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Hikes & Bites

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Whether they’re checking out the newest restaurants or enjoying a stay at a bed-and-breakfast, contributing writers share their unique insight and stories from exploring the Palmetto State.
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In South Carolina, adventure doesn’t stop at the trailhead, and your reward for getting outside is more than just a view. From coastal walks to mountain climbs, pair your outdoor excursions with locally loved eateries for a day that feeds both body and soul.

Lowcountry on the Move in Beaufort

Be sure to save room for dessert when you visit Plums in Beaufort, SC.

Stretch your legs along the Spanish Moss Trail, a 10-mile paved path that winds through salt marshes, towering oaks and historic neighborhoods. This rail-trail gem is flat and ideal for walkers, cyclists and people with strollers and wheelchairs. Cap off your outing with a table at Plums Restaurant, a riverfront favorite serving Southern comfort food with a side of charm.

Beachcomber’s Bliss on Edisto Island

Botany Bay’s two miles of practically untouched shoreline is full of natural debris and shell-life, resulting in dramatic landscapes.

Trek across bleached driftwood- and shell-strewn sands on the Botany Bay Beach Walk, where the trail is more about tide than terrain. This unspoiled barrier island offers hauntingly beautiful “boneyard” beaches, birdwatching and quiet reflection. After your coastal stroll, grab a seat at The SeaCOW Eatery, a no-frills island treasure known for its fresh seafood and laid-back vibes.

Mountain Challenge in Pickens County

Table Rock State Park by Steven Hyatt, Artist in Residence 2022. Marketing usage allowed.

Up for a heart-pounding climb? The Table Rock Summit Trail dishes out steep ascents and rocky scrambles on a 7.2-mile round trip, but the Blue Ridge Mountain views from the top are pure payoff. Refuel with hearty Appalachian eats at the Pumpkintown General Store, where you’ll find buttery biscuits, country favorites and friendly faces waiting to welcome you back to earth.

Woods & Brews Near the Capital

Get your fill of food and drink at Craft and Draft in Irmo.

Crisscross wetlands and woodlands on Harbison State Forest’s Firebreak Trail, a moderately difficult loop just minutes from the city. Afterward, head to Craft and Draft in Irmo, where a rotating lineup of local beers and creative pub fare makes for the perfect trail-to-table transition.

Rolling & Refueling in Travelers Rest

biker on the swamp rabbit trail
The Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 28-mile multiuse greenway, links Greenville to Travelers Rest.

Follow the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 28-mile multiuse greenway linking Greenville to Travelers Rest. It's ideal for bikes, strollers and wheelchairs, and the people-watching isn’t bad either. Once you've worked up an appetite, step into Upcountry Provisions for scratch-made sandwiches, locally sourced bites and an inviting back porch perfect for lingering.

Contributing Writer
Contributing Writer
More from "Contributing Writer"
Whether they’re checking out the newest restaurants or enjoying a stay at a bed-and-breakfast, contributing writers share their unique insight and stories from exploring the Palmetto State.