The best hiking trails near Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, offer excellent experiences for nature lovers with scenic views of marshes, forests, and waterfronts. Here are some top options:
Hog Island Trail: A peaceful walking path through nature and salt marshes at Patriots Point, perfect for a serene hike.
Shem Creek Boardwalks: Over 2,000 feet of boardwalk traveling above marsh and tidal creeks with panoramic views and local wildlife sightings including dolphins and pelicans.
Laurel Hill County Park: Trails meander through diverse landscapes including woods, open meadows, marshland, and mature oak tree alleys.
Palmetto Islands County Park: Offers boardwalks and looping trails around marsh islands, plus a 50-foot observation tower with views of the marshlands.
Marsh View Trail: A short walking trail in a conservation easement with beautiful views of salt flats and a pollinator garden.
Kearns Park Trail: A maritime forest trail along the Wando River with views of Charleston Harbor, bridges, and marshes, plus interpretive signage.
Patriots Point Nature Trail: Ideal for hiking and bird watching, with access to lookout decks featuring views of Charleston Harbor and historic forts.
Fort Palmetto Park Trail: Features wooden boardwalk loops through trees with a two-story lookout deck facing Isle of Palms.
Additionally, Wonders’ Way is a dedicated walking and biking path along the Cooper River Bridge with breathtaking views of Mount Pleasant, downtown Charleston, and the harbor, although pets are not allowed on this path.
These trails vary from easy boardwalk strolls to moderate forest hikes, allowing nature lovers to experience diverse habitats and water vistas around Mount Pleasant.​
For those interested in a longer hiking experience beyond Mount Pleasant, nearby areas in Virginia offer scenic mountain hikes such as the Henry Lanum Memorial Trail at Mt Pleasant, VA, which is a well-regarded 6-mile loop with overlooks and camping options, but those are notably different geographic regions than South Carolina.
Mount Pleasant, SC has a rich network of nature trails that highlight salt marshes, waterfront views, forested paths, and wildlife observation suitable for nature enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the outdoors near the coast.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Hiking+Trails&find_loc=Mount+Pleasant%2C+MI)
[2](https://dougashphotography.com/mt-pleasant-va/)
[3](https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/most-beautiful-hikes-us/)
[4](https://jaywalktheworld.com/mount-pleasant-trail-virginia/)
[5](https://www.facebook.com/groups/hikingutah/posts/10161485863547081/)
