Lace Up Your Boots: Celebrating National Trails Day at Huntington Beach State Park

Happy National Trails Day! Established by the American Hiking Society, the first Saturday in June is our collective reminder to advocate for, give back to, and explore the incredible networks of trails that connect us to nature.

While South Carolina's Upstate gets a lot of love for its rugged mountain climbs, you don't have to head to the Blue Ridge to find a world-class hiking experience. Right here on the coast, Huntington Beach State Park offers 2,500 acres of absolute Lowcountry magic. With flat, accessible terrain and a striking variety of ecosystems, it’s the perfect place to celebrate today.

The Best Coastal Trails to Explore Today

Unlike typical mountain hikes where the views only change when you reach the summit, coastal hiking offers a shifting landscape with every mile. At Huntington Beach State Park, you can wander through maritime forests, cross expansive salt marshes, and walk right onto a pristine sandy beach.

Here are a few favorite paths to check out:

• The Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail: A favorite for those who love coastal wildlife. This trail takes you through a dense maritime forest filled with live oaks and wax myrtles, running alongside a saltwater lagoon. It eventually leads you right out to the dunes and the Atlantic Ocean.

• The Kerrigan Nature Trail: Short but incredibly sweet. This easy 0.2-mile walk leads to an elevated observation deck over the brackish waters of Mullet Pond. It’s an absolute hotspot for spotting local wildlife, including wading shorebirds and the park's famous alligators.

• Causeway & Jetty Trail: If you're looking for a longer trek, combining the causeway paths and the Huntington Beach Jetty Trail offers miles of flat, scenic hiking. Walking the jetty rewards you with refreshing ocean breezes and panoramic views of the coastline.

Wildlife Watching Like Nowhere Else

One of the greatest perks of hiking here is the sheer abundance of wildlife. Huntington Beach State Park is widely considered one of the premier birding destinations in the Southeast. Depending on the trail you choose, your hiking companions might include:

• Painted Buntings darting through the maritime forest.

• Alligators sunning themselves along the freshwater and brackish impoundments.

• Loggerhead Sea Turtles (if you're scanning the surf from the beach or jetty).

• Herons, Egrets, and Ospreys hunting in the salt marshes.

How to Be a Trail Steward Today

National Trails Day isn't just about enjoying the views—it's also about keeping these spaces beautiful. If you head out to Huntington Beach State Park today, consider taking the National Trails Day Pledge with a few simple actions:

Pack it out, pick it up: Grab a small trash bag before you head out. If you see any stray litter along the dunes or boardwalks, pick it up. Leave the park even better than you found it.Stay on the designated paths: Coastal ecosystems, especially the sea oats and sand dunes, are incredibly fragile. Sticking to the official trails protects vital habitats from erosion.

Whether you are looking for a breezy morning stroll or a multi-mile trek past historic landmarks like Atalaya Castle, our coastal trails have something for everyone.

So, grab your sunscreen, pack plenty of water, and we'll see you out on the trails!

Have you hiked Huntington Beach State Park before? What’s your favorite coastal trail? Let us know in the comments below!