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CAROLINA TRAILS
Carolina Trails Directory
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lways #1 on our most-preferred amenities, walking lets you stop to enjoy the delicious aroma of yellow jasmine and the visual delight of dogwood blossoms.
In the Carolinas, some of the most beautiful terrain can be reached only by foot or by bicycle. For those who have found their way to these spectacular vistas, it’s been worth the trip.
In North Carolina...
Don Walton used to be a runner. When he had to quit that fitness routine, he looked for another way to exercise. He took up yoga, and hiking.
Now, more than a decade later, he is a champion of the trails that criss-cross North Carolina, and he has his favorites.
“The Appalachian Trail is great, but there are only 305 miles that travel through our state,” he explained from his home in Asheville. “The Mountains to the Sea Trail, or MST,
runs 932 miles from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean.”
Mr. Walton should know – he’s hiked a lot of the countryside, in addition to being an active member (and former president) of the Carolina Mountain Club.
Seven hundred members strong, it’s the third-oldest hiking and trail maintaining club in America. Its members maintain more than 400 miles of trails and feature more than
175 hikes each year.
Our club also is a member of the Southeast Foothills Conference, which is headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and is a coalition of clubs that represent trails throughout the Southeast,” he explained, adding that the goal of the federation is to eventually tie together about 6,000 miles, from its southernmost point, the Florida Trail, to its westernmost point in Kentucky.
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rom his perspective, however exciting that prospect is, there’s plenty to do
closer to home.
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He’s seen a bear or two, but mostly in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A snake or two has appeared, and an occasional wild pig, but because most hikes are done in groups, there’s plenty of noise and advance warning to give the animals time to disappear.
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The wildlife is just one more interesting aspect of getting outside where cars can’t go. “I am originally from Nebraska, although I’ve been here in Asheville for nineteen years,” he explained. “This area of North Carolina has so many wonderful trails and pathways that always offer something different. And there are so many different levels that a novice hiker can find trails that are easily accessible, yet seem far off the beaten track.”
“The Snowball Trail is one of my favorites,” he said. “The trailhead is near Craggy Gardens’ picnic area and it’s about eight miles round trip, with 2,200 feet of vertical gain along the way.” Mr. Walton describes a view along the way which is almost 360 degrees and mainly overlooks the north side of the Black Mountains, with the majestic Mt. Mitchell in the distance.
Still on Snowball Trail – about six miles west of Asheville – Reem’s Creek Watershed area is another scenic beauty. “The trail ends at Little Snowball Tower site, on another peak that has a 360-degree view.” There is camping, and water is close by.
“A favorite hike on the Appalachian Trail is the Max Patch area,” he said. “I maintain a section from Lemon Gap to Bluff Mountain.” The entire hike is about eight miles long and he says it is “one of the most beautiful sites around.”
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Ken Driggers is the founding executive director of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, the organization which is overseeing the construction of the Palmetto Trail. Conceived in 1994 and targeted to be complete by 2010, it’s the state’s largest pedestrian and bicycle project and will eventually run from the mountains to the sea. It’s been designated a Millennium Legacy Trail and will be one of only 13 cross-state trails in the United States. About 60% of the Palmetto Trail is open now, with another 20% nearing completion and he, too, has his favorites.
“I go out hiking about six or seven times a year,” he explained. “The Awendaw Connector is where the Palmetto Trail touches the sea and much of it runs parallel to Highway 17, just south of McLellanville.” In March, he gathered several friends to hike the trail, which begins at Buck Hall Campground. “It is simply stunning – an overwhelming trail to walk,” he explained, noting that the trail curves around long marsh views and the Intracoastal Waterway. “Around every turn, you find another million dollar view through parts of Francis Marion National Forest, the coastal landscape, the Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean.”
Ollie Buckles, the trail designer, has strategically placed benches along the eight-mile walk, so hikers can stop and enjoy the scenery. That trail may be Mr. Driggers’ favorite now, but other passages are worthy contenders.
“The Wateree Passage travels through parts of Sumter County and the Wateree Flood Plain, using an abandoned railroad line and trestles that run about 14 miles,” he said. It is remarkable at least in part because it couldn’t be built today due to environmental concerns. “About 150 years ago, the railroad track was built on a fill through the swamp and required nine trestles to travel the entire distance.”
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What makes this passage so fascinating is that it offers a glimpse of South Carolina that most people never see. It’s considered a low-impact, easily-navigated trail that is “spectacular in the fall.” |
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The Enoree Passage in Union County will include what Mr. Driggers calls “the premier trail bridge across the Enoree River.” It’s a lengthy hike at 20 miles, but an access every five miles or so makes it easy to go only as far as you feel comfortable.
The Greenville Watershed Passage will provide public access to one of the great protected areas of the state. Thousands of acres are owned by the City of Greenville and Greenville Water Authority to protect water for Greenville County. “Walking in there has been a dream of trail lovers for at least 50 years,” he laughed, adding that this trail was blazed through the wilderness.
Mr. Driggers believes the diversity of South Carolina contributes to the appeal of the Palmetto Trail. “You choose one of the environments – mountains, coastal, Piedmont – and then you can experience that topography firsthand. There are even downtown rail trails for people who prefer more urban hiking.”
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Taking a cue from the state’s newcomers and long-time residents, many towns and communities have incorporated walking paths and fitness trails into their downtown environments.
In South Carolina…
The Three Rivers Greenway in Columbia, S.C., is open for walking, running or bicycling. It is accessible to baby carriages and wheelchairs.
Just east of Columbia, the Congaree National Park features six trails (offering 18 miles of hiking) with some on an elevated boardwalk (the boardwalk loop trail is 2.4 miles long).
In downtown Elloree, a one-half mile track composed of granite screenings (friendly to knees) has attracted a loyal following of walkers who enjoy the winding trail.
At the Western South Carolina border, the North Augusta Greeneway Trail features more than six miles of paved trail, following an abandoned railroad right-of-way that runs through neighborhoods and along the riverfront. The trail is on the site of a former trading path created by the Creek/Chicksaw Indians.
In Aiken, Hopelands Gardens is a 14-acre estate with a network of paths shaded by 100-year-old live oaks. Nearby
Hitchcock Woods is the largest urban forest in the United States with trails running through its 2,000 acres. This preserve is open to both pedestrian and equestrian recreation, so watch your step and enjoy the outdoors, lush gardens and the beautiful four-legged creatures who enjoy the trails as much as their human companions.
In North Carolina…
The American Tobacco Trail is a 23+ mile converted rails-to-trails project that traverses the Triangle, crossing through Durham, Chatham, and Wake Counties, parts of Cary and Apex, and passes through the Lake Jordan project land of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Chimney Rock Park, near Lake Lure, offers leisurely strolls, challenging hikes, and even guided rock climbing on miles of trails. An added plus is the 404-foot waterfall that can be seen in the 1992 remake of the movie, The Last of the Mohicans.
Doughton Park, near Sparta, is at the Blue Ridge Parkway Mileposts 238.5-244.7. The 7,000-acre park is the largest recreation area on the Blue Ridge Parkway and provides miles of hiking trails on gently rolling terrain.
Linville Gorge Wilderness Area near Linville Falls, covers more than 12,000 acres with trails that descend to the bottom of Linville Gorge, often called the “Grand Canyon of the East.”
And that’s just to get you started. From the ambitious trail projects which cover the Carolinas, North to South and East to West, to the private community walking paths that invite an afternoon meander with the children, the choices are endless, the terrain varied, and the scenery fantastic.
These states are made for walking…
Carolina Trails Directory
If your town or community has walking/hiking/biking/horseback riding trails that are worthy of mention, please contact Kathy Pettit at kpettit@carolinaliving.com with more information.
North Carolina
Bear Lake Reserve
Cashiers, NC
Length/Location: Bear Lake Reserve features 10 different hiking trails which comprise 15 miles of maintained trails winding throughout the community and alongside creeks. These trails offer mountain views of Cedar Cliff, Mount Balsam, Clingman’s Dome, Pisgah National Forest, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Toxaway Mountain.
Disability-Friendly? No.
Enhancements? Fire pits, a teepee, cookout areas, forts, tent platforms and an extensive trail marking system are found along the trails.
Etcetera: Walk slowly alongside Bear Creek to see rainbow trout, crawfish or salamanders. The trails also feature diverse foliage such as Spicebush, Pawpaw, Sweet Betsy, Buckberry and small meadows of daisies and Queen Anne’s Lace. Bird enthusiasts may catch a glimpse of the Pileated Woodpecker, one of the largest species of woodpecker in North America. Breath-taking views may also include the sight of a red-tailed hawk in flight, soaring over the trees.
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Carriage Park
Hendersonville, NC
Length/Location: The walking paths cover five miles and wind throughout the community.
Disability-Friendly? No.
Enhancements? There are benches on the trails, a formal shelter, stairs and bridges.
Etcetera: The trails go through an old growth forest.
Mill Creek Cove
Near Oak Island, NC
Length/Location: The two-mile path winds around the neighborhood, through pocket parks, around a marsh and creek and past the lake.
Disability-Friendly? Much of it is disability-friendly.
Enhancements? There will be a community dock on the creek and a lake in the middle of the community near the clubhouse, fitness center, pool, tennis courts and putting green.
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Palm Cove of the Carolinas
Sunset Beach, NC
Length/Location: A boardwalk with a distance of approximately one mile wanders along the sound side of the homesites and the beach on the ocean side.
Disability-Friendly? Possibly, depending on the disability.
Enhancements? A gazebo with benches is located at the front on the community. Residents may walk the sound side to the inlet and then back along the beach.
Etcetera: It is all about enjoying the ocean, marsh and sand.
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Palmetto Creek of the Carolinas
Near Southport, NC
Length/Location: There are walking and biking paths along canals used for kayaking. Another two miles of recreational pathways crisscross the neighborhood and natural areas. The trails wind through neighborhoods, along and around ponds, through pocket parks and around the big lake. There is a wooden boardwalk that meanders through a palmetto grove, alongside a creek. The boardwalk is 1,800 feet long.
Disability-Friendly? Much of it is disability-friendly.
Enhancements? There are docks with benches, pocket parks, picnic tables by the lake and a complete fitness center in the community clubhouse. Lake Palmetto also has a private beach.
Etcetera: The North Carolina State University Exum Family Nature Trail System features a wooden boardwalk that meanders through a palmetto grove alongside a creek. A thick canopy of vegetation overhead provides a cool relaxing nature hike. It’s all about enjoying the water.
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The Parks at Meadowview
Chapel Hill, NC
Paths are multi-use with a combination of sidewalks, paved walking trails and composite walking/biking trails. Most of the community consists of a series of gentle slopes with rolling hills and winding paths, perfect for an evening stroll. For the mountain biking/hiking enthusiast, Creekside Park offers more than 129 acres of meadows, forests and trails to provide a challenge for outdoor adventurists.
Length/Location: Located in Chatham County between Old Graham Road and Hwy 87. Sidewalks: approximately eight miles; Paved Walking Trails: about 3 miles; Composite Walking Trails: about 11 miles. Trails are located throughout the interior and exterior border of the community and wind throughout the community among parks, ponds, native plants and trees.
Disability-Friendly? Sidewalks and paved walking trails are disability-friendly. For composite walking trails, most locations are disability friendly.
Enhancements? Benches and covered areas are located along the paths; most trails wind through parks and scenic areas; and exercise stations are spread through the community with a guide map located at the Parks Center and in various areas along the way.
Etcetera: In an effort to keep nature disturbance to a minimum, paths and trails closely follow the contour of the land so that the individual can truly feel a part of nature rather than a sightseer along a manmade track.
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The Sanctuary
Charlotte, NC
Length/Location: This walking path runs for more than 20 miles throughout the community. The trails wind throughout the neighborhoods, alongside marshes and creeks, featuring some mountain views.
Disability-Friendly? Part of the trail system is made up of hard surface trails that meander in and out of wooded areas on a more stable surface that provides accessibility to those with disabilities.
Enhancements? Meditation areas and wilderness parks are destinations along the trails. Small recreational parks are also found throughout the community. A full-time Activity Director helps increase residents’ knowledge and understanding of the varieties of plant and animal life found around the community.
Etcetera: The Sanctuary’s nature trails lead residents to The Camp, a 17-acre waterfront amenity area. It features the John James Audubon Lodge, which includes an outdoor pavilion with fireplace, as well as a gathering room, kitchen and workout facilities. The Camp has three pools, six tennis courts, picnic areas, an amphitheatre and a boating center with canoes and kayaks.
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Trillium
Cashiers, NC
Length/Location: More than 12 miles of maintained walking, biking and horseback riding trails.
Disability-Friendly? No.
Enhancements? Bike sheds and rain shelters.
Etcetera: Winding trails, mountain views, creeks and waterfalls are just a few of nature’s prizes to reward you for your efforts.
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Waterford of the Carolinas
Wilmington, NC
Length/Location: Approximately five miles of walking and biking trails are found alongside the canals where kayaking is enjoyed. The trails wander through neighborhoods, along and over waterways, through pocket parks, and around the big lake.
Disability-Friendly? Much of the trail is disability friendly.
Enhancements? There are docks with benches, stone bridges, wooden bridges, pocket parks, picnic tables by the lake, plus a sand volleyball court in the Reserve at Waterford section. There is also a complete fitness center in the community clubhouse.
Etcetera: These trails are all about enjoying the water which is all around the walker.
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South Carolina
Cedar Creek
Aiken, SC
Length/Location: Cedar Creek residents may enjoy roughly nine miles of asphalt paths, trails and greenways for bicycles, carts and pedestrian use. The bicycle paths and nature trails wind throughout the community and are enhanced by beautiful views of the surrounding creeks and marshes.
Disability-Friendly? For the most part, trails are accessible to people with disabilities. However, some of the nature trails are limited in their access.
Enhancements? There are benches, picnic areas and exercise stations located throughout the trail system, as well as a parking lot at some trail heads.
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Daniel Island
Charleston, SC
Daniel Island has a network of trails that meander throughout the 4,000 acre property. They are used for walking, jogging, bicycling, rollerblading and more.
Length/Location: There are more than 12 miles of trails on the island. They wind throughout residential neighborhoods, parks and the island’s downtown, as well as along the river and marsh edges. There are even trails that wander through a small creek-front nature preserve.
Disability-Friendly? Most areas of the trail network are disability-friendly.
Enhancements? Many trails connect parks that include playing fields and other amenities. Many trails also incorporate scenic overviews, benches and shaded rest areas.
Etcetera: The paths are used by residents, as well as for training by athletic teams from the island’s Bishop England High School. Many island clubs and groups – such as the running and walking clubs – also use the trails regularly. Trails are among the top amenities desired by real estate prospects.
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Habersham
Beaufort, SC
Habersham was designed to be a “walking neighborhood” by establishing a network of sidewalks and trails throughout the entire community. Homes are designed to be approached through a series of rear alleyways that largely reduce neighborhood traffic and curb-side parking. Habersham has dedicated more than 70 acres of green space to neighborhood parks and walking trails. The entire community lends itself well to biking, which, along with driving golf carts, is a more popular choice than the automobile for getting around in the neighborhood.
Length/Location: Habersham’s sea island walking trails and the new fitness trails of Habersham Park provide approximately two miles of trails to traverse.
Disability-Friendly? The majority of Habersham’s walking trails and all of its sidewalks are disability-friendly by having sloped curbs and gradual elevation variance.
Enhancements? Habersham Park will feature a walking trail with exercise stations in a loop of approximately one mile.
Etcetera: The natural beauty of Habersham Properties is showcased by the treatment given to sidewalk and walking trail placement. With parks in a variety of settings to include the town center, boulevards, pond-side and marsh-side, the trail system is striking for its scenic quality and variety.
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Harbour Watch
Lake Murray, SC
Length/Location: The trails are more than a mile in distance. Ground pine mulch covers the pathways. They wander throughout the entire neighborhood and lead to a small island on Lake Murray that is used for recreation. The trail also passes by the clubhouse and marina area.
Disability-Friendly? No, because they are left as natural as possible.
Enhancements? The trails are used to connect mini-parks that contain landmark trees, boulders that may be used as sitting stools, and natural vegetation. A site plan of the property identified the landmark trees prior to design and construction.
Etcetera: The beautiful site at the edge of one of the largest lakes in South Carolina invites exploration on the trails, as well as water activities on the lake.
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Savannah Lakes Village & Golf Club
Savannah Point Neighborhood, Lake Thurmond, SC
Length/Location: The Savannah Point Neighborhood is a slender peninsula on Lake Thurmond with the majority of homesites being lakefront. The Savannah Point walking trail is one mile long, and runs the length of the subdivision. Although it doesn’t border the lake, it does offer views of the lake and many lakefront homes.
Disability-Friendly? Possibly. There are no steps and there are park benches along the way. The paving measures three feet in width.
Enhancements? Several park benches are conveniently located adjacent to the paved walking trail. Beautification and landscaping enhancements are also enjoyed along the path.
Etcetera: In addition to the walking trail, Savannah Lakes Village is bordered by two state parks, together offering more than 20 miles of well-maintained hiking and biking trails. The trails at both the Hickory Knob and Baker Street state parks offer incredible lake views as they trace the rugged shoreline of Lake Thurmond.
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Sun City
Hilton Head, SC
Length/Location: Our raised walking trail is just for that – walking. No bicycles are allowed. Its length is one mile and the trail winds its way through a nature preserve that is wooded with some marsh areas, small streams and a variety of live nature to see, (including white-tailed deer, small brown rabbits, birds playing, or a friendly spider waiting for its next meal).
Disability-Friendly? Yes. There are ramps to gain access by a wheelchair and no stairs.
Enhancements? There are rest stops along the way that have some “nature” oriented messages. ID placards help the walkers identify some of the birds, wildlife and butterflies that are native to the area. There is a drinking fountain so walkers can stay hydrated, a shelter to seek refuge from the rain or sun on a hot day, and benches for nature lovers to spend some quiet time in one of their favorite places.
Etcetera: One of the best features of the walking path is that it’s never boring. Rather than straight, dreary trails, at Sun City there are lots of turns and interest around every bend and curve. And just for safety, there is a phone on the trail in case a walker should ever need assistance.
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Woodside Plantation
Aiken, SC
Miles of walking and biking trails meander through the community and its parks, nature preserves, lakes and wetlands, all of which are available to everyone within the community.
Length: More than 11 miles of trails wander through the Plantation.
Disability-Friendly? Yes
Enhancements? There is also an exercise area in The Reserve Club.
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Town/Area Trails
Please contact us with your favorite town or park trails. kpettit@carolinaliving.com.
The historic town of Elloree, South Carolina, has a 0.5 mile track composed of granite screenings that are foot-and knee-friendly. The track winds around to provide diversion. Many residents enjoy the track and it is rare to find it empty in the morning or late afternoon hours.
The Catawba River Greenway Park, North Carolina, offers more than four miles of fully-accessible walking trails. Catawba Meadows will include 230 acres along the southern bank of the Catawba River. Both are part of the Catawba River Canoe Trail, which extends from Black Bear Access on Lake James to Lake Lookout Shoals – 82 miles.
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What’s around that curve? You’ll never know until you go. Take the trail less traveled and enjoy the flora, up close and personal. |
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Katherine O. Pettit has worked as a
writer, magazine editor, printer and public relations consultant. The Columbia
resident has published more than 250 articles in magazines and newspapers.
Her writing explores a variety of subjects including travel, lifestyles,
business and management.
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