Five Lowcountry hikes for a fresh perspective
By Jenny Peterson
The Lowcountry may not offer mountain peaks or steep elevation gains, but it makes up for it with miles of flat, accessible trails that invite people of all fitness levels outside.
From paths that trace the edges of barrier islands with 180-degree views of waterways to shaded routes through hardwood bottomland swamps, the Charleston area offers marsh views, quiet forests and out-and-back trails that can often be completed in under an hour.
Time outside, even with a short walk, can lower stress and boost mood. In the Lowcountry, perspective shifts don’t come from elevation. Sometimes they start with a flat surface – and an alligator in view.
Audubon Center and Sanctuary at Beidler Forest
336 Sanctuary Rd., Harleyville
While it’s a bit of a drive, the journey is well worth it. This Audubon-affiliated sanctuary feels worlds away from the Atlantic coast: a deep, blackwater swamp and bottomland hardwood forest that offers one of the most immersive wilderness experiences in the Lowcountry.
Visitors can choose their own adventure on this 18,000-acre preserve. One option is a 1.75-mile ADA-compliant wooden boardwalk that winds through ancient cypress-tupelo forest, where towering trees rise directly from the dark water. Along the way, rest areas and rain shelters offer places to pause and take in the quiet beauty of the swamp.
For a more rustic experience, a second, less-developed grassland-to-woodland trail provides a different perspective of the landscape.
Birdwatchers will find plenty to appreciate, from colorful warblers to the elusive barred owl. Much of the trail is shaded by centuries-old trees, making it a naturally cooler hike during warmer months.
Hours – Boardwalk: Wednesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (gate closes at 4 p.m.) Sunday: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Trails: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Admission – Adults (13+): $12, Children (6–12): $7, Children 5 and under: free
Free admission on the second Saturday of the month.
Charlestowne Landing State Historic Site
1500 Old Towne Rd, Charleston
This sprawling West Ashley park blends history, nature and easy walking paths beneath moss-draped live oaks. Set along a marshy point on the Ashley River, it marks the site where English settlers first landed in 1670.
Visitors can explore seven miles of paved and unpaved trails, from marshfront paths to 80 acres of landscaped gardens filled with azaleas, camellias and centuries-old oaks. The History Trail winds through the original settlement area, complete with reconstructed fortifications, a palisade wall and crop garden.
For a small admission fee, the Animal Forest offers a natural habitat setting with species native to the region at the time of settlement, including bison, elk, otters and black bears, along with turkeys and other birds.
Picnics are welcome on the grounds, and leashed pets are allowed in most outdoor areas.
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Admission: $12/adults; $7.50/S.C. seniors; $7/youth (6–15); free for children 5 and under
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
5200 Savannah Hwy., Ravenel
More than six miles of scenic trails and elevated boardwalks wind through wetlands at the Charleston County Parks site, with interpretive exhibits highlighting the area’s cultural and ecological heritage. Visitors can explore remnants of 18th- and 19th-century rice fields and learn about the site’s connection to the Stono Rebellion, one of the most significant slave uprisings in colonial America.
The grounds are also home to thousands of naturalized tea plants, leftover from a 20th-century tea farm. The park is a well-known birding destination, along with possible sightings of alligators, bald eagles, deer, otters and more.
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed Mondays except Memorial Day and Labor Day)
Admission: $2 per person; free for Gold Pass members and children 2 and under.
Palmetto Islands County Park & Laurel Hill County Park
Mount Pleasant is home to two distinct but complementary county parks that showcase the diversity of the Lowcountry landscape, from water-filled marshes to quiet forest trails.
At Palmetto Islands County Park, at 444 Needlerush Pkwy, visitors will find 1.1 miles of paved trails and 4.4 miles of unpaved paths within 943 acres of marsh, meadow and maritime forest. The park, managed and operated by Charleston County Parks, is built for both recreation and relaxation both on land and water, with fishing docks, kayak access to Horlbeck Creek and Nature Island’s 50-foot observation tower overlooking the tidal marsh.
A short drive away, Laurel Hill County Park offers a quieter, more natural escape across 745 acres of woods and open fields. Several miles of unpaved trails wind through the landscape, including a scenic oak allée and a peaceful lake overlook. The park also features a Compass Course, giving visitors a chance to test navigation skills.
Hours:
Palmetto Islands: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Laurel Hill: Sunrise to sunset
Admission:
Palmetto Islands: $2 per person
Laurel Hill: $1 per person
Free for Gold Pass members and free for children 2 and under at both parks.
Stono River County Park
3580 McLeod Mill Rd., Johns Island
Opened in 2020, this 85.5-acre park features 1.5 miles of wooded trails and marsh boardwalks along the Stono River at the foot of the Limehouse Bridge. A boardwalk leads to a small island with additional trails and scenic river overlooks with plenty of views of shorebirds.
The park connects conveniently to the nearby West Ashley Greenway.
Hours: May–August, 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Admission: $1 per person; free for Gold Pass members and children 2 and under.
