Top 7 Lowcountry Hiking & Biking Trails for Adventure Lovers
September 18, 2025
Ready to swap your flip-flops for trail shoes? While the Lowcountry is famous for its beaches and shrimp & grits, it’s also home to incredible hiking and biking trails that let you soak up marsh views, forest paths, and riverside rides. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly stroll, a peaceful birdwatching hike, or a thrill-packed ride, Charleston’s trails deliver.
And the best part? Many of these scenic spots are less than 30 minutes from your Deserving Vacations rental on Isle of Palms. Let’s hit the trail!
🌲 1. Palmetto Islands County Park – Mount Pleasant
🚗 ~10 minutes from Isle of Palms
With 943 acres of maritime forest, tidal creeks, and shaded picnic areas, this park is a favorite for families and nature lovers.
🛶 Rent a pedal boat or bike, explore the boardwalk trails, and climb the lookout tower for sweeping marsh views.
👉 Learn more at CCPRC Palmetto Islands.
🚴 2. Awendaw Passage – Francis Marion National Forest
🚗 ~30 minutes from Isle of Palms
Part of the famous Palmetto Trail, this 7-mile stretch winds through salt marshes and pine forests, ending at the Intracoastal Waterway.
🌾 Perfect for hikers, bikers, and birdwatchers craving serenity—and a little cardio, too.
🦩 More details at Palmetto Conservation.
🚴♀️ 3. West Ashley Greenway – Charleston
🚗 ~30–35 minutes from IOP
Flat, paved, and family-friendly, this 10.5-mile trail stretches from suburban Charleston to the Stono River.
👟 Ideal for biking, jogging, or walking the pup. Along the way, you’ll pass marshes, neighborhoods, and open fields. Find out all the details here.
☕ Trail tip: Start early, stop for a cold brew at Highfalutin Coffee Roasters, then cruise back with a smile.
🥾 4. Sullivan’s Island Beach Path Trails
🚲 Just 10 minutes from your Deserving Vacations rental
Secret sandy paths weave between dunes and neighborhoods, making Sullivan’s Island perfect for a quiet morning stroll or a post-dinner walk.
🐚 Keep an eye out for dolphins offshore or sand dollars in the surf. You’ll feel like a local wandering between shaded streets and wide-open shoreline.
🚴 5. Wambaw Cycle Trail – For the Dirt Lovers
📍 Francis Marion National Forest
For thrill-seekers, the Wambaw Cycle Trail is your playground. Designed for dirt biking and off-road adventure, this rugged forest trail is a true escape.
🔥 Bring water, bug spray, and your sense of adventure—it’s ideal for experienced riders ready to rev through the woods.
🌿 6. I’On Swamp Trail – Nature & History Combined
🚗 ~20 minutes from Isle of Palms
For a short but unforgettable hike, the I’On Swamp Trail is a 2-mile loop that blends history and nature. Part of the Swamp Fox Trail system, this scenic path highlights both Revolutionary War history and the swamp ecosystem.
🌳 Walk along boardwalks shaded by cypress trees and moss-draped oaks. Interpretive signs tell the story of Francis Marion (the “Swamp Fox”) and the wildlife habitat he once navigated.
🦢 Keep your eyes peeled for herons, turtles, and wildflowers—it’s a peaceful walk that connects you to both the past and the natural beauty of the Lowcountry.
🌊 7. Folly Beach County Park Trails
🚗 ~45 minutes from IOP
Perfect for a day trip, Folly Beach County Park combines the best of beach strolling and wildlife spotting.
👣 Explore the bird sanctuary, keep an eye out for dolphins, and end the day with a classic Folly Beach sunset.
🧺 Pro tip: Pack a picnic, then treat yourself to dinner at Taco Boy Folly Beach.
🚴 Adventure Meets Relaxation at Deserving Vacations
After a day of hiking, biking, or sandy strolling, there’s nothing better than heading back to your Deserving Vacations home base.
🛁 Soak in a hot tub.
🛏️ Lounge on a screened porch.
🍤 Grill fresh-caught shrimp and relive the day’s adventures.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets, counting dolphin sightings, or biking between beach towns, the Lowcountry has the trail (and the vibe) for you.
Let Deserving Vacations be your launchpad for adventure—and your chill zone afterward.
Come Enjoy Spring with Us!
Founded in 2009, Deserving Vacations property management has welcomed over 28,000 individual guest reservations across our diverse portfolio of properties and garnered thousands of 5-star reviews. Curious to learn more about the Isle of Palms or have specific questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to us! You can contact Deserving Vacations at 843-906-1227, email us at nathan@deservingvacations.com, or use the convenient contact form located at the bottom of our website.