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The developing Waccamaw Neck Bikeway parallels US 17 and Kings River Road from Murrells Inlet to Pawleys Island. While a good portion is along roads and the sounds of traffic are frequently in the background, nature abounds as the trail traverses Huntington Beach State Park.
About the Route
Leaving off from the northern end of the trail at Murrells Inlet just south of the Horry–Georgetown county line, the trail heads south from Carson Avenue via 5-foot-wide bike lanes on either side of US 17 Business—the only portion of the trail that is not off-road. There are road crossings up and down US 17, but they are all well-signed. In 2.7 miles, the route arrives at a trailhead at Morse Park Landing, complete with maps, restrooms, a boat landing, and parking. In just under a mile, the trail merges with an off-road trail before going over a small bridge known as the Bike Bridge. Just after the bridge is Huntington Beach State Park, a sprawling, 2,500-acre natural oasis of maritime forest and pristine wetlands. Watch out for the numerous twists and turns weaving along the densely wooded path, as well as tree roots that have led to some cracking in the asphalt.
Trail users can explore the state park from its paved causeway, a stretch of road near the park’s entrance with a brackish pond on one side and salt marsh on the other. Other sites include a beach; campsites; hiking and interpretive trails; wildlife-viewing boardwalks in a salt marsh and freshwater lagoon; picnic shelters; a nature center; and Atalaya Castle, a National Historic Landmark. Popular activities include bird-watching and fishing in the surf or from the jetty. For park fees, parking, fishing licenses, and other information, visit southcarolinaparks.com/huntington-beach.
Roughly 1.7 miles from the state park, the off-road trail crosses the four-lane US 17 via a signalized crossing on the south side of Willbrook Boulevard/County Road S-22-362, weaving across the front of a golf resort. After crossing US 17, the trail parallels Willbrook Boulevard/CR S-22-362 to the Reserve Community—the only segment of the trail where golf carts from neighboring clubs are permitted. The trail turns left onto Kings River Road around 1.5 miles from the US 17 crossing, then travels 2.5 miles southwest.
The trail turns left onto Waverly Road/CR S-22-46 and heads 0.5 mile to Waccamaw Elementary School. A 1.3-mile concrete bike path, anticipated to be completed by mid-2024, will travel from the school to the intersection of US 17 and Waverly Road/CR S-22-46/North Causeway Road. From here, the southernmost open segment of trail runs 1.1 miles along US 17 to just south of Bromley Place in Pawleys Island.
Connections
The Waccamaw Neck Bikeway is part of the East Coast Greenway, a vast and developing trail network from Maine to Florida.
The Waccamaw Neck Bikeway runs between Carson Ave. (Murrells Inlet) and Hwy 17 (Pawleys Island).
Parking is available at:
See TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
We stayed in Murrell's Inlet for a week in late July, and brought the bikes hoping to be able to get some riding in. We were able to do a little bit of exploring the area, but this is not a super bike friendly community. Thus we spent most of our bike time on the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway. Actually, we did not know that was the name of the trail until we got home and looked it up on Trail Link. There is zero signage identifying this trail. We were under the impression that it begins/ends in Murrell's Inlet/northern end of Litchfield. We had no idea that there is an on-road section that goes (kind of) to Pawley's Island, as there is zero signage anywhere on the trail, other than "Stay to the Right". Too bad, we would have enjoyed the extra miles.
In the "different strokes for different folks" department, I can understand why some give this trail low marks for the root bumps, but our touring bikes handled them just fine. We liked the winding nature of the trail, and though it is about 50 feet off of busy Highway 17, one feels safe with the screen of trees. Stay on the trail; we encountered a copperhead snake and there are numerous huge golden orb spiders all around. We got up early enough to ride to Huntington State Park for sunrise three times, and this is highly recommended. As others have also pointed out, Brookgreen Gardens is also a Must See. Tickets are $22, but last for a week. We also returned to the gardens repeatedly, and each time saw something new.
I've deducted one star from my rating purely for the confusing lack of signage, but otherwise I would recommend this trail. Honestly, if you are in the area, you don't have other options for a few miles of car-free riding.
I work out on this trail daily and it is a good ride except for the Waverley road section. I have contacted the Greenway trail folks about its conditions but they said that Georgetown County was responsible for that section. So I sent a message to the county engineer and never got a response. Time to try again. Sections of that sidewalk are extremely dangerous and need repair
Feb 2023-No observation of any maintenance on the tree roots. Very hard ride- especially on a road bike. Skip the northern section altogether.
Northern portion from Pawleys Island to Litchfield trail has MANY tree roots that have made the trail difficult in certain areas.
Don't go out of your way. This trail is not for anyone trying to enjoy a true bike trail experience. The asphalt paved trail is extremely and unnecessarily twisty with tarred over root bumps everywhere. The US 17 traffic noise is overwhelming. Other reviews provide additional comments on these and additional shortcomings. However, if you find yourself nearby,do drop in and just pay the fee to enter Huntington Beach State Park. Enjoy this wonderful park. Park near Atalya. Ride your bikes on the paved roads within the park and enjoy the marsh and dunes. Head out on the road from Atalya towards Brookgreen Gardens (a must). When it ends, just take the park service road north towards the main gate, exit the park, and then go as far north & or south on the Waccamaw Neck trail as you find enjoyable. the trail ends about a mile or so to the north, Going south, we turned around after 3 or so miles when the urban interface began. Return to the park and enjoy it some more if you have the time.
Just a note to affirm that previous reviews are still valid. The ride thru the forest part was very pleasant. Parked at Morse Park (maybe?), at a boat launch site; a little unclear to me. The first part of the north end runs along business route 17 until you reach the woods part. At one point, had to turn around and go back because the path went right and we went left. Had lunch in Litchfield and then returned. Very nice trip for the casual rider.
Really nice shaded trail and very well maintained. I enjoyed it and even say the famous gator on my way. The only downfall on this trail is that I don't like how it breaks off and picks up. I am from out of state so it was hard to figure out where it picks up in some places.
A good ride for families, an okay ride for a vigorous workout. The twists and turns , along with tree roots of the north end going into Murrells Inlet make it slow going if your up for a workout. It’s great to be off the road though, and for families it’s a lot of fun. A few bridges to cross and it ends up at the marsh for a good finish.
We rode the north end of the trail this morning and were impressed. There is no public parking on the north end but we parked in a local business several blocks away with out issue. The trail is a very twisty paved trail through the dense woods. Who ever created this trail did their best to avoid cutting as many large trees as possible. It was a very pleasant ride. As you progress, the trail is diverted into a quiet neighborhood with very little traffic. A very nice experience. Be aware that there are several driveways, and business parking lots that need to be traversed which could be an issue if you are traveling with small children.
Yesterday we rode the trail from Murrell's Inlet to Litchfield and today from Litchfield to Pawley's Island. I gave it five stars because I am supportive of the effort to continue to build the trail to Georgetown. It's more of a cruising path at present, with pedestrians and road crossings. The most hazardous part of the trail is at the road crossings - drivers are looking back to their left and often do not see bikes. I'm used to riding mountain trails and roads, so I enjoy cruising and getting in some relaxing rides. I look forward to seeing the bikeway continue to improve and will support the effort.
Lots of root intrusion under the asphalt path makes for a pretty bumpy ride, especially on either side of Huntington Beach State Park, but this is a nice trail overall. The traffic on Highway 17 is ever present in terms of noise, but you are typically a good ways into the woods where you can forget it is there with only occasional instances of being exposed to it. There are a few stretches where you have to go through a neighborhood and a good stretch where you are right on the highway. I doubt I will ride it again, though, as I need a bit more padding in the seat to handle all of the bumps from the roots. Unfortunate, because I really had my hopes up! If you have time be sure to ride in the state park. Easy, flat, and smooth roads with great scenery, easy beach access, and lots of things to do. If possible ride before Memorial Day and after Labor Day to avoid the seasonal crowds.
We have rode along Huntington Park trails often and enjoy them. We decided to take the Martin Luther King road trail which was a great ride. But When we rode down Waverly Road, we were very disappointed. The sidewalks were almost all broken and the traffic was too heavy to ride in the street. When we reached 17, we could not decide which was worse, riding all the way back the way we came or riding down 17 back to Litchfield in the heat. Either way was bad!!! We believe the bike trails should have "bike " trails or not be designated as a bike trail.
I rode this trail on my Haro hybrid and loved it. Well maintained trail with enough curves to make it fun with a scenic ride through the trees. I was not comfortable with the bike path to Murrells inlet with cars too close for my liking. Butbthebtrails and beach at Huntington State beach are great
I ride this and then some on Dec 19, 2015. Rode my road bike, which want the best choice. Most people were riding rented beach cruisers, and I should have used my mountain bike, which I was also toting around the country with me.The trail takes you alongside Hwy-17 weaving through the woods bordering Huntington Beach Park. Once up in Murrells Inlet, there are a number of other options to extend the ride. I will warn, however, that both Burgess Rd (Hwy-707) and Hwy-17 are a bit sketchy if you are uncomfortable riding in fast traffic.Two causeways can take you out to the island property, which is four miles end-to-end, for another extension. must of the ride along Kings River offers a bike path.Overall nice and easy, but many roots on the bike paths detracted from my road-bike adventure.
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