Get Out To Discover South Carolina’s Hidden Gems
Oct. 1, 2026
South Carolina has beautiful views across the state. You don’t have to look far to find a special spot to get outside and explore. From hiking trails in the Upstate to kayaking through ancient cypress forests and exploring remote barrier islands, the Palmetto State is full of hidden gems.
Getting outdoors might be exactly what your health needs. The physical benefits of spending time in nature are well documented*.
We've gathered a few spots around South Carolina where you can enjoy natural beauty, stay active, and support your well-being.
Take to the trails in the Upstate
Those in the Upstate don’t have to go far for adventures in nature. While popular spots such as Devils Fork* and Table Rock* offer plenty to do, don’t sleep on some of the area’s other locales.
Croft State Park* has dozens of miles of trails for biking, hiking, or riding horses. At 7,054 acres of parkland, it’s one of the largest in the State Park Service, and it’s only 5 miles from downtown Spartanburg.
There’s plenty here for the whole family with spots for picnicking, a playground, and two lakes for fishing and boating. The park is packed with history, too. You may find old homesites and historic remnants alongside wildlife and streams.
Reconnect with history on the coast
Getting the health benefits of nature doesn’t require hiking strenuous trails. You can soak up the sun along our coast. But don’t just sit on the beach. A visit to Hampton Plantation State Historic Site* offers an easy trail loop to see an abandoned rice field and rich natural diversity.
It is home to a colonial-era plantation that serves as an interpretive site for the system of slavery and colonial history. It also tells the history of the freed people who made their homes in the Santee Delta region for generations.
Explore 4 acres of wild gardens and stop by to visit the 220-year-old Washington Oak Tree, saved by the first president. You can see if you can spot the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker or swallow-tailed kite. The park is a great spot to soak in the health benefits of bird-watching.
Go for a paddle on a Canoe Trail
There are plenty of ways to enjoy nature in the Midlands and the capital city’s rivers. A short drive away, you can go looking for the little things at Goodale State Park*.
You can paddle the Canoe Trail across the lake and see many birds. You may even spy the occasional bald eagle. You’ll paddle into the forest, around ancient trees and near wildlife. Here, you’ll find some of the best kayaking in the state. Paddling is an easy exercise that can be good for your physical and mental health.
If you prefer to stay on land, enjoy a picnic and take in the scenery. Even this can give you a physical and mental boost.
Disconnect on a remote island
In today’s busy world it is important to disconnect for your mental health. Get away from it all on St. Phillips Island*. Here, you’ll find a peaceful escape with beaches, marshes, and old-growth maritime forest.
Trails cross an ancient dune system and lead visitors through the heart of the island. Along the way, you can see Native American shell middens, the remains of a World War II airplane, and other reminders of the island's history.
Whether you enjoy hiking trails, kayaking adventures, bird-watching opportunities, or quiet places to relax, South Carolina offers outdoor experiences for every interest. From the Upstate to the Lowcountry and the Pee Dee, these hidden gems can help you stay active, support your mental health, and show you a new side of the Palmetto State.
*These links lead to third-party websites. Those organizations are solely responsible for the contents and privacy policies on their sites.
