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Article

Your Guide to Trails, Parks, and Outdoor Recreation in the Myrtle Beach Area

  By  Visit Myrtle Beach
Hulk Bike & Run Park in Carolian Forest

Get outside and get moving!

Embark on an adventure through the natural wonders and recreational havens of the Myrtle Beach area. From serene trails winding through lush forests to vibrant parks buzzing with activity, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast. 

Explore our curated list of trails, parks, and places brimming with opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Whether you're seeking a thrilling mountain biking experience or a leisurely stroll along the coast, you'll find it all in this comprehensive guide to outdoor exploration. 

Join us as we uncover the hidden gems and beloved destinations that make the Myrtle Beach region a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

A-10 Mountain Bike Trail in Myrtle Beach

A-10 Mountain Bike Trail

700 Mallard Lake Dr.  Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Activities: Walk/Run, Bike

The Waccamaw Trail Blazers club built this mountain bike trail in The Market Common area. Located next to Barc Parc South dog park, on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, the 1.2-mile trail is named for the A-10 Bomber because it’s rugged yet highly maneuverable. This intermediate level trail cuts through the forest for a tight, cool ride.

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Andre S. Pope MTB Skills Park

4670 S. Kings Hwy  Myrtle Beach, SC 29575

Activities: Walk/Run, Bike

The Andre S. Pope Mountain Bike Skills Park is owned by the City of Myrtle Beach and maintained by the Myrtle Beach Area Mountain Bike Association. The park was completed in 2019 and includes numerous skill developing obstacles including single track, drop-ins, skinny rails and jump lines. Also includes a 1-mile trail.

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Brookgreen Gardens

1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Activities: Walk/Run, Hike, Bike, Playground

Stretching across 9,100 acres of former rice plantation land, Brookgreen Gardens is a sculpture garden, wildlife preserve and outdoor recreation area known as one of The Beach’s most amazing natural attractions. The trails here total more than 10 miles in all across a variety of themed gardens and natural ecosystems. In addition to the largest collection of American figurative sculptures in the world, Brookgreen offers a selection of tours, programs, and exhibits for all ages. The gardens are open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and general admission is $20 (adults) $18 (seniors) and $10 (children 4-12).

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Cabana District Fitness Trail

5400 Block of North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC29577

Activities: Walk/Run, Fitness

Running along one of the most scenic areas of the beach — dotted with unique cabanas instead of oceanfront hotels — the Cabana Fitness Trail features 11 stations across a half-mile stretch running from Gardens by the Sea park to Roberta S. McMillian Memorial Park, near Island Vista Hotel.

Carolina Forest Recreation Center

2254 Carolina Forest Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

Activities: Walk/Run, Sports, Fitness, Playground

Nestled in the heart of Carolina Forest, this area stands as a hub of community activity and leisure. From state-of-the-art fitness facilities to sports courts and fields, the center caters to all ages and interests. It also includes a library, senior center, the huge Palmetto Adventureland playground and a cross country trail known as Panther Run.

Cartwheel Bay Heritage Preserve

Nichols, SC 29581

Activities: Walk/Run, Hike

Nestled in the outer reaches of Horry County, away from the hustle and bustle of The Beach, you’ll find this remote and pristine bit of S.C. wilderness. As you explore the area’s various paths, look alongside the trail for white-fringed, yellow-fringed, and rosebud orchids and carnivorous plants such as the Venus flytrap and pitcher plants.

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Claire Chapin Epps YMCA

5000 Claire Chapin Epps Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Activities: Walk/Run, Bike, Dog Park, Sports

Claire Chapin Epps YMCA offers a variety of sports, educational and fitness activities. There’s the nearby Barc Parc North dog park and Colonel Robert Bell Path, which is a nice, easy 1.7-mile path that travels through the Grande Dunes area of Myrtle Beach. Visitors can enter from the YMCA in Myrtle Beach or from the Horry County Bike & Run Park in Carolina Forest and travel this path to get a spectacular scenic view of the Intracoastal Waterway from atop the bridge on Grissom Parkway — not to mention a challenging ride up and down one of the area’s steepest inclines. The trail also connects to a system of other paths leading through the Del Webb community and north to Grand Dunes.

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Conway Riverwalk

2nd Ave, Conway, SC 29526

Activities: Walk, Bike, Fishing, Boat/Paddle, Playground

Nestled along the Waccamaw River in downtown Conway is a scenic 1.5-mile walking and bicycling path that takes nature enthusiasts on a relaxing, stress-free adventure. Along the path you’ll find Riverfront Park, with its playground, tennis complex, gazebo and outdoor concert area, as well as Conway City Marina. Don't forget to admire many of the old buildings along the route, and spend a little time embracing Conway's past.

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Cox Ferry Lake Recreation Area

Gray Lake Blvd, Conway, SC 29526

Activities: Walk/Run, Hike, Bike, Fishing

The Cox Ferry Lake Recreation Area is a 325-acre property located on Gary Lake Boulevard, in Conway, South Carolina It offers the public three miles of interpretive nature trails, a mountain biking trail, boardwalk, kiosks and a weather shelter with picnic tables.

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Crabtree Swamp

192 Long Avenue, Conway, SC 29526

Activities: Walk/Run, Bike 

This is a scenic trail located along the Crabtree Swamp in Conway. Enjoy the fresh air and lovely views while taking a stroll on this paved path.

East Bay Park

East Bay Park

515 E Bay St, Georgetown, SC 29440

Activities: Walk/Run, Hike, Bike, Disc Golf, Sports, Playground

At the southern tip of Georgetown you’ll find East Bay Park and an area with disc golf courses, tennis courts, playground, picnic shelters and a boat landing. Just south of this area you’ll also come to Morgan Park to walk the short boardwalk and trails which lead you through the woods and give you some great views of the Sampit River and Winyah Bay.

East Coast Greenway

Along U.S. 17 Corridor throughout the area

Activities: Walk/Run, Bike, Hike

The East Coast Greenway is a developing bicycle trail system that spans 3,000 miles, from Canada all the way to Key West. In the Myrtle Beach area, the path runs mostly along the U.S. 17 corridor showcasing some of the area’s best paved trails linked together with on-road segments. Some notable local portions of the greenway include:

  • Barefoot Resort Trail: 3.3 miles through Barefoot Resort area of North Myrtle Beach
  • Grissom Parkway Trail: 6.4 miles through central Myrtle Beach 
  • Harrelson Trail: 3.4 miles near Myrtle Beach Airport
  • Perrin’s Path: 1.2 miles through Myrtle Beach near Pine Lakes Country Club
  • Waccamaw Neck Bikeway: 18 miles from Garden City Beach to Pawleys Island

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Fuller Park in Surfside Beach

Fuller Park

Surfside Beach, SC 29575

Activities: Walk/Run, Sports, Playground, Dog Park

Located on the corner of Surfside Drive and Myrtle Drive, this park contains two lighted tennis courts, a playground, and picnic area with restroom facilities. The area near this park serves as a hub for community events like a farmer’s market and summer concert series, and also located in the same block is a library, a dog park and walking / fitness trails.

Georgetown Harborwalk

Downtown Georgetown, SC
Activities: Walk/Run

The Harborwalk in Historic Georgetown is a short four-block stroll that’s packed with places to eat, shop and see. Here you will find scenic views of the Sampit River and Winyah Bay, as well as access to the nearby downtown area full of historic homes and sights.

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Grand Park at The Market Common 

1011 Crabtree Ln, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Activities: Walk/Run, Bike, Playground, Dog Park, Disc Golf, Sports

The Market Common area is known for its shopping, restaurants and entertainment options, but just across from this complex is one of The Beach’s best recreation areas. Grand Park boasts a fantastic paved walking path and fitness trail that surrounds the park’s large man-made lake with nearly a dozen fitness stations. The area also features Savannah’s Playground, Crabtree Gym and a large sports complex with fields for soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse and football, plus a roller hockey rink. The complex also has a paved trail system, a dog park, plenty of parking and three towers for restrooms and concessions.

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Heritage Shores Nature Preserve

5611 Heritage Dr North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Activities: Walking, Running, Hiking, Fishing, Paddle

Located in the Cherry Grove area of North Myrtle Beach, this natural area is preserved in its native state and is accessible via a series of elevated boardwalks and observation docks. Interpretive signage throughout the park describes the plants, animals, fish and birds that can be seen as you stroll. This is also a great place to begin a day on that water, as it's directly next to Cherry Grove boat landing, a common spot for boaters, kayakers and paddleboard tours.

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Hobcaw Barony

22 Hobcaw Rd, Georgetown, SC 29440

Activities: Walk/Run, Hike, Bike

Hobcaw Barony in Georgetown, SC, is a sprawling estate boasting over 16,000 acres of natural beauty and rich history. With scenic trails winding through diverse ecosystems, it offers opportunities for walking and hiking amidst marshes, forests, and waterfronts, as well as biking through 5 miles of gravel paths. Visitors can also explore historic homes, gardens, and archaeological sites, making it a premier destination for outdoor exploration and cultural immersion in the heart of the Lowcountry.

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Hopsewee Plantation

494 Hopsewee Road, Georgetown, SC 29440

Activities: Hike, Tours

Located in Georgetown, this former rice plantation is now a historic site that provides insight into the history of the United States. Built in 1740, it was one the South’s major rice plantations. You can visit this beautiful National Historic Landmark house that has stood the test of time since its construction, and if you wish, enjoy the full lunch menu and tee at the River Oak Cottage. Guided tours are also available.

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Hulk Bike & Run Park in Carolina Forest

Horry County Bike And Run Park

150 Frontage Rd B-2, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

Activities: Walk/Run, Bike, Hike

Known to locals as "The Hulk," this 7-mile single-track mountain biking trail was built in 2012 and has quickly become one of the favorite spots for local mountain bikers to ride. Located off River Oaks Drive in Carolina Forest, this trail doesn't let you off easy, beginning with a 30-foot hill climb before taking on the characteristics of a wooden roller coaster. They call it "The Hulk" for a reason, as there are some quite tough, advanced features throughout the area. That said, the park also offers bypasses for some of its most difficult areas and features a variety of different paths for riders of all levels to enjoy.

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Atalaya Huntington Beach Group Picnic

Huntington Beach State Park 

16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Activities: Walk/Run, Hike, Bike, Boat/Paddle

One of the area’s two state parks, Huntington Beach is ideal for hiking, walking, biking or kayaking. Nature lovers will enjoy the park’s wide variety of programming, including the chance to see loggerhead turtles, alligators, birds and other endangered plant and animal species up close in the salt marsh. There’s also a 3-mile stretch of pristine beach, the historical Atalaya Castle and several nature trails including:

  • Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail: 2.0 miles, Natural/Boardwalk
  • Kerrigan Nature Trail: 0.3 miles, Natural/Boardwalk
  • Marsh Boardwalk Trail: 0.2 miles, Boardwalk

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Ingram Dunes Nature Preserve

999-943 Hillside Dr, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Activities: Hike

Ingram Dunes Natural Area, a 7.24-acre preserve, was established in 2019 by the City of North Myrtle Beach on land purchased from the Ingram family. Originally destined for development, concerned citizens successfully advocated for its preservation. Now, this sanctuary hosts a thriving natural environment, offering trails and a mature maritime forest enjoyed by both wildlife and visitors from the region.

J. Bryan Floyd Community Center

1030 Possum Trot Rd, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Activities: Walk/Run, Bike, Sports

This 20-acre City of North Myrtle Beach community center and nearby Central Park offers many opportunities for recreation including tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball courts, playgrounds, soccer fields, picnic shelters, baseball/softball fields and a paved walking path.

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Lewis Ocean Bays Heritage Preserve

3715 SC-90, Conway, SC 29526

Activities: Walk/Run, Bike, Horseback Riding

This vast nature preserve spans 10,000 acres between Carolina Forest and Conway, accessed via International Boulevard. Originally a World War II aerial gunnery range, it's famed for the unique Carolina bays—elliptical depressions found only in this region. Its dirt roads offer routes for mountain bikers, joggers, hikers, birdwatchers, and horseback riders. While the terrain is mostly flat, the remote location inland from the beach promises serene, scenic views.

Loris Nature Park

Loris Nature Park

300 Loris Lions Rd, Loris, SC 29569

Activities: Walk/Run, Hike, Disc Golf, Dog Park, Playground

This Horry County passive park offers a dog park, disc golf course, playground area, as well as a series of paved and stone walking/hiking trails.

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The Marina Parkway at Grande Dunes

Marina Pkwy & Grande Dunes Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Activities: Walk/Run, Bike

The Marina Parkway, weaving through the Grande Dunes community, offers a safe route for family-friendly activities like walking, jogging, or biking. With over 2 miles of green space alongside the sidewalk, it's perfect for leisurely strolls or quick runs and bike rides. For those seeking a longer adventure, continue onto Wild Iris Drive, extending your journey through residential areas within the Grande Dunes/Pine Lakes community for an additional 2 miles.

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McLean Park

93 Oak Dr, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Activities: Walk/Run, Bike, Sports, Playground

McLean Park in North Myrtle Beach is a 10 acre park with a two acre lake that features a 0.5-mile paved path, fitness trail, playgrounds, baseball fields, tennis courts, picnic shelters and more. 

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade

Along Ocean Boulevard in Downtown Myrtle Beach

Activities: Walk/Run, Bike

This 1.3-mile boardwalk stretches from just beyond the Second Avenue Pier to just beyond the 14th Avenue Pier and features three different sections of varying width and shape and offers scenic oceanfront views of the pristine beach. It can be congested at peak times during the day, especially in summer months, however early morning time offers a prime time for workouts for those riding bikes, jogging or walking.

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Myrtle Beach State Park Trails

Myrtle Beach State Park

4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575

Activities: Walk/Run, Hike, Bike, Camping, Fishing, Beach

At the south end of the city, Myrtle Beach State Park sits nestled among oceanfront maritime forest — a quiet, and surprisingly green, escape from the otherwise bustling beach. One of two state parks here, it provides a variety of educational and recreational opportunities, a nature trail, camping and great beaches. It is also home to some of the best surf fishing around and Myrtle Beach Pier, another premier fishing spot. The area’s trails include:

  • Yaupon Nature: 0.5 miles
  • Sculpted Oak Nature: 0.7 miles

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North Myrtle Beach Aquatic and Fitness Center

1100 2nd Ave S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Activities: Walk/Run, Sports, Swim, Fitness

This facility offers a range of amenities for fitness enthusiasts and swimmers. With a focus on health and wellness, the center features a variety of fitness equipment, group exercise classes, and indoor and outdoor pools for swimming and aquatic exercise.

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North Myrtle Beach Sports & Recreation Complex

North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex

150 Citizens Cir, Little River, SC 29566

Activities: Walk/Run, Hike, Bike, Paddle, Sports, Dog Park, Playground

The North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex is an expansive facility featuring a variety of recreational opportunities including a 25-acre lake — complete with its own wakeboarding park — six baseball fields, eight batting tunnels, an ADA-accessible playground, a public amphitheater, two dog parks, covered picnic areas, and places to bike and walk. Trails include:

  • Meadow Trail: 0.6 mile dirt and gravel loop near sports field
  • Cypress Lake Trail: 1.2 mile dirt/gravel loop around lake
  • NMB Nature Trail (Blue Trail): 2.5 mile loop through Peter Horry Wildlife Preserve
  • NMB Nature Trail (Yellow Trail): 1.25 mile extension off of Blue Trail

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North Strand Recreation Center

120 State Hwy 57 S, Little River, SC 29568

Activities: Walk/Run, Sports, Fitness, Playground

The north end’s hub for fitness and recreational activities boasts modern amenities such as an indoor track, gymnasium, baseball and soccer fields, fitness equipment and multi-purpose spaces. It provides a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike to stay active and hosts various community events.

Pepper Geddings Recreation Center

3205 N Oak St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Activities: Walk/Run, Sports, Swim, Skateboarding

Centrally located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Pepper Geddings offers a range of amenities such as basketball courts, fitness equipment, an indoor track and a swimming pool. Nearby are sports complexes including Doug Shaw Stadium — home of Myrtle Beach High School sports — which features a full-sized track that’s often open to the public. There’s also a Tennis Center, Matt Hughes Skate Park and the Ned Donkle Sports Complex which includes a playground and a variety of multi-purpose sports fields.

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Sherwood Park

Conway, SC 29526

Activities: Sports, Playground, Disc Golf

Located near the intersections of 16th Avenue and Lakewood Drive in Conway, this multi-phase park spans both sides of Sherwood Drive. It includes a playground, picnic shelter, sand volleyball court and 9-hole disc golf short course.

Socastee Recreational Park

7485 Butler Rd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

Activities: Walk/Run, Hike, Sports, Disc Golf

Socastee Recreational Park provides a welcoming space for south end residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor leisure and active lifestyles across 91.5 acres. The area is home to a large soccer complex, tennis and basketball courts, picnic shelters, a playground, an archery range, a track for racing RC cars and one of the area’s longest-running disc golf courses. The disc golf course also offers opportunities for walking/hiking during off times as it winds in and out of the woods, around the perimeter of the park.

South Strand Recreation Center

9650 Scipio Ln, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

Activities: Walk/Run, Bike, Sports, Playground

Horry County's South Strand Recreation Center offers more than just a gym, the surrounding complex consists of three baseball/softball fields, several multi-purpose fields, a playground, sand volleyball court, disc golf practice basket, garden and a 0.8-mile rubberized walking path.

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Stables Park

2400 Petigru Dr, Pawleys Island, SC 29585

Activities: Walk/Run, Hike, Bike, Sports, Disc Golf

Stables Park provides a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Pawleys Island. Visitors can also explore the park's natural surroundings, enjoying leisurely walks through trails, play the 9-hole Warrior Run disc golf course or work up a sweat on outdoor fitness equipment. There’s also multi-purpose sports fields and a playground for the family to enjoy.

Vereen Gardens Little River Parks

Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens

2250 SC-179, Little River, SC 29566

Activities: Walk/Run, Hike, Bike, Paddle

Just one mile south of the S.C./N.C. state line, Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens is one of The Beach’s best hidden gems. This 114-acre tract of woodlands and salt marshes is a nature enthusiast's dream — filled with wildlife and natural beauty. There are a variety of paths measuring 2.4 miles total for joggers, hikers and cyclists throughout the area including a Blue and Red Trail that serves as a loop. There’s also a boardwalk over the marsh, a waterfront “wishing tree” and a boat ramp for those looking to explore the Intracoastal Waterway. 

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Waccamaw Neck Bikeway

Murrells Inlet to Pawleys Island

Activities: Walk/Run, Bike, Hike

Cyclists visiting the area’s south end can “Bike The Neck” by accessing 16 miles of safe, continuous, paved path along this scenic route stretching from Pawleys Island to Murrells Inlet. Running mostly parallel to U.S. 17 in Georgetown County, this wooded trail runs through Litchfield Beach and Huntington Beach State Park, offering great views of maritime forests, wetlands and a wide variety of wildlife. 

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Waccamaw River Park 

1101 State Rd S-26-14, Conway, SC 29526

Activities: Walk/Run Bike, Disc Golf

Opened in 2017, Waccamaw River Park is a still developing recreation area just east of downtown Conway. In addition to the 0.5 mile mountain bike trail, it features a disc golf course, three walking trails, a boardwalk, an observation deck and a picnic shelter.

Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve

Longs, SC

Activities: Walk/Run, Hike, Boat/Paddle

The Waccamaw River Preserve is a captivating natural area known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and abundant recreational opportunities. Spanning over 25,000 acres, this unique preserve offers visitors a chance to explore and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Lowcountry region. Traveling down the 25-mile Waccamaw River Canoe trail you will see a classic floodplain forest dominated by bald cypress, water tupelo, water oak, and willow oak.

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Withers Swash Park

314 Withers Swash Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Activities: Walk/Run, Playground, Disc Golf

City of Myrtle Beach Park offers access to scenic swash overlook, walking path, playground and Swashbuckler disc golf course. Smaller recreational course with all holes between 100’ to 250’ makes for a shorter, lightly wooded challenge.

By Shelbi Ankiewicz
Shelbi Ankiewicz is a senior at Coastal Carolina University studying communication, journalism, and intercultural studies. She is originally from Montgomery, Alabama, but has resided in Myrtle Beach for 14 years. She is the Editor-in-Chief of CCU's student newspaper, The Chanticleer, and is a member of a two-year leadership program called the Wall Fellows. Shelbi enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling to major cities in the SouthEast, and attending concerts. In her free time you can find her hanging out with her frenchton bulldog, Oma, or visiting the local trails Myrtle Beach has to offer.