Carolina Forest, located just west of Myrtle Beach in Horry County, is a growing community that offers residents and visitors an impressive mix of woodland preserves, multi-use greenways, and lakeside recreation spaces. These parks and trails provide scenic escapes for hiking, biking, running, and family exploration year-round.
Here’s a detailed guide to the best outdoor parks and trails in Carolina Forest for 2025.
Horry County Bike & Run Park (The Hulk)
Location: 150 Frontage Rd B‑2, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Known locally as “The Hulk,” this 70-acre park sits along the Intracoastal Waterway and offers 7 miles of elevated mountain biking and hiking trails.
Terrain features: steep switchbacks, boardwalks, and scenic overlook points unique to the Grand Strand area.
Amenities: free parking, rest areas, and access to the East Coast Greenway trailhead, the first of its kind in South Carolina.
Open daily from 5 a.m.–8 p.m.
This is the top trail network for adventure seekers in Carolina Forest, accommodating both beginner and advanced riders and hikers.
Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge Trails
Trailhead Access: Waccamaw Visitor Center, 21424 N. Fraser St., near Conway
If you’re after a peaceful trek through wetlands and forests, the Waccamaw Yellow and Blue Loop Trails are exceptional options.
Distance: 3.5 to 5 miles (loop variety)
Highlights: oak hammocks, cypress swamps, and bird sightings including herons, osprey, and wood storks.
Trails are mostly flat with shaded walking paths suitable for families.
This area’s Old Kingston Road Trail, part of the Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve system, connects to Carolina Forest’s northern boundaries, offering one of the region’s most tranquil footpaths.
Carolina Forest Recreation Center and Community Park
Location: 2250 Carolina Forest Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
A central hub for recreation, this park includes walking loops, playgrounds, and shaded picnic areas.
Amenities: fitness center, basketball courts, and community sports fields.
Trails: several short paved and natural-surface paths that loop through pinewood terrain and around small ponds, ideal for light jogging and family walks.
Open Monday–Thursday (8 a.m.–8 p.m.), Friday (8 a.m.–6 p.m.), Saturday (8 a.m.–noon).
Socastee Recreation Park
Location: 7485 Butler Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
Though technically a short drive from Carolina Forest, this 91-acre park features multi-purpose trails, a disc golf course, and picnic shelters.
The park is especially popular for group outings and endurance runners training for local events.
Easy Family Hikes Around Carolina Forest
Based on community trail ratings, top family-friendly walks include :
Carolina Forest Greenway Walk (4.3 km, 1-hour loop) – smooth, shaded trail for casual walks or stroller use.
Riverside Nature Route (5.5 km, 1 hr 24 min) – scenic forest and creek crossings with light elevation changes.
Whispering Pines Loop (3.2 km, 48 min) – compact, well-marked route for families and pets.
Summary of Highlights
These parks and trails showcase Carolina Forest’s outdoor charm—balancing accessible family recreation with adventurous treks through coastal forests, wetlands, and river corridors that define the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry landscape.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.horrycountysc.gov/departments/parksandrecreation/parks/)
[2](https://www.komoot.com/guide/3670132/hiking-around-carolina-forest)
[3](https://www.horrycountysc.gov/departments/parksandrecreation/)
[4](https://www.komoot.com/guide/3670133/easy-hikes-around-carolina-forest)
[5](https://carolina-beach.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/blog/post/trail-through-carolina-beachs-natural-side/)
