Nature lovers in Sumter, South Carolina, will find a variety of local hiking trails and outdoor destinations with scenic beauty and family-friendly activities.
Top Hiking and Nature Trails
Poinsett State Park & Manchester State Forest: This area offers several interconnected hiking trails, including routes through the High Hills of Santee and access to three sections of the Palmetto Trail. The park features forested paths, lakeside walks, a historic mill site, rustic cabins, and camping options. It’s ideal for birdwatching, nature photography, and exploring both upland and wetland habitats.​
Woods Bay State Park: Located within easy driving distance of Sumter, this park protects one of the last large Carolina Bays. The 1,590-acre park features diverse habitats (marsh, forest, sandhills) and a boardwalk trail that brings you up close to wildlife and native plants.​
Swan Lake Iris Gardens: Famous for its all-eight-swan-species sanctuary and extensive plantings of Japanese iris, this city park in Sumter features paved walking trails through gardens, woodlands, and lakesides. It is accessible year-round and perfect for leisurely nature walks and birdwatching.​
Prisma Health Shot Pouch Greenway: A newer trail system connecting Swan Lake Iris Gardens with other city parks, this greenway is part of the TRACK Trails program, designed especially for families and children to engage in interactive exploration and learning about local wildlife and ecology.​
Mary McLeod Bethune Walking Trail: This urban trail in Sumter offers a scenic route and is part of the city’s TRACK Trails network, which provides free activity guides and prizes for kids who register their adventures.​
Sumter State Park: This park (alternatively referred to by some as part of the broader Manchester State Forest complex) includes forest and lakeside loops, playgrounds for children, and designated picnic areas, offering easy-to-moderate hikes in a scenic natural setting.​
TRACK Trails (Kids in Parks): Families can take advantage of the new TRACK Trails program, available at Poinsett State Park, Woods Bay State Park, Swan Lake Iris Gardens, Prisma Health Shot Pouch Greenway, and the Mary McLeod Bethune Walking Trail. Each trail offers self-guided adventures and educational activities for children, making hiking fun and informative for all ages.​
Further Trail Options
Nature seekers looking for longer or more challenging hikes can explore additional passages of the Palmetto Trail beginning in the Sumter area, as well as regional greenways and paved routes ideal for biking and running.​
These options ensure that both casual walkers and dedicated hikers will find an ideal trail near Sumter to explore forests, wetlands, gardens, and regional wildlife year-round.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.sumtersc.gov/tourism/things-do/parks-trails)
[2](https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Walking+Trails&find_loc=Sumter%2C+SC)
[3](https://www.sumtersc.gov/news/sumter-welcomes-track-trails-new-outdoor-adventure-families)
[4](https://www.nissansumtersc.com/2024/07/23/5-sumter-summer-activities-for-the-whole-family/)
[5](https://www.traillink.com/city/sumter-sc-trails/)
