Fall is a great time to enjoy the great outdoors on the Grand Strand, and perhaps nothing is more enjoyable and rewarding than the area’s abundance of biking and hiking trails. While Myrtle Beach’s many attractions, shops and restaurants may be more popular forms of entertainment, hiking and biking are better for the body and mind.
So lace up your sneakers and air up your tires for a full day of fun on the Grand Strand’s trail systems. Whether you prefer a walk along the oceanfront or a ride through the backwoods, Myrtle Beach has a wide selection of hiking and biking trails to add a little exercise to your restful and relaxing vacation. Here’s a list of five great places to go for a walk or a ride on a nice autumn day on the Grand Strand:
The Beach: It goes without saying that the best “trail” on the Strand isn’t really a trail. It’s the sandy, 60-mile stretch of Carolina coastline that offers beautiful ocean views and a cool sea breeze. Bay View guests can take a few steps off the property to the beach and go north or south for a peaceful and refreshing stroll. Those opposed to sand can use the 1.3-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk for hiking only. Bikes are permitted on the beach in the offseason, but it’s best to go for a walk or ride on the beach at low tide when the sand below the tide line is packed down and provides better traction than loose sand. Cyclist want to use fat tires that are partially deflated.
The Hulk: Nicknamed for a superhero that turns green when he gets mad, this greenway can make cyclist a little hot under the collar as well. The Horry County Bike Run Park, aka The Hulk, presents bike riders with a true test of skill with dirt trails and imposing obstacles. Those on foot can also escape to the lush inland forest on 10th Avenue Extension in Myrtle Beach. Local hiking and biking clubs often meet here for a group workout.
Huntington Beach State Park: Take an amazing walk or ride through South Carolina’s scenic Lowcountry on this 26-mile trail that stretches from Murrells Inlet to Litchfield Beach. Located on a former rice plantation, the trail winds through lush maritime forests, swampy coastal terrain, past Palmetto groves and Atalaya Castle, and finally to an opening on the oceanfront. Be sure to bring along a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
North Myrtle Beach Sports and Recreation Park: This brand-new 350-acre facility on the North Strand provides all kinds of recreational opportunities, such as sports fields, picnic shelters and a dog park. Bikers and hikers also have plenty of options with three half-mile trails that explore different sections of the park. Walk or ride past a 25-acre lake, a 10-acre meadow, and the densely wooded forest that surrounds the property.
Ocean Boulevard: “The Strip” is better known for cruising in cars with the windows down and the music up. But bikers and hikers also have access to Ocean Boulevard, and there are stretches that are ideal for walkers and riders. On the north end of Myrtle Beach, the Ocean Forest Trail runs along the oceanfront and provides exercise equipment so you can walk while you work out. The Golden Mile, which is actually about 2 miles long, has bike lanes and sidewalks where you can check out all the historic beach homes while you break a sweat.
Perron Trail: As part of the larger East Coast Greenway, a 4,000-mile trail that runs from Canada to Key West, this new route runs along the Intracoastal Waterway and through the woods along Pine Lakes International Country Club before returning to the street-side route. Surrounded by lush landscape and beautiful scenery, the Perron Trail offers a peaceful and relaxing place to take a stroll. Signage identifying native plants and wildlife, and park benches for periodic rest breaks are available.
Come experience what all Myrtle Beach has to offer in the fall season!
(Posted: 9/8/15)