The best walks and hikes in Calhoun County
4.6
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597
hikers
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hikes
Hiking in Calhoun County, located in South Carolina, offers trails through diverse natural environments. The region is characterized by its old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, floodplains, and the Congaree River. Trails often feature boardwalks and paths through wetlands, with minimal elevation changes.
Best hiking trails in Calhoun County
- The most popular hiking route is Boardwalk Loop — Congaree National Park, a 2.5 miles (4.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 2 minutes to complete. This easy path guides hikers through…
Last updated: May 1, 2026
2
hikers
4.06km
01:02
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
22.8km
05:49
80m
80m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
hikers
3.54km
00:54
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8.11km
02:02
0m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
135
hikers
4.07km
01:02
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(10)
102
hikers
7.43km
01:52
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(12)
63
hikers
11.4km
02:52
10m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(4)
19
hikers
17.4km
04:22
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
4
hikers
3.68km
00:55
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
4.74km
01:12
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Calhoun County
Tips from the Community
The Bates Ferry Trail ends here at the Congaree River, and the Abandoned Logging Road picks up. Walk out to the sandy banks of the river and watch it flow part of its 53-mile course.
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The Sims Trail in Congaree National Park is an easy, 3.2-mile round-trip hike that follows an old gravel road through a lush floodplain forest. It connects the Bluff Trail to Cedar Creek, intersecting with the Boardwalk Trail and providing access to longer routes like the Weston Lake and Oakridge Trails . Along the way, hikers can enjoy scenic views of towering hardwoods and may encounter wildlife such as deer, fox squirrels, and various bird species.
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Weston Lake is situated within Congaree National Park. There is a loop trail (primarily on an elevated boardwalk) that passes by the lake and through the wetland areas surrounding the water. The reservoir is home to a bunch of different plants and animals, and there are several areas with great views of the water.
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Weston Lake is situated within Congaree National Park. There is a loop trail (primarily on an elevated boardwalk) that passes by the lake and through the wetland areas surrounding the water. The reservoir is home to a bunch of different plants and animals, and there are several areas with great views of the water.
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The Boardwalk is a great place to see some of the giant trees that put this park on the map, as well as habitat for the rare Carolina bogmint. There are numbered markers along the boardwalk that corresponds with the current park visitor's guide and provides information on the history of the park.
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Beautiful trail through an impressive stretch of towering trees. It is best to check in advance at the visitor center whether the trail is open.
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About 20 miles southwest of Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, the last large and old hardwood forests of the United States can be found on the Congaree River. In a vast swamp area - the national park covers 67 square miles - the trees form one of the highest natural roof areas in the world. A hike through the park's rustic swamp landscape is impressive, mystical and enchanting. Various circular hiking trails, some of which lead over a raised wooden plank path, open up the north-western area of the park area. The approx. 4.5 mile long Weston Lake Loop Trail leads past the lake of the same name. The visitor center provides information about nature and settlement history. The national park's website provides up-to-date information and a wealth of information about the history and features of the park: nps.gov/cong/index.htm
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on hiking trails in Calhoun County?
Hiking in Calhoun County, South Carolina, is characterized by its unique landscape of old-growth bottomland hardwood forests, river floodplains, and wetlands. Trails often feature boardwalks and paths through these diverse natural environments, with generally minimal elevation changes.
Are there any easy trails suitable for beginners or families in Calhoun County?
Yes, Calhoun County offers several easy trails. A popular choice is the Boardwalk Loop — Congaree National Park, an easy 2.5-mile path that guides hikers through ancient forest on elevated boardwalks. Another easy option is Weston Lake loop — Congaree National Park, which is 4.6 miles and explores the unique ecosystem around Weston Lake.
What are some longer or more moderate hiking options in the area?
For those seeking a longer experience, the Oakridge Trail loop — Congaree National Park is a moderate 7.1-mile trail leading through old-growth forest. Another moderate option is the River Trail loop — Congaree National Park, which spans approximately 10.8 miles.
Are there any circular hiking routes available?
Yes, several trails in Calhoun County offer circular routes. Besides the Boardwalk Loop and Weston Lake loop, you can also explore the Oakridge Trail loop, all within Congaree National Park.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Calhoun County?
The trails in Calhoun County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 39 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique experience of walking through ancient bottomland hardwood forests and the well-maintained boardwalks.
Are there any trails that offer views of the Congaree River?
Yes, the River Trail loop — Congaree National Park is an excellent option for experiencing the Congaree River. This moderate trail offers extensive views of the river and its floodplain forest.
What is the shortest trail available in Calhoun County?
One of the shorter trails is the Bates Ferry Trail — Congaree National Park, an easy path just over 2 miles long. It offers a quick immersion into the park's natural beauty.
Are there any trails that are particularly good for spotting wildlife?
Many trails in Congaree National Park, such as the Sims Trail — Congaree National Park, traverse diverse ecosystems like wetlands and old-growth forests, making them ideal for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for various bird species, deer, and other native animals.
How many hiking trails are there in Calhoun County?
There are over 15 hiking routes available in Calhoun County, offering a range of experiences from easy strolls to more moderate, longer trails through the unique floodplain forest environment.
Is there a trail that combines different natural features, like a lake and forest?
The Sims Trail – Weston Lake loop from Eastover offers a combination of features, allowing hikers to experience both the forest and the serene Weston Lake area within Congaree National Park.
What is the longest trail I can hike in Calhoun County?
The longest trail listed is the River Trail loop — Congaree National Park, which extends for approximately 10.8 miles, providing a comprehensive exploration of the park's riverine landscape.
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