Find the top rated horseback riding trails in South Carolina, whether you're looking for an easy short horseback riding trail or a long horseback riding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a horseback riding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
On April 15, 2026 my wife and I "e-biked" the trail beginning at the southern hwy 52 trailhead. We are active, fit retirees at 70 years old. The trailhead is spacious but has no accomodations ( restroom, water, garbage can , etc. ) Immediately you are challenged to cross a 5-lane highway ( use the turn lane as somewhat of a safety island ) . The initial trail through the mostly pine forest was shady, poorly marked, and with significant surface roots on average every 4-5 feet of trail. Leaving the pine forest as you approach the dam you will need to portage your bikes across a railroad track ( no crossings provided ). Again signage was found lacking and we were unsure of the trail location or direction. BTW, the trail description posted on this site is woefully lacking and somewhat inaccurate. We used google maps to confirm that the trail was actually at the top of the levee / dam. There are actually two trails / service roads that parallel the lake. One is at grade below the levee and the other is atop the levee. Neither is identified as the Lake Moultrie Passage trail. We took the levee trail. It offered a good compacted , level gravel road with a spectacular elevated view of the lake.
We arrived at Bonn Grocery a little after noon. In the abscence of trail signage we asked a grocery patron where the trail continued. he pointed us a couple blocks away to Butter Street as the trail connection. At Black Oak Rd and Butter Street we found a trail maker facing in the opposite direction, located low enough to be obscured by weeds and other signage. We were planning to have lunch at the Watermark Bar & Grill only to find it closed and posted as under the control and jurisdiction of the sheriff' department.
We continued down Butter Street to Barn Rd to Pauline Drive. These thoroughfares are two-lane with no shoulder, significant local traffic, and more than a few agressive drivers ( despite we were moving at 15-18 MPH in full power mode on our bikes ) We turned around and did not proceed to the Pooshee Plantation Rd. / Wildlife Management portion of the trail which we were very much looking forward to biking.
We suggest the trail map be more detailed , identifying the trail characteristics such as when you will be sharing the road with vehicles and with no designated bike lanes. Possibly include information as to how to access the non-vehicular portions of the trail.
We enjoyed the part of the trail we biked but were disappointed that we were not able bike more miles without being forced to share the road with vehicular traffic.
It was a beautiful ride through the woods with lots of really interesting history. But there were lots of bumps due to tree roots which were hard to see due to the leaves covering them! We felt it was a bit too rough with our new e-bikes but that is simply a personal preference. We loved the posts along the way with interesting facts about how the RR was built. The Badwell Cemetery along the route was also so very interesting. We would recommend this trail if you don't mind the bumps!
There were a few spots if you wanted to have a seat otherwise just somewhere paved to get some steps in. There’s supposed to be some additions coming.
Yes, tree roots and twists and turns but I’m on my bike going thru the woods, past coastal mansions, past lots of restaurants etc. it is a nice amenity while camping at Huntington Beach State Park, which is midway on the trail. In the twisty/bumpy sections I did about 8mph to feel safe. I enjoyed my 20 mile ride….
Not a true bike path. Wayyyy too narrow and blind curves. I couldn't wait to get off of it. Ok for walking I'm sure but BEWARE it's not safe for bikes!
This is a lovely ride, especially at sunset when the light sparkles off the water. If you park at Publix, there is a little sidewalk on the side that goes right to the trail. No road crossings needed.
Have been bike packing with son for last 5 years. We have done the C&O, Creeper and GAP trail and some single track in Brevard area. Went to the SFT because of the location and name - The area in SC was gorgeous, we went in spring and just caught the beginning of the pollen season, which made breathing a bit tough. The trail was mostly cut grass and cypress roots. We only managed 4-5mph and with the bikes loaded up with gear... it was very tedious and hard going. So much so that after the first day... we switched over to forest/lumber dirt roads that seemed to run parallel to most of the SFP trail. To me the SFP seemed more conducive to hiking or full suspension MTB trail, due to the surface and vast amount of roots to navigate. Gravel roads however were great and got us to our destination and back.
I rode the Palmetto Parkway bike path in North Augusta, SC for the first time this morning at 7 AM. The total ride, out and back, was 9.5 miles, according to my Ride With GPS app. The elevation change was 788 feet. The path was well maintained and I was the only cyclist on the trail. I saw no walkers. if you like hills, the trail is a good way for one to get a workout. As expected, I could hear cars on the adjacent highway, but I rarely saw one. The path is separated by a fence, berms, and plantings. I crossed three minor roads and two major roads. The major roads had pedestrian, crossing signals, making it easier to cross. The parking area at the trailhead seemed safe. I was the only one parking there.
Too many asphalt buckles made this trail very, very bumpy. It was uncomfortable. But the scenery through the woods was beautiful.
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