Lace Up: A Trail Guide
to the Olde English District
There’s a particular kind of quiet you find on a Piedmont trail. Sunlight filters through the hardwoods, a creek runs somewhere off to the side, and gravel crunches underfoot.
Across South Carolina’s Olde English District, trails follow winding rivers, cross historic railroad trestles, wind through longleaf pine forests, and connect small towns with landscapes that feel surprisingly wild.
Some are made for an easy afternoon walk. Others are worth pulling on your hiking shoes for. Whether you’re chasing wildflowers, river views, local history, or simply an excuse to get outside, these are a few trails worth building your day around.
For the Wild Side of the OED
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge
Forget the usual park trail. At Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, longleaf pines stretch toward the sky, quiet lakes break up the landscape, and wetlands are home to some pretty unexpected plants.
The refuge offers several trails, each with something different to discover. Woodland Pond Trail winds through wetlands and pine habitat, while Doe Hill Trail takes you through canebrakes, longleaf forests, bogs, and rocky outcroppings.
Keep your eyes open along the way. Birds, wildflowers, and rare plants make this one of the most distinctive places to explore in the district. And if you’ve never seen a carnivorous plant in the wild, make your way to the Pitcher Plant Overlook. It’s worth the detour.
2,100 Acres to Wander
Sometimes you want a quick walk. Other times, you want to spend the whole afternoon outside. At Anne Springs Close Greenway, there’s room for both.
Just outside Fort Mill, more than 2,100 protected acres of woodlands, open meadows, and lakes offer plenty of ways to explore. Follow a wooded path, take on a longer hike, or bring your bike and make a day of it.
With miles of well-marked trails to choose from, you can take a familiar route or discover something new each time you visit. Biking, horseback riding, and picnic spots are all part of the Greenway, too, so leave yourself a little extra time to explore.
For a Bridge Worth the Trip
You don’t have to walk the entire passage to see why this stretch of the Palmetto Trail is worth the stop.
Starting at the Alston Trailhead in Fairfield County, the route quickly reaches one of its biggest highlights: a former railroad trestle stretching more than 1,000 feet across the Broad River. Walk out onto the bridge, take in the views, and watch the river move beneath you.
Beyond the bridge, the former rail corridor continues through wooded stretches and across smaller trestles. Keep going if you’re up for a longer adventure, or turn around after the bridge for a shorter outing with a pretty spectacular payoff. Big scenery without a big climb? We’ll take it.
Where the Trail Meets the Town
Not every scenic trail has to disappear deep into the woods. Camden’s Chotty Trail brings a little of everything together, connecting the Wateree River area with historic Camden. One stretch takes you through wooded and open spaces, while another brings you closer to the city’s historic sites and local stops.
It’s a great excuse to turn an afternoon walk into a full day of exploring. Start near the river, enjoy some time on the trail, and head into downtown Camden afterward for coffee, lunch, or a little shopping.
For History Hidden in the Woods
Walt Schrader Trails at Historic Brattonsville
You’ve probably heard of Historic Brattonsville for its historic homes and living history. But there’s another side to this York County destination that’s worth exploring.
The Walt Schrader Trails wind through fields, forests, wetlands, and prairie surrounding the historic site. With six miles of backcountry paths, there’s plenty to explore on foot or by mountain bike. Horseback riding is also permitted on the third Saturday of each month, with certain trails reserved for hiking only.
The nearby Huck’s Defeat Battlefield adds another layer to the story of the land. Make time for Historic Brattonsville while you’re there. The trails are beautiful on their own, but knowing a little more about the history around you makes the experience that much more interesting.
For a Creekside Walk or Ride
Sometimes all you need is a quiet trail and a little time outside. Follow Twelve Mile Creek through the woods at Walnut Creek Park, where the natural-surface trail stays close to the water.
Whether you’re out for a casual walk or bringing your mountain bike, this creekside route offers a scenic escape without committing to a full-day adventure. It’s an easy one to work into your afternoon, especially when you just need a reason to get outside.
For a Small-Town Trail With an Industrial Past
This one proves a trail doesn’t have to be long to leave an impression.
Tucked between the Broad River and historic Lockhart Canal, the Flat Stack Trail takes you through the former Lockhart Mill area, where pieces of the community’s industrial past meet some beautiful river scenery.
It’s a quick stop, but that’s part of the appeal. Stretch your legs, take in the views, and discover a little piece of Lockhart you might otherwise drive right past.
Take the Long Way
A scenic trail doesn’t need a mountaintop at the end.
Sometimes it’s an old railroad trestle stretching across the Broad River. Sometimes it’s a quiet creek, a longleaf pine forest, or the remains of a historic canal beside the Catawba. And sometimes, it’s simply the excuse you needed to explore somewhere new.
So leave a little extra room in your itinerary. Lace up, look around, and take the long way through South Carolina’s Olde English District.
