Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in South Carolina

If your dog likes to ruff it, bring Fido hiking in South Carolina. Our dog friendly hiking section includes everything from easy one-hour walks to fantastic overnight trips in South Carolina that won’t be soon forgotten. Seriously, go take a hike!

Falls Park on the Reedy

Greenville, SC

Falls Park on the Reedy Dog-friendly Falls Park on the Reedy is located in the center of downtown Greenville, SC, and is the perfect spot for a morning walk, an afternoon picnic, or an evening stroll with your favorite four-legged friend. The park has plenty of open space for Fido to roam, but dogs must be leashed at all times and owners must clean up after their pets. Poop bag dispensers are located throughout the park. On warm weekends, your dog will meet plenty of furry friends. See Details

Paris Mountain State Park

Greenville, SC

Paris Mountain State Park Paris Mountain State Park is a pet-friendly recreation area in Greenville, SC. It's one of the oldest protected areas in the state is gaining popularity as a beautiful retreat in a metropolitan area. The 1,275-acre park features large stands of old growth hardwood forests that canopy over hiking and biking trails, a family campground, and several picnic areas. Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas as long as they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. See Details

Pitt Street Railroad Bridge

Mount Pleasant, SC

Pitt Street Railroad Bridge Pitt Street Railroad Bridge in Mount Pleasant, SC, is an old railroad causeway that used to connect Mount Pleasant to Sullivan's Island. The city planted grass and palm trees, and it is a beautiful pet-friendly place to walk your dog and watch the sunset. There are pet waste stations and a water fountain for people and dogs. A must-do when in Charleston! See Details

Swamp Rabbit Trail

Greenville, SC

Swamp Rabbit Trail Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile walking/biking greenway trail that passes through the heart of downtown Greenville, SC, and Falls Park on the Reedy. Popular with humans of all sizes and their four-legged friends, the trail runs along the beautiful, meandering Reedy River, which features multiple waterfalls and is home to several of Greenville's finest ducks. Whether you and you pooch are traveling to Greenville, reside here, or are just passing through, you must not leave without walking the dog-friendly Swamp Rabbit Trail. See Details

Charleston Waterfront Park

Charleston, SC

Charleston Waterfront Park Charleston Waterfront Park is a dog-friendly destination in Charleston, SC, that draws visitors to its iconic multi-tiered Pineapple Fountain. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the park alongside their owners, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll. The park features well-maintained green spaces and scenic riverfront views, with plenty of benches for relaxation. Towering palmetto trees provide a touch of shade near the water’s edge, creating a peaceful atmosphere. See Details

Congaree National Park

Hopkins, SC

Congaree National Park Bring Fido to the dog-friendly Congaree National Park in Hopkins, SC. This picturesque recreation area allows pets to wander all trails, including the boardwalk. The trails vary between easy short trails and a couple of longer trails that are over 10 miles in a loop. All pets must be on a leash under six feet and under their owner's control at all times. Pets may not be left unattended for any period of time. Check out the pet-friendly campsites if you want to tackle more than one trail together. See Details

South Carolina Botanical Gardens

Clemson, SC

South Carolina Botanical Gardens South Carolina Botanical Gardens is a pet-friendly attraction in Clemson, SC. This diverse garden has 295 acres of natural landscapes, display gardens, and miles of streams and nature trails. The vast majority of Botanical Gardens in the U.S. do not allow dogs. The South Carolina Botanical Garden welcomes your pets as visitors. Dogs must be leashed, are not allowed on the Natural Heritage Garden Trail, must stay out of flower beds and stick to the trails. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that their pups leave behind. See Details

Ninety Six National Historic Site

Ninety Six, SC

Ninety Six National Historic Site Ninety Six National Historic Site presents a captivating blend of history and nature in South Carolina. You can walk the one-mile, pet-friendly paved trail, tracing the 1781 siege and colonial town, leading to the Stockade Fort from the 1775 battle. Or engage in fishing at Star Fort Pond. Here, Fido can also become a BARK Ranger, adhering to park rules and embracing the park's ethos. See Details

Oconee State Park

Mountain Rest, SC

Oconee State Park Oconee State Park is a dog-friendly recreation site in Mountain Rest, SC. The 1,165 acres include two mountain lakes and a variety of recreational facilities for visitors to enjoy, including campgrounds, cabins, picnic areas and hiking trails. The park also serves as the western terminus for the 85-mile Foothills Trail, which crosses the state's crown and ends at Jones Gap State Park. Leashed pets are allowed in most outdoor areas. Pets aren't permitted in or around lodging facilities. See Details

Hitchcock Woods

Aiken, SC

Hitchcock Woods Aiken, SC's Hitchcock Woods is one of the largest urban areas of forest in America and it's dog friendly. Bring Fido to this beautiful pine leaf forest with 65 miles of sandy trails to enjoy over 2100 acres. Nature lovers will be captivated by the huge variety of ecosystems on display throughout. Hitchcock Woods is also home to the rustic Aiken Horse Show in the spring, one of the oldest annual horse shows in the country. Although it is open to the public, the nonprofit organization that owns it, Hitchcock Woods Foundation, suggests passive use so that it maintains its natural beauty for generations to come. See Details

Sadlers Creek State Park

Anderson, SC

Sadlers Creek State Park Sadlers Creek State Park is a dog-friendly recreation area in Anderson, SC. Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Features include a lakeside campground, fishing, picnicking, hiking, a meeting facility and boat access for those who wish to explore the 56,000 acres of Hartwell Lake. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife. Pets are not allowed in or around lodging facilities. See Details

Edisto Beach State Park

Edisto Island, SC

Edisto Beach State Park Edisto Beach State Park in Edisto Island, SC, is pet friendly! Leashed dogs are allowed in most outdoor areas, provided they are kept under physical restraint but are not permitted in or around lodging facilities. This 1,255-acre park offers a day-use area for beach access and a four-mile nature trail that winds through the maritime forest with beautiful vistas overlooking the salt marsh. See Details

Little Pee Dee State Park

Dillon, SC

Little Pee Dee State Park Little Pee Dee State Park is an 835-acre park that includes a campground, nature trail and picnic area. This dog-friendly recreation area in Dillon, SC, welcomes leashed pets in most outdoor areas, although they are not allowed in or around lodging facilities. The park's 54-acre Lake Norton offers anglers the opportunity to try their luck, and the Little Pee Dee River provides a tranquil setting for guests to enjoy. See Details

Kings Mountain State Park

Blacksburg, SC

Kings Mountain State Park Kings Mountain State Park rests in a picturesque setting adjacent to Kings Mountain National Military Park, a prominent Revolutionary War battle site in Blacksburg, SC. This traditional state park, which encompasses 6,883-acres, offers outdoor recreation activities such as hiking trails, picnicking, fishing from a rental jon boat, seasonal canoe rentals, equestrian trails and more. Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. See Details

Harbison State Forest

Columbia, SC

Harbison State Forest Harbison State Forest is pet-friendly. Encompassing over 2,000-acres of forestland only nine miles from downtown Columbia, the unique urban location makes Harbison one of the largest public greenspaces inside the city limits of a metropolitan area in the country. Dogs are welcome on a number of trails throughout the natural area, including the 4.4-mile Firebreak trail and shorter trails for novice hikers. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout. See Details

Hampton Park

Charleston, SC

Hampton Park Hampton Park is a pet-friendly recreation area in Charleston, SC, welcoming leashed pups to join their owners. As one of the city's largest parks, it boasts the most extensive floral displays, walking trails, playgrounds, picnic tables and more. This neighborhood park has a rich history documented through a project of the Charleston Horticultural Society, an audio walking tour called Layers of the Landscape See Details

Yellow Branch Falls Hiking Trail

Walhalla, SC

Yellow Branch Falls Hiking Trail Bring Fido for an adventurous hike along Yellow Branch Falls Hiking Trail near Walhalla, SC. This 3-mile out-and-back trail is moderately difficult and should take 1hr 30 mins to complete. Beginning at a picnic area off of SC-28, hikers should follow a short nature trail which connects to Yellow Branch Falls Hiking Trail. Meander across several small streams before reaching Yellow Branch Falls, a beautiful 50-foot vertical waterfall. The trail is open year-round and is a popular route to explore. Dogs are allowed to be off-leash in some areas. See Details

Barnwell State Park

Blackville, SC

Barnwell State Park Barnwell State Park in Blackville, SC is dog friendly. The two park lakes provide day-visitors and overnight guests the opportunity to appreciate the natural features while enjoying the recreational opportunities on the park. Known for its lake fishing and large meeting facility, Barnwell features five vacation cabins, a 25-site camping area, and a nature trail. Keep Fido leashed in the park. See Details

Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Greenville, SC

Lake Conestee Nature Preserve The dog-friendly Lake Conestee Nature Preserve consists of approximately 400 acres of beautiful natural habitat on the Reedy River just 6 miles south of downtown Greenville, SC. The park contains both hardwood and evergreen forest, extensive wetlands, 3 miles of the Reedy River, and a rich diversity of wildlife habitat. Deer, raccoon, beaver, fox, river otter, and various small mammals inhabit the park, along with numerous species of reptiles and amphibians. Over 170 bird species have been reported by the Greenville County Bird Club. Dogs are allowed on trails throughout the park. See Details

Anne Springs Close Greenway

Fort Mill, SC

Anne Springs Close Greenway Anne Springs Close Greenway is a great place to spend an afternoon with Fido in Fort Mills, SC. Walk with your pup on one of the many pet-friendly trails. The nature preserve is 2,100 acres serve as a natural buffer from urban development and provides a wide-open space for countless activities. Keep your dog leashed while there. See Details