Last Updated on January 27, 2022 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS
When you picture a trail running destination vacation, I’m pretty certain that Myrtle Beach, South Carolina does not come to mind. No, this low lying, coastal community is definitely not known for trail running. Myrtle Beach is, however, a tourist driven destination vacation for over 14 million people each year. Therefore we do often receive inquiries from tourists who happen to also love running trails, wondering if they’ll be able to sneak in a few miles while on vacation. Believe it or not, the answer is yes: trail running in Myrtle Beach does exist.

While you won’t be able to log any gnarly vertical gain or take selfies from beautiful sweeping mountain vistas while on vacation here in Myrtle Beach, you can absolutely enjoy dozens of miles on some beautiful, unique trails.
The following trails are all located within the Grand Strand regional area, approximately 20 miles or less from Myrtle Beach. All are open to the public (though some fees do apply in some cases). I’m thrilled to say that mountain biking and trail running in Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas has been growing by leaps and bounds over the last few years. The city/county has taken note, and as such, trail opportunities have grown as well. Therefore, this post will be continuously updated as new public trails are built.

Horry County Bike & Run Park (a.k.a. “The Hulk”)
Located on the Intracoastal waterway, just a few miles from downtown Myrtle Beach, is a hidden gem and local favorite trail system. “The Hulk”, as it is known to locals, includes 7+ miles of winding, moderately technical, single track trails, and is the hub for trail running in Myrtle Beach. The trails wind through forests, open fields, and past the Intracoastal waterway providing gorgeous views that will make you forget you’re at the beach.

Trail Use:
The trail is prominently designed as a mountain bike trail, with a number of “runner only” sections. Be aware that running and cycling traffic go in opposite directions, and there are a number of blind corners. Runners will follow the brown “run” signs, while cyclists will follow the blue “bike” signs.
Stay alert: keep your head up to avoid any collisions and make sure you don’t get lost on the many trail intersections!

Facilities:
A large parking lot is available at the HCBRP, as well as a few picnic tables under a shelter. There is a single port-a-potty available, however, there are no water fountains or access to running water.
Know Before You Go:
The Horry County Bike & Run Park is occasionally closed due to inclement weather or standing water on the trails. For the most recent trail status updates, visit: Myrtle Beach Area Mountain Biking Association .

Fees:
None.
Hours:
Sunrise to Sunset
Address:
Frontage Rd B-2, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Myrtle Beach State Park
Just a few miles South of Ocean Boulevard, in the heart of Myrtle Beach, you’ll find Myrtle Beach State Park. This 312 acre park boasts both ocean and forest views, with a large campground and daily access beach / picnic space. While not the best place to find trail running in Myrtle Beach, people often ask about this State Park (understandably, state parks and trails are often synonymous), so I thought it was important to put this high on the list.

The trail system at Myrtle Beach State Park is very small, but none the less, very beautiful. Piecing the Yaupon and Sculpted Oak trails together will only give you a mile. But, turning them both into out-and-backs, and adding in some ocean front running will up your total mileage for a gorgeous, shorter distance run.
Trail Use:
The trails at MBSP are open to runners, walkers/hikers, and cyclists, and for the most part are wide enough for two way traffic. Some of the sections of trails are covered in roots, but overall, the difficulty of these trails are low, making this a very beginner friendly run.
Facilities:
As this is a state park, you will have access to multiple parking lots and rest rooms. There are also two small shops on premises (one at the fishing pier and one at the campground) if you want to purchase a snack or drink.

Know Before You Go:
Likely due to the coastal and swampy environment, there are often a lot of bugs on this trail. Bring your bug spray!
Fees:
South Carolina State Park fees apply ($5 per adult/$3 per child/ $3.25 per senior). This park is included in the statewide Palmetto Passport or Park Passport Plus program.
Hours:
Daily 6am-10pm, March-Nov.; Daily 6am-8pm, Dec.-Feb.
Address:
4401 South Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
Lewis Ocean Bays Heritage Preserve
While not technically a “trail”, Lewis Ocean Bays Heritage preserve provides endless miles (I’ve heard you can piece together at least 40) of quiet, barely traveled dirt, sand, and gravel roads. This 10,427 acre wildlife management area is maintained by the South Carolina department of natural resources, and is one of the few places in the area where you can actually see Venus fly traps and pitcher plants in the wild. In addition to the carnivorous plants, Lewis Ocean Bays is home to a thriving black bear population.
Trail Use:
While on the preserve, you may encounter fellow runners, walkers, cyclists, horseback riders, hunters (see note below) and the occasional vehicle.

Facilities:
There are zero restroom facilities, and no running water, so plan accordingly.
Know Before You Go:
Lewis Ocean Bays Heritage Preserve is an active hunting preserve. During hunting season, all visitors are required to wear blaze orange hats or vests, per SCDNR. Further, prescribed burning occurs in the preserve throughout the year. To see if it is currently hunting season, or if burning is taking place during your visit, contact SCDNR.

Fees:
None.
Hours:
Sunrise to Sunset
Address:
Frontage Rd B-2, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Huntington Beach State Park
About 20 miles south of the center of Myrtle Beach you’ll find another ocean front State Park: Huntington Beach. This 2,500 acre park features multiple different environments, from the ocean, to salt water marshes, to a fresh water lake, all full of amazing wildlife. While the trail system here isn’t very extensive, you’ll want to connect them all together by way of the paved paths and roads, simply for the wildlife viewing experiences alone. From alligators to dolphins to over 300 species of birds, HBSP is absolutely breathtaking.

Trail Use:
Huntington Beach State Park There are two official trails at Huntington Beach State Park: the 2 mile Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail and the 0.3 mile Kerrigan Nature Trail. Unofficially, there is another trail at the end of the South Campground, that will take you approximately another quarter mile, ending up on the beach. Please note: while proper trail etiquette is to remain on the trail at all times, this is extra imperative when it comes to protecting sand dunes. Do not cut across the dunes, except for on pre-established paths.

Be sure to also run up and down either side of the freshwater lake causeways, here you will see a plethora of birds and even alligators.
Facilities:
As this is a state park, you will have access to multiple parking lots and rest rooms. There is a gift shop on premises if you want to purchase a snack or drink.
Know Before You Go:
If you want to piece together a longer run, bring your road or all terrain shoes: the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway portion of the East Coast Greenway passes through the front of Huntington Beach State Park. While paved, this section of the Greenway is hidden in the woods, and is worth the views .

Fees:
South Carolina State Park fees apply ($5 per adult/$3 per child/ $3.25 per senior). This park is included in the statewide Palmetto Passport or Park Passport Plus program.
Hours:
6 a.m. – 6 p.m., daily (extended to 10 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time)
Address:
16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex
The North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex is a massive sporting event destination located just off of Highway 31 in North Myrtle Beach. Among the endless baseball/soccer lacrosse fields, amphitheater, dog park, and playgrounds are a handful of beginner friendly trails. Piecing the three main trails together will yield just over 3 miles, however, running the roads between them will certainly add in more mileage.
Trail Use:
The trails at the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex are wide and flat, providing an optimal experience for beginners. The surfaces vary from sand, to gravel, to pine straw covered trail, and are for the most part, very wide. Because this sports complex is so large and open to the public, you will likely encounter many walkers, cyclists, young children, and dogs on this trail.

Facilities:
There are numerous restrooms, water fountains, and concession stands available at the sports complex. There is also no shortage of parking (click here for a full map)
Know Before You Go:
Make a day out of your adventure: the North Myrtle Beach sports complex also includes Shark Wake Park, a wakeboarding and inflatable water park, as well as the Go Ape ziplining/tree top ropes course. Both have separate fees and their own business hours (click links for more info).

Fees:
None (for trail use)
Hours:
6:30 am – 9:00 pm
Address:
150 Citizens Circle, Little River, SC 29566
Vereen Gardens
Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens consists of 115 acres of coastal forest, tidal marsh, and intracoastal waterfront. The park includes two dirt walking/running trails that meet up near the waterfront, and are connected via a system of numerous wooden bridges and walkways. Along the route are numerous educational stops with plaques describing things such as the history of the area, the vegetation, and wildlife.

Trail Use:
The trails at Vereen Gardens are relatively short, totaling just over 2 miles of trails and boardwalks. However, the trails do meet up to create one loop, and the views are gorgeous enough that you’ll want to run it more than once.
Facilities:
There are port-a-potties available in the lower parking lot, or full restrooms available in the CB Berry Recreation center located in the upper parking lot

Read More:
Click HERE for a more in depth review of Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens.
Fees:
None
Hours:
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, daily.
Address:
2250 Hwy 179, Little River 29566
Cox Ferry Lake Recreational Trail
The Waccamaw National Refuge consists of 30,000 acres that include large sections of tidal emergent wetlands, forested wetlands and upland forests associated with the Waccamaw and Pee Dee Rivers. The Cox Ferry Lake recreational area offers nearly 5 miles of trails over a variety of terrain on the Conway, SC edge of the refuge.

Trail Use:
The trails at Cox Ferry Lake recreational area are open to runners, walkers, and mountain bikers. The trail consists of non technical, wider dirt trails as well as some boardwalk/bridge sections.
Facilities:
There are picnic tables at the lower parking lot (near the fishing pier) and two parking lots, both near trail heads. There are no restroom facilities and no running water.

Know Before You Go:
Part of the boardwalk on the blue trail sustained damage due to flooding in October of 2015. As of June 2019, it still isn’t repaired. This section is technically impassable (as it’s over swamp), so you will have to do an out and back, or work your way around the other trails to reach the waterfront.
Fees:
None

Hours:
Sunrise to sunset.
Address:
Gray Lake Blvd, Conway, SC 29526
Waccamaw River Park
Waccamaw River Park is a 237 park located on the Waccamaw River just minutes from downtown Conway, SC. It is a relatively new park, built in 2017, with over 4 miles of running, hiking, and mountain biking trails.
Unfortunately, during Hurricane Matthew in 2018 and the subsequent, devastating flooding to the city of Conway, SC, the park was damaged. As of June 2019, the park remains closed.
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Have a trail running in Myrtle Beach location I missed? Or how about a Grand Strand area trail running experience (good or bad) that you’d like to share? Leave me a comment or send me an email! Happy Trails!

Heather Hart is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), UESCA certified Ultrarunning Coach, RRCA certified Running Coach, co-founder of Hart Strength and Endurance Coaching, and creator of this site, Relentless Forward Commotion. She is a mom of two teen boys, and has been running and racing distances of 5K to 100+ miles for over a decade. Heather has been writing and encouraging others to find a love for fitness and movement since 2009.
Organic Runner Mom
Myrtle Beach looks like it has a ton of amazing places to run!
Amy
Those look like amazing trails. I don’t consider myself a trail runner but I would love those beach runs. For sure. Thank you for sharing!