The best walks and hikes around Salem

Embark on an easy hike along the Oconee Bell Nature Trail, a serene 1.1-mile (1.8 km) loop that takes you through a peaceful hardwood forest. You will experience a gentle ascent, gaining only 69 feet (21 metres) in elevation, making it perfect for a quick outing. The estimated duration for this easy route is just 28 minutes, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without a long commitment. As you follow the path, you will discover small cascades and even a couple of picturesque waterfalls, adding to the tranquil scenery. Keep an eye out for the rare Oconee Bell wildflowers, especially near the lively creek, which are a true highlight of this short journey.

This trail is located within Devils Fork State Park in Salem, South Carolina, offering convenient access for visitors. Parking is generally available directly at the trailhead inside the park, making your arrival straightforward. The best time to visit is typically from mid-March to early April, when the park hosts its annual Oconee Bell Fest and guided nature walks. Planning your visit during this period will allow you to witness the wildflowers in full bloom and participate in special events.

The Oconee Bell Nature Trail is particularly notable for its namesake, the rare Oconee Bell wildflower, which blooms in delicate white and yellow hues. This unique plant thrives in the trail's hardwood forest environment, characterized by oak and hickory trees that provide ample shade. Beyond the wildflowers, you will also encounter a small pond where you can observe various forms of pond life, adding another layer of natural interest to your hike. The trail offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with a distinctive local ecosystem.

Embark on the Eastatoe Passage of the Palmetto Trail, a challenging hike spanning 16.1 miles (25.9 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2390 feet (729 metres). You can expect to spend around 7 hours and 35 minutes navigating this difficult route. As you hike, you will follow the pleasant sounds of Eastatoe Creek and cross a unique boardwalk over a small feeder creek waterfall. The trail offers diverse scenery, from lush hardwoods to vibrant wildflowers, especially beautiful in spring and fall.

To access the Eastatoe Passage, you will often use the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. Parking is available at the Dug Mountain Fishing Access. Remember that this trail is exclusively for hiking; you cannot use motor vehicles, bicycles, or horses here. Primitive camping is permitted in sections managed by SCDNR or USFS, but not within state park areas, so plan your overnight stays carefully.

This route is a highlight within the scenic Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area. A memorable feature of the Eastatoe Passage are the two "Zeke suspension bridges," which provide an impressive and bouncy crossing high above the creek. These bridges blend seamlessly with the natural environment, offering a unique experience as you traverse the surrounding mountain gorges.

The Lee Falls Trail offers a captivating journey through Sumter National Forest to one of Upstate South Carolina's most beautiful waterfalls. You'll start in open wildlife clearings before diving into a lush forest of hemlocks and rhododendrons, following Tamassee Creek and crossing it several times. The path becomes increasingly rugged and steep as you approach the 75 to 80-foot Lee Falls, which can present as a magnificent double waterfall after good rain, surrounded by dense, verdant greenery that gives it a

Embark on the Palmetto Trail: Oconee Passage, an easy hiking route that guides you through a peaceful hardwood forest. You will cover 3.7 miles (6.0 km) and gain 826 feet (252 metres) in elevation, typically taking about 1 hour and 46 minutes to complete. The path offers picturesque views of the South Carolina Upstate mountains, particularly when the trees are bare. A highlight of your journey is Station Cove Falls, a majestic 60-foot tiered cascade, accessible via a short spur trail. Here, you can also discover a vibrant array of wildflowers.

The trail conveniently begins or ends at Oconee Station State Historic Site, where ample parking is available for your vehicle. While the Palmetto Trail: Oconee Passage is generally considered easy, be prepared for some sections that might feel more strenuous. You could encounter roots, rocks, and rough ground, particularly if you face the challenging 1,000-foot climb or descent, depending on your chosen direction. Planning your start time to avoid the hottest part of the day is always a good idea, especially during warmer months.

This passage of the Palmetto Trail winds through a rich hardwood forest, sometimes lined with switch cane, offering a serene outdoor experience. The area is known for its diverse flora, especially around Station Cove Falls, where an amazing array of wildflowers thrives. This trail provides a straightforward way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Oconee State Park and its surrounding Upstate mountains.

Discover the Oconee Station Nature Trail, an easy hike that guides you through a lush Appalachian cove forest. This gentle route spans 1.1 miles (1.7 km) with a modest elevation gain of 64 feet (19 metres), making it perfect for a quick outing. You can expect to complete the trail in about 27 minutes, passing tranquil beaver ponds and an alder swamp on your way to the impressive 60-foot, stepped Station Cove Falls.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is located within the Oconee Station State Historic Site. You will find parking readily available at the site, and the trail welcomes both families and leashed dogs. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for accessing this trail, allowing for spontaneous exploration.

Beyond the natural beauty, the Oconee Station Nature Trail offers a glimpse into the region's past. The historic site itself features significant structures like a stone blockhouse and the William Richards House, providing a cultural layer to your outdoor adventure. In spring, the forest floor comes alive with a vibrant display of wildflowers, including trillium and pink lady's slipper orchids, adding a unique seasonal charm to your hike.