Things to Do around Charleston

Charleston offers a variety of outdoor activities including Road cycling, Jogging, Touring cycling, Mountain biking, Gravel biking, and Hiking. The region features more than 50 routes across these sports, with an average rating of 4.33 out of 5 stars from over 58,000 visitors.

Popular road cycling routes in Charleston include the Downtown/Park Circle loop, an easy 21.3-mile (34.3 km) ride, and the Stono River loop, a moderate 35.9-mile (57.8 km) path. The Hampton Park – Battery Thomson Fort loop offers a 26.8-mile (43.1 km) journey through historic areas. More routes are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Charleston guide.

Joggers can find numerous parks and paths in Charleston. White Point Garden, the Charleston Battery, Waterfront Park, and Hampton Park provide scenic settings for runs. Palmetto Islands County Park offers 3 miles (4.8 km) of paved trails through marshes and forests. For more options, consult the Running Trails around Charleston guide.

Yes, mountain biking opportunities are available in Charleston. The Francis Marion National Forest, located north of the city, provides extensive trail systems. Sections of the 350-mile (563 km) statewide Palmetto Trail are also suitable for off-road adventures. The MTB Trails around Charleston guide offers more details.

The West Ashley Greenway is a 10.5-mile (16.9 km), mostly flat trail with hard-packed dirt and some gravel, suitable for beginners or family rides. James Island County Park also offers miles of paved trails for walking, biking, and skating. For car-free options, see the Traffic-free bike rides around Charleston guide.

Touring cyclists can explore coastal paths, historic urban streets, and scenic marshland views. Routes like the Downtown/Park Circle loop and the Stono River loop are popular choices. The Cycling around Charleston guide provides additional touring options.

The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge features a dedicated walking and biking path that extends 2.5 miles (4 km) and climbs 186 feet (57 m) above the water. It offers panoramic views of Fort Sumter, the downtown Charleston skyline, and distant barrier islands. Historic areas and marshlands also provide scenic backdrops.

Komoot offers several guides for Charleston, including Road Cycling Routes around Charleston, Running Trails around Charleston, MTB Trails around Charleston, and Gravel biking around Charleston. Guides for hiking and family-friendly options are also available.

Routes in Charleston have an average rating of 4.33 out of 5 stars. This rating is based on feedback from more than 58,000 visitors who have explored the region's 53 available routes.

For official tourism information, the Explore Charleston website is a primary resource. The official city website is charleston-sc.gov. For visitor assistance, the Charleston Visitor Center can be reached at (800) 774-0006 or (800) 868-8118.

Yes, Charleston offers hiking opportunities. Palmetto Islands County Park features wide boardwalks through marshes and forests. Historic plantations like Magnolia, Middleton, and Drayton Hall also provide nature trails. For more options, consult the Hiking around Charleston guide.

Charleston's outdoor routes feature diverse landscapes, including coastal paths, historic urban streets, scenic marshlands, and river views. The area is characterized by its unique Lowcountry ecosystem, with barrier islands and maritime forests.