Johnny Molloy - 50 Hikes in South Carolina (Explorers 50 Hikes)

OTHER BOOKS IN THE 50 HIKES SERIES

50 Hikes Around Anchorage

50 Hikes in Washington

50 Hikes in Oregon

50 Hikes in the Sierra Nevada

50 Hikes in Northern New Mexico

50 Hikes in Utah

50 Hikes in Orange County

50 Hikes in the Ozarks

50 Hikes in Michigan

50 Hikes in Michigans Upper Peninsula

50 Hikes on Michigan & Wisconsins North Country Trail

50 Hikes in Ohio

50 Hikes in West Virginia

50 Hikes in the North Georgia Mountains

50 Hikes in Tennessees Cumberland Plateau

50 Hikes in Northern Virginia

50 Hikes in Eastern Pennsylvania

50 Hikes in New Jersey

50 Hikes in the Lower Hudson Valley

50 Hikes in the Berkshire Hills

50 Hikes in the White Mountains

50 Hikes in Vermont

50 Hikes in Coastal & Inland Maine

Copyright 2017, 2007 by Johnny Molloy

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Cover design by Steve Attardo

Cover photograph Tony Arruza/UpperCut Images/Getty Images

Back cover photograph Johnny Molloy

The Library of Congress has cataloged the printed edition as follows:

Names: Molloy, Johnny, 1961- author.

Title: 50 hikes in South Carolina / Johnny Molloy.

Description: Second Edition. | New York : The Countryman Press A divisionof W. W. Norton & Company, [2016] | Series: 50 Hikes | Distributed by W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.--T.p. verso. | Includes index.Identifiers: LCCN 2016020222 | ISBN 9781581573473 (paperback)Subjects: LCSH: Hiking--South Carolina--Guidebooks. | Trails--South Carolina--Guidebooks. | South Carolina--Guidebooks. Classification: LCC GV199.42.S58 M66 2016 | DDC 796.5109757--dc23 LC recordavailable at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016020222

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This book is for the hikers of the Palmetto State.

CONTENTS

W elcome to the second edition of this guide. I have been lucky enough to explore South Carolinas natural wonders for more than two decades. Most of my early adventures were mountain and coastal trips, but a trip to the Midlands demonstrated just what a beautiful and ecologically diverse place the Palmetto State is. With admittedly low expectations, friend Aaron Marable and I backpacked the Buncombe Loop, located in the Sumter National Forests Enoree District. The area, near Newberry, was simply a place halfway between our two homes at the time. That three-night trip blew me away. I still remember the fall colors shining over Flannigan Branch, the other creeks flowing over wide rock slabs, the majestic pines backed against a crystalline sky. Then and there I realized how much beauty the Palmetto State offers, from the mountains to the sea.

Off-and-on adventures preceded my next watershed moment. While writing a book titled Long Trails of the Southeast , I decided to include Foothills Trail, South Carolinas main mountain path. This time I had high expectations. And they were exceeded. I still maintain that Foothills Trail has the best 80 miles of track in the entire Southeast. It is that good. Later, while writing The Best in Tent Camping: Carolinas , I systematically explored the Palmetto State and found destinations aplenty. During the research, paddling, and writing of Paddling South Carolina , still other gorgeous South Carolina scenes were revealed, adding to the mosaic of superlative scenery found in this southern slice of Heaven. Inspired by all this beauty, I longed for others with whom to share it. I pitched the idea for this guidebook; then, using my background in the Palmetto State, I began systematically exploring South Carolina for all of its best hikes. It was a real pleasure (most of the time) to travel the trails of South Carolina, from the quiet Blackstock Passage of the Palmetto Trail, to busy Mountain Bridge Wilderness, to the wetlands of Santee Coastal Reserve. Not all the hikes I made were included here. Along the way I found some unexpected joysHospital Rock, for one, pleasantly surprised this grizzled veteran. And to update this book, adding new exciting hikes, has been an honor and a joy. And with the joy of completing a book and the sadness of an adventure ended, I finished my additional research. But I will continue putting my lessons to work, enjoying more of South Carolina in future outdoor adventures.

THE MOUNTAINS OF UPSTATE ARE OFTEN CLOAKED IN GRANITE

T his book details 50 of South Carolinas best hikes, from Opossum Falls near the Georgia state line to Huntington Beach State Park on the Atlantic Oceanand all across the state between. Specific emphasis was placed on the most scenic destinations and unique places that make South Carolina so specialspots like the Chattooga River, Congaree National Park, and Hunting Island. In addition, South Carolina has two long trails, the Foothills and the Palmetto. Foothills Trail traverses the mountain corner of the state, while Palmetto Trail is slated to head from the Southern Appalachians, through the Midlands, to the Atlantic Ocean. Many hikes in this book include parts of these two trails. South Carolina offers three distinct regions in which to trek: the Upstate, Midlands, and Lowcountry. I have included hikes covering all three areas, of assorted lengths and difficulties, to add to the variety of experiences. Sometimes you feel like going on a rugged hike; other times, an easy stroll will do. Time constraints, companions, and time of year are just some of the considerations when choosing a hike. Grandma is not going to feel like fording remote rivers. A weekend backpack with your old Scout buddy, on the other hand, will likely entail more challenging terrain.

Many hikes take place in South Carolinas national foreststhe Sumter and Francis Marion. These federal lands span portions of the entire state. The Sumter includes mountain highlands and rolling piedmont, while the Francis Marion offers coastal terrain. These forests boast not only hiking trails but also campgrounds, waterways to float and fish, special scenic areas, botanical areas, hunting, and more. South Carolina state parks and forests also dot the landscape and are destinations for those who want to explore. Table Rock State Park harbors a famous state landmark. Santee State Park makes the most of its setting and offers recreation of all stripes, including, of course, hiking. Edisto Beach State Park has oceanside palms and maritime woods. These are but three examples of a fine state park system of which South Carolinians should be proud.