With state parks from the mountains to the sea, 14 major lakes and reservoirs, and more than 350 golf courses, you can't go far in South Carolina without finding a place to get out of the car and take it easy for a while.
Biking
One of South Carolina's most popular recreational attractions is the increasingly popular Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 19.9-mile (and growing) multi-use trail. Along the way, you can enjoy paths connecting to the lake at Furman University, and plenty of trailside restaurants, breweries and attractions in downtown Travelers Rest.
The North Augusta Greeneway Trail offers seven miles of paved bike and walkway, and includes a connector trail that gives riders access to a path along the Savannah River.
Want to pedal along but don't have a bike handy? Rent a bike from B-Cycle in Spartanburg at one of five locations around town. It's the perfect way to explore downtown Spartanburg and lets you burn off some of calories from the Beacon or RJ Rockers Brewing Company.
Paddling
To really get off the beaten path, enjoy a paddle around Sparkleberry Swamp, located on the north end of Lake Marion in Rimini. This paddle is recommended for only experienced paddlers with access to a mapping GPS device as it can be very easy to get turned around. If you're up to the task, the cypress swamp provides stunning views of wildlife and an abundance of cypress trees.
Try a lazy paddle along the Edisto River kayak and canoe trail. The Edisto is the country's longest free-flowing blackwater river, and a 21-mile stretch connects Givhans Ferry and Colleton state parks, and makes for a perfect day-long trip. Standup paddleboarding is also a popular activity, and rentals are available on Lake Hartwell in Fair Play or on Lake Thurmond in McCormick.
Golf
It's hard for a coastal course to remain unknown in South Carolina, but The Plantation Course at Edisto on Edisto Island has remained a favorite among locals and insiders. The Tom Jackson-designed course was renovated in 2006 and features plenty of marsh views and hazards alike. Boscobel Golf and Country Club in Pendleton offers an 18-hole course with features so challenging even the Clemson men's golf team practices regularly on the course. Visitors to Wyboo Golf Club in Manning are often surprised to find such a pristine course away from the bigger crowds, and the course has repeatedly won statewide accolades.
Disc Golf
South Carolina is known as the birthplace of golf, but the Palmetto State has also made a name for itself in the game of disc golf. Winthrop University in Rock Hill plays host to the U.S. Disc Golf Championship each year and offers visitors a chance to play on two 18-hole courses year round. Chester State Park's 18-hole disc golf course and Trophy Lakes on Johns Island are some of the state's top-rated courses.
