The best walks and hikes around North Myrtle Beach

There are over 15 hiking routes around North Myrtle Beach, offering a diverse range of experiences. Most of these, about two-thirds, are considered easy, while the remaining routes are moderate in difficulty.

Hiking in North Myrtle Beach offers a rich variety of coastal ecosystems. You can explore salt marshes with elevated boardwalks, maritime forests with ancient live oaks, and unique relic dunes. Additionally, trails wind through bottomland hardwood habitats with flooded cypress trees and along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, providing diverse natural scenery.

Yes, many trails are suitable for families. For an easy walk with scenic views, consider the Vereen Memorial Gardens loop, which features winding paths and boardwalks through forests and marshland. Another great option is the Futch Beach to Heritage Shores Nature Preserve loop, offering elevated boardwalks perfect for birdwatching.

The cooler months from October to April are generally ideal for hiking in North Myrtle Beach due to milder temperatures and lower humidity. While year-round options are available, summer hikes are best undertaken in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat.

Yes, several routes offer a circular experience. The Vereen Memorial Gardens loop is a popular 2-mile circular trail. For a longer option, the NMB Nature Trail and Cypress Lake loop offers a 4.7-mile circular path through the Peter Horry Wildlife Preserve.

While hiking, you can explore several points of interest. Near the Vereen Memorial Gardens, you'll find the Vereen Memorial Pier. For coastal views, Windy Hill Beach and Atlantic Beach are accessible from some routes. The Apache Pier is also a notable landmark in the wider area.

North Myrtle Beach is excellent for wildlife spotting. The Heritage Shores Nature Preserve, accessible via the Futch Beach to Heritage Shores Nature Preserve loop, is known for coastal birds like egrets, herons, and ospreys. Myrtle Beach State Park's Sculptured Oak and Yaupon Trails wind through maritime forests, offering opportunities to spot birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

While most trails are easy to moderate, for those seeking a more challenging experience, the Horry County Bike and Run Park, known as 'The Hulk,' offers a seven-mile trail with elevation changes through lush woods. This trail is popular with advanced hikers and mountain bikers.

The hiking routes in North Myrtle Beach are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse natural beauty, from serene marsh boardwalks to shaded maritime forests, and the accessibility of trails for various skill levels.

Yes, the Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens, which includes the Vereen Memorial Gardens loop, features approximately three miles of nature trails and boardwalks that meander through forests and marshland along the Intracoastal Waterway, providing scenic views.

Absolutely. The region is home to unique 'relic dunes,' such as those found at Ingram Dunes Natural Area, which are among the highest along the Carolina coast and offer a glimpse into the area's ancient geological past. You can also explore rare Carolina Bays and bottomland hardwood habitats with flooded cypress trees in areas like the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge.