Trail guide for Charleston

Check out these trails in and around Charleston, SC for outdoor adventures.

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Explore the West Ashley Greenway.

Photo by @annie_o_love, owner of Annie O Love’s Cafe of Sweet Abundance

From quick and easy loops around town to paths that take you to marshes and beaches, our city has so many options to hit the trail. So lace up your boots, because we’ve compiled a trail guide for the Charleston area with routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure and experience breathtaking views.

Note: While parks and trails may be listed as open, we recommend checking park websites before visiting for further info, current trail conditions, and safest practices for the area.

Key: Easy = 🥾| Moderate = 🥾🥾 | Hard = 🥾🥾🥾

Charleston

West Ashley Greenway , Albemarle Road

  • Difficulty: 🥾
  • Length: 10.5 miles out and back
  • Wheelchair accessible: Portions
  • Pet-friendly: Yes

The West Ashley Greenway is a partially-paved trail with water views that’s great for walking your dog.

Charles Towne Landing Historic Site Trail , 1500 Old Towne Rd.

  • Difficulty: 🥾
  • Length: 2-mile loop
  • Wheelchair accessible: Yes
  • Pet-friendly: Yes

This trail offers scenic views of the Ashley River and is popular for birding, walking, and biking.

James Island County Perimeter Trail , 871 Riverland Dr.

  • Difficulty: 🥾
  • Length: 3.5-mile loop
  • Wheelchair accessible: Portions
  • Pet-friendly: Yes

Go for a jog with your running buddy on this trail around James Island that’s open year-round.

Mount Pleasant

I’On Village Walk , North Shelmore Boulevard, Mount Pleasant

  • Difficulty: 🥾
  • Length: 2-mile loop
  • Wheelchair accessible: No
  • Pet-friendly: Yes

This easy route in the I’On neighborhood includes sites like the Rookery Wildlife Refuge and Mt. Pleasant Amphitheater.

Laurel Hill County Park Loop , 1251 Park West Blvd., Mount Pleasant

  • Difficulty: 🥾
  • Length: 5-mile loop
  • Wheelchair accessible: Yes
  • Pet-friendly: Yes

Follow this dirt path with your furry friend on a leash through Laurel Hill County Park.
Palmetto Islands County Park Marsh Trail , 444 Needlerush Pkwy., Mount Pleasant

  • Difficulty: 🥾
  • Length: 0.9-mile loop
  • Wheelchair accessible: Portions
  • Pet-friendly: Yes

Grab your friends, lace up your sneakers, and go for a 15-minute walk on this open-year-round loop.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach County Park Path , 1100 W. Ashley Ave., Folly Beach

Explore Folly Beach on this ~20-minute walk and be treated to ocean views.

Morris Island Lighthouse Trail , 1739 E. Ashley Ave., Folly Beach

  • Difficulty: 🥾
  • Length: 0.8 mile out and back
  • Wheelchair accessible: Portions
  • Pet-friendly: No

Walk along a colorful graffitied road to Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve for views of Morris Island Lighthouse.

Get the right gear

Get the most out of your trip with comfortable, handy, and helpful hiking gear:

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Trevor is based in Denver, CO and joined the 6AM City team as the first Editorial Intern for LALtoday, where he helped launch and develop the newsletter product. He was previously a launch editor for RALtoday and loves snowboarding + rock climbing in his free time.
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