8 Most Bike-Friendly Towns in South Carolina
South Carolina is an irresistible destination for tourists with many draws, ranging from picturesque landscapes to historic attractions, and beautiful street scenes. Additionally, the state has some of the most bike-friendly towns in the country, offering seamless and pleasurable adventures. Most of these towns even have paved trails coursing along the borders of lakes or through greenways, exposing bikers to enchanting scenery. For those looking to experience something truly exciting, head to these eight towns in South Carolina that are incredibly bike-friendly.
Aiken
The historic town of Aiken is home to many historic, arts, educational, and recreational attractions, promising abundant fun and exciting experiences for visitors. This town is also bike-friendly, with numerous trails, paved paths, and parks that promote safe biking expeditions. Visit this town and cycle through its 2,100-acre Hitchcock Woods or along the Boyd Pond and witness nature in its untamed form. Proceed to the streets of downtown Aiken to experience its arts and historical scene.
Bike to the Aiken County Museum to see exhibits on the county’s local pottery, golf course, and Savannah River. The Savannah River Site Museum is another historic attraction dedicated to the river and its role in the Cold War. Afterward, shop for antiques at the Aiken Antique Mall and enjoy a refreshing lunch at New Moon Café.
Port Royal
Port Royal, a small charming town on its namesake island, offers bikers ample trails and paths to explore its natural coastal beauty and landmarks. For starters, the 10-mile Spanish Moss Trail connects the town to Beaufort and is one of the finest trails in South Carolina, featuring spectacular greenery, wetlands, creeks, and picturesque neighborhoods. Also, visitors can pedal to Cypress Wetlands Park to be dazed by the elegance of nature on its boardwalk and walking trails. The park also features a wooden amphitheater for shows, many bird species, and wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and snakes.
Head into the downtown area afterward to enjoy fine dining at Madison’s and see beautiful paintings and artworks at Jennifer J L Jones Studios. History buffs can pedal to Historic Port Royal Foundation Museum to see exhibits such as Port Royal Railroad and Elementary School, among other artifacts that reveal its coastal heritage and cultural roots.
Sumter
Sumter is a blissful biking destination where cyclists can explore and experience numerous attractions safely on two wheels. First off, the Swan Lake Iris Gardens is one of the best parks in the town to explore on a bicycle as it is the only park in the US to have all eight swan species within its domain. From this park, embark on the Shot Pouch Greenway that courses through the town’s numerous parks, neighborhoods, and natural surroundings and leads to Dillion Park. Next, hit the 6.2-mile Sumter Cypress Trail from Dillion Park, to explore wooded paths, ponds, a creek, and a canopy of cypress trees.
Bike downtown afterward to enjoy a show at the Sumter Opera House, and lunch at Hamptons. For history buffs, visit the Sumter County Museum & Backcountry to see a glowing world of the past. Also, the Sumter Military Museum is a historic highlight worth a visit as it pays tribute to the town’s military history through various exhibits and displays.
Conway
The charming and historic town of Conway lies by the Waccamaw River, meaning bikers can freely explore with river views as visual treats. For a more unforgettable experience, start with a cup of coffee at A Cup Full Cafe and proceed with a hearty meal at Crafty Rooster. Stop by the Horry County Museum to experience history coming alive through various exhibits and artifacts and enjoy a live show at Theatre of the Republic.
Derail from the downtown and pedal to the Waccamaw River Park, an ecological park with walking and biking trails to explore its rich natural surroundings featuring lush trees, wildlife, and river views. Otherwise, bike to the Conway Riverwalk and explore the area on foot while taking in the scenic sights and sounds.
Florence
Florence is one of the big towns in South Carolina, and it has a bike-friendly historic downtown. Visit this town, rent a bike from Phil's Bicycle World, and start an adventure with a ride to the Red Bone Alley for delicious meals and the Florence County Museum and Art Gallery to glimpse at the past and see stunning artworks. Additionally, cycle to the War Between the States Museum to see military artifacts, weapons, and photography related to the Civil War. Otherwise, head to Timrod Park to bask in the outdoors and proceed to the nearby Julia 4 Cinemas to enjoy a film show. Elsewhere, the two-mile Florence Rail Trail is popular for cycling enthusiasts and nature lovers as it courses through the woods, featuring a canopy of pine trees alongside a nature loop at the end.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is a resort town and barrier island in Beaufort County, featuring 12 miles of Atlantic Ocean beachfront. A great way to explore this gorgeous island is by biking, as it boasts 60 miles of biking pathways. Some of the town’s most popular biking pathways and hot spots include Jarvis Creek Park, Green Shells Community Park, Palmetto Dunes Bike Path, and Coligny Beach Park. Peddle through these incredible destinations and then head to the Coastal Discovery Museum to marvel at the scenery and explore historic buildings and several exhibits about early life on the island.
Additionally, visit the Harbour Town Lighthouse to learn more about the island and climb more than 100 steps to enjoy iconic views. Before leaving town, head to Hudson’s Seafood House On The Docks to enjoy sumptuous seafood.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a postcard-perfect town renowned for its coastal elegance, scenic beaches, and boardwalks to explore them. In addition, the town is a bike-friendly destination promising a pleasant and safe biking experience with plenty of bike racks for parking. First off, the bike lanes on north and southbound Ocean Boulevard offer charming ocean views, and access to the Myrtle Beach State Park from the area is seamless. Moreover, the park features two nature trails, a stunning beach for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports, a boardwalk, a fishing pier, and a nature center. More great bike lanes to explore in town include Perrin’s Path and Grissom Parkway Trail.
Don’t forget to enjoy a vitalizing lunch at Sea Captain’s House along North Boulevard and head further inland to enjoy a thrilling performance at the GTS Theatre. For history buffs, check out the Hollywood Wax Museum to see a zombie lab, mirror maze and several celebrity wax figures.
Spartanburg
Spartanburg is one of the most bike-friendly towns in America, and it has several biking trails for the utmost satisfaction. The chilled-out, two-mile-long Mary Black Rail Trail is a notable first mention, coursing through numerous restaurants, shops, and nearby neighborhoods from the downtown. A highlight of the trail is the Rail Yard Community Park, featuring an amphitheater, picnic shelters, a tree tunnel, a bike park, and a green field. Visitors can also ride to the 7,000-acre Croft State Park, where there are more biking trails as well as boating, fishing, and paddling opportunities on Lake Craig.
Meanwhile, art lovers can always stop by the Spartanburg Art Museum to browse its fascinating collection of permanent and rotating exhibits. For a refreshing and exotic dinner after biking through the town, stop by The Kennedy or head to the Heirloom for brunch at the backdrop of the town’s textile mill industry.
Enjoy the thrills of the great outdoors in these small towns of South Carolina while pedaling through their quaint bike-friendly streets and bypassing magical landscapes. In between, stop by historical attractions to delve into bygone eras, enjoy street food, pick antiques, relish the beauty of creativity in art galleries, and relate with equally friendly locals. In the end, you will wish to experience it all over again as the adventure is nothing short of amazing.
