springs Trail, which features a narrow, steep, and rugged route. Anne Springs Close Greenway is located at 2573 Lake Haigler Drive in Fort Mill.

You can download a map of the trail here. The easiest way to access the Ravenel Bridge pedestrian path is to park in Mount Pleasant's Waterfront Memorial Park and follow the trail from there. The park also has access to a bridge and is home to the Mount Pleasant Pier, a 1,250-foot-long pier that goes under the bridge. The Peak to Prosperity passage is part of the Palmetto Trail, a 500-mile state trail under development.

This 11-mile route follows an old railroad line that crosses Dutch Fork and features historic wooden easels with incredible views of the stream. The trail is mostly flat and easy to navigate, making it an enjoyable ride for cyclists of all skill levels. FATS is one of the most popular mountain bike trails in Sumter National Forest and perhaps in all of South Carolina. Protected as a “wild and picturesque river”, the Chattooga River is an ideal destination for whitewater rafting.

South Carolina has something for everyone when it comes to cycling: long flat paved trails for long-distance rides, panoramic mountain routes with great hill climbs, and stunning beach trails for trips along the east coast. So if you're looking for bike-friendly forests in South Carolina, you won't be disappointed!.

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.