Enthusiasm for biking in South Carolina State Parks is becoming increasingly popular, and whether you’re looking to take a leisurely ride on your beach cruiser or pedal along a more difficult route, there is a path to suit your needs. Biking trails in over a dozen parks combine exercise with cultural history and the natural beauty of the Palmetto State.
Lazy, mostly-level rides in the Lowcountry pass through swampy regions surrounded by cypress trees and hanging Spanish moss, letting the natural surroundings, and not the technical aspects of the trail, become the rider’s main focus. Hunting Island State Park’s easy, eight-mile biking trail is a favorite in this region, as it takes trail-users along the park’s lagoon and past the 1,100-foot fishing pier.
Midlands parks yield lengthy, moderately difficult rides with forested surroundings. Follow Hamilton Branch’s connector trail to Sumter National Forest’s popular Steven’s Creek trail or take the sandy, six-mile loop at Sesquicentennial for a quick workout.
More experienced mountain bikers will find their niche in the Upstate. This mountainous region is densely populated with state park biking trails, with difficulty ranging from short and sweet to long and laborious. Paris Mountain State Park has long been a popular and favorite biking destination, as its lengthy climbs give way to scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Croft State Park also offers an excellent biking experience, with over 20 miles of trails winding through diverse terrains, including woodlands and scenic lake views, making it a must-visit for biking enthusiasts.
Other popular biking trails can be found at Poinsett, Santee, Baker Creek, and Hickory Knob state parks. Some of the state’s bicycle trails are multi-use trails, and cyclists are encouraged to take caution and look out for hikers along the path.
CHECK OUT THE KNOT MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAIL AT POINSETT STATE PARK.
For biking trails across the state, visit the South Carolina Trails website or search our Park Finder for a park that suits you.