Are you looking for a cycling adventure in the United States? Look no further than South Carolina! This sunny, green, and charming state is home to some of the most bike-friendly communities in the country. Four cities in South Carolina (Greenville, Spartanburg, Columbia, and Charleston) have won the bronze award for providing safe accommodations for biking and encouraging cycling as a means of transportation and recreation. Whether you're a novice or a professional cyclist, you'll find something to love in South Carolina. South Carolina has a little bit of everything cyclists love: long, flat, paved trails for long-distance rides, panoramic mountain routes with great hill climbs, and stunning beach trails for trips along the east coast.
All of these trails are within a few hours or less of each other. If your idea of adventure includes biking on mountainous single-track trails, you'll find what you're looking for all over South Carolina. At Columbia, the University of South Carolina earned the right to brag about biking when it joined a group of elite campuses across the country to rank as a bicycle-friendly university. The Chattooga River is another great spot for outdoor fun in South Carolina.
Protected from development as a “wild and picturesque river”, this river is perfect for whitewater rafting. On a section of this South Carolina river, along the border with Georgia, you can practice class IV and V whitewater rafting.
Explore Bike-Friendly Estuaries in South Carolina
If you're looking for an even more unique cycling experience in South Carolina, consider exploring one of its many bike-friendly estuaries. Estuaries are bodies of water where freshwater from rivers and streams meets saltwater from the ocean.These areas are incredibly diverse ecosystems that are home to many different species of plants and animals. They also provide some of the most beautiful views in South Carolina. Exploring an estuary by bike is an amazing way to experience nature up close. You can take your time to observe wildlife and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.
Plus, biking is a great way to get around without disturbing the environment. Many estuaries in South Carolina have bike paths that make it easy to explore without worrying about getting lost. One of the most popular bike-friendly estuaries in South Carolina is located at Hunting Island State Park. This park is home to miles of trails that wind through marshes and forests.
You can also take a break from biking to explore the beach or take a dip in the ocean. Other popular bike-friendly estuaries include Edisto Beach State Park, Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve & Wildlife Management Area, and ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge.
Tips for Exploring Bike-Friendly Estuaries
Before you set out on your cycling adventure in South Carolina's estuaries, there are a few things you should keep in mind:- Bring plenty of water: Estuaries can be hot and humid during summer months, so make sure you bring plenty of water with you.
- Wear sunscreen: The sun can be intense when biking through an estuary, so make sure you wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
- Be aware of wildlife: Estuaries are home to many different species of plants and animals, so be aware of your surroundings and respect wildlife.
- Bring a map: Many estuaries have bike paths that make it easy to explore without getting lost, but it's still a good idea to bring a map just in case.
