Six Outdoor Adventures in South Carolina

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As the summer days roll by it’s easy to feel like you’re running out of things to do. If you’re sick of hitting the beach or laying by the pool, there are plenty of other activities in the great outdoors of South Carolina. If you like walking through beautiful scenery, fishing while watching the sunset, kayaking, paddleboarding, or doing really anything outdoors, then we have you covered!

Say goodbye to those lazy days on the couch and make the most of the sunshine by indulging in these outdoor adventures.

Take a walk in Audubon Swamp Garden, in Charleston, SC

If you want to see beautiful wildlife on your walk, Audubon Swamp Garden is the trail for you. It takes about 45 minutes to walk the entirety of the swamp. Get up close and personal with beautiful wildlife while crossing winding bridges over the bright green water. You’ll get a chance to see animals ranging from alligators and turtles, to bald eagles and furry otters as you stroll past moss-covered trees. The trail is 1.25 miles long and about 10 miles outside of Charleston, but as soon as you enter, the greenery and sounds of the swamp become all- encompassing. You’ll feel like you’re worlds away… for 45 minutes, at least.

Stroll along Falls Park, in Greenville, SC

If you’re looking to get outside but don’t want to venture too far from the comforts of the city, then try out Falls Park in Greenville, SC. This 32-acre park is sprinkled with all types of flowers and a waterfall runs right through winding walking trails. The falls feed into streams that line the walkways and add to the relaxing atmosphere of this beautiful park. And a suspended walking bridge above the falls allows for a great view that overlooks the waterfall. This is a great excursion for people of all ages.

Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail, in Greenville, SC

The Swamp Rabbit Trail is great because it is perfect for bikers of all skill levels. It’s a fairly flat trail that stays mostly shady for those hot summer day. It’s about 20 miles long and has access points all the way from Travelers Rest to downtown Greenville. What makes this bike trail extra fun are all the unique places you can stop on your way. Take a break and grab some ice cream at a spot right next to the trail. Or, if you’re looking to grab a bigger meal, park your bike at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery. With fun stops like these along the way, that 20-mile bike ride will be a breeze. And if you start your bike excursion in Travelers Rest, you’ll end up in downtown Greenville where you can lock up your bike and take a stroll around the city.

Paddleboard or Kayak along Shem Creek, in Mount Pleasant, SC

If you want to get out and active on the water, try kayaking or paddle boarding with Coastal Expeditions in Charleston, SC. If you want to go on a group excursion with some friends, try paddleboarding. The paddleboard tour lasts 2 hours and no experience is necessary. For $52 per person, you get to explore the ecosystems at either Shem Creek or Folly Beach. You’ll wind through tall seagrass and have a chance to sea animals like dolphins, pelicans and ospreys. And, if you want a more challenging option, a “fit” stand up paddle boarding class is also offered.

The kayak tours are three hours long and you can choose between three locations on the Charleston coast. The tour guides teach you about your surroundings along the way, and they might throw in a little Charleston history, too. Lots of nature can be spotted while on these tours. Sea turtle and manatees have even made an appearance from time to time. This is great activity for the family, with adult prices ranging from $52-$65 and $40-$45 for kids 12 years old and under.

Fish of off Pitt Street Bridge, in Mount Pleasant, SC

Pitt Street Bridge is a great place to fish and watch the sunset. With panoramic views of the marsh that overlook Cove Inlet and Charleston Harbor, this spot is overflowing with natural beauty. It’s especially unique because of its history as it was built in 1929 as a trolley bridge that connected Mount Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island. It was closed in 1945 and no longer stretches to Sullivan’s Island. Instead, spokes that used to hold up the bridge poke out of the water showing where the bridge once was. There’s a breezy walkway and public park leading up to the pier, which is the perfect fishing spot. Cast a line off the side of the pier and you can expect to catch redfish, flounder and trout. Visitors  also come here to go crabbing. So, if you’re looking to sit back and while reeling in some dinner, visit Pitt Street Bridge.

Relax at Lake Keowee, in Oconee County, Upstate, SC

Beautiful mountain ranges make the perfect backdrop for this fresh water lake. Lake Keowee is located about 45 minutes outside of Greenville, South Carolina at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With 350 miles of shore line and 400,000 acres of forests surrounding the lake, there is plenty of room for adventure. Take a hike along the shore, hop on a boat and feel the breeze in your hair, or simply float and relax in these pristine waters. This scenic and expansive lake offers such diverse activities, everyone in the family will be leaving with a smile.