9 Best Small Towns In South Carolina For Outdoor Enthusiasts
South Carolina is one of the top destinations to visit in the Southern United States. Here, there's something for everybody, from history enthusiasts to food and beach lovers and more. Adventurers are also not left out, as the state is home to plenty of small towns with incredible natural attractions that set the stage for exciting outdoor activities. These towns also feature vibrant downtown areas and historic attractions, so visitors have much to do. From the lakeside beauty of Anderson to the forest-covered Walhalla and the seaside charmer Hilton Head, here are nine small South Carolina towns offering exciting outdoor activities year-round.
Anderson
Anderson, a town in the Piedmont Plateau, is home to Anderson University and about 28,000 people. This town hosts a part of Lake Hartwell, where adventures are always welcome to enjoy activities like fishing, boating, swimming, and canoeing. It is also home to Darwin Wright Park, which features a fishing pier, a swimming area, picnic shelters, and grills. Nature lovers here will love the Rocky River Nature Conservancy, which protects wildlife habitats and offers trails for sightseeing.
Clemson
The university town of Clemson is beyond a destination for academic laurels but also for memorable outdoor endeavors. This picturesque town is at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering outdoor enthusiasts exciting hiking and climbing adventures. The town is also home to a section of Lake Hartwell, a gorgeous lake that offers fishing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, camping, and opportunities to spot wildlife. While leaving the town, adventurers in this town can stop at Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina, and be spoiled by panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from its Observation Deck. On a clear day, this observation deck offers views of Georgia and North Carolina.
Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island welcomes outdoor enthusiasts with its 10 miles of beaches, lush maritime forests, sand dunes, and marshes where wildlife thrive. Visitors to this island can begin an unforgettable adventure by joining the Kiawah Island Tour, which is a 7-mile bike tour that guarantees a detailed look at the island's wildlife and its incredible scenery. Next, visitors can get on a kayak or canoe to explore tidal creeks, salt marshes, and the Kiawah River or embark on a fishing expedition on the river. While on this island, be sure to also check out Kiawah Island Golf Resort, which offers luxurious villas, easy access to golf courses, and beautiful beaches.
Georgetown
Georgetown is South Carolina's third-oldest town, and it sits by the enchanting Hammock coast, where four rivers - Black, Sampit, Great Pee Dee, and Waccamaw converge. So, there's quite a handful of natural attractions to see here. But first, outdoor enthusiasts with a soft spot for history must stroll around the downtown to feast their eyes on historic homes and walk through neighborhoods lined by oak trees. For something more exciting, adventurers can head over to the Hobcaw Barony, a 16,000-acre wildlife and nature preserve that Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill once used as their retreats. Next, visit the Georgetown Harbor and stroll around its Harbor Walk to see boats docking and sailing. Wrap up the adventure by visiting East Bay Park, the largest outdoor recreational area in Georgetown, featuring sensational views of the Great Pee Dee and Sampit Rivers.
Camden
Camden offers a mecca for travelers seeking a vacation spent outdoors. The town has 35 parks, two state parks, the Wateree River, and Lake Wateree. For starters, the Goodale State Park is a must-visit as it features hiking trails and a lake great for boating and fishing. The park is also an excellent place for bird watching and also just naturally beautiful thanks to the army of cypress trees forming shades all over the area. Camden Riverfront Environmental Park is another great park, as it also offers opportunities for kayaking, wildlife watching, and fishing. For something different, visitors to Camden can head downtown to walk through Camden Cultural District or Antique Street, which both feature theaters, museums, and art galleries that reveal more about the history and culture of South Carolina's oldest inland city.
Traveller's Rest
This town has gone past just being a stopover for travelers to now becoming a hot spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking exciting adventures. The town is positioned at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which serves as a prime destination for adventurous hikes.
For bird lovers, this town is a haven for birdwatching as it is home to Bunched Arrowhead National Heritage Preserve, which features a wide diversity of birds and the bunched arrowhead - one of the rarest plants in the US. For bikers, there is no better place to enjoy biking than the 22-mile-long Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, which connects Traveler's Rest to nearby Greenville.
Walhalla
Walhalla is a beautiful town positioned at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it one of the best gateway towns from which to access the popular mountain area. The town is also famous for the beautiful waterfalls in and around it some of which include the Station Cove Falls, Yellow Branch Falls, and Issaqueana Falls. Visitors are encouraged to do at least one waterfall hike in this town, even if it's on the 0.75-mile trail that cuts through the Appalachian Cove to the 60-foot tall Station Cove Falls or the 0.4-mile trail that leads to Issaqueena Falls. Those seeking a longer hike are free to conquer the 1.5-mile trail that winds through a hardwood forest and leads to Yellow Branch Falls.
In addition to the waterfalls and mountains, Walhalla also features other natural attractions like - Lake Keowee, which is great for swimming, boating, and fishing. The town also hosts several historic attractions like the Museum of the Cherokee and Oconee Historic Museum, which are great places to learn about the town's history.
Beaufort
Beaufort is a beautiful harbor town on Port Royal Island that is among the most charming towns in South Carolina. Founded in 1711, it is the second-oldest city in the state, and it features so many historic attractions to see, like the Woods Memorial Bridge, which is listed in the National Register for Historic Places. History aside, Beaufort is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts as it features attractions like the Henry C. Chambers Riverfront Park, which is renowned for its captivating sunset views and also offers opportunities for dining with sea views. The town also features the Spanish Moss Trail - a ten-mile rail trail that is great for hiking and biking. The trail runs across creeks, oaks with the Spanish Moss, and luxury neighborhoods, making it incredibly appealing. Visitors to this town seeking even more adventures can take a scenic 25-minute drive to Hunting Island State Park - the state's most beautiful island, featuring a scenic beach and a 19th-century lighthouse.
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island is a postcard-perfect village characterized by 12 miles of dreamy beachfront on the Atlantic Ocean. This barrier island is perfectly suited for outdoor lovers with a thing for nature, as it is home to attractions like Coligny Beach Park, Islanders Beach, and Burke Beach, which are great for sunbathing, promenading, and boating. The island also features the Sea Pine Forest Reserve, which hosts a 4,000-year-old Indian Sea Pine Shell Ring and the gorgeous Lake Joe. Additionally, the island is home to more than 60 miles of paved pathways and nature trails, which are perfect for biking and hiking.
From mountains, lakes, and rivers to forests, salt marshes, and wildlife preserves, South Carolina scores high when it comes to the great outdoors. These natural jewels are mostly located in the small towns of the Palmetto State, where the populations are smaller and life is more laid-back. In addition, these towns are full of southern hospitality, offering the warmest reception to visitors. For the best time outdoors, the towns of South Carolina beckons, and those who yield to the call are guaranteed fascinating memories to share.
