When you’re looking for a summer hike in Manning, South Carolina, you’ll love having multiple trails to choose from. Whether you just want to hike along a beautiful trail or learn about history along the way, you have so many choices of where to go.
Florence Rail Trail
When you’re looking for somewhere to go hiking near the town, check out the Florence Rail Trail. The South Carolina Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness recognized the committee for this trail by giving them a community award in 2003 to acknowledge the work they did on this beautiful tree-lined trail. The 2-mile trail goes from McLeod Health & Fitness Center and the Ebenezer Park neighborhood. It’s common to see runners, cyclists, walkers, and inline skaters here each day as they practice their daily exercise routine.
Those who like nature will also like this trail, as there is a variety of bird species, sweet gums, grape vines, pines, and honeysuckle on the route. There is also a wooded nature walk at the end of the trail by the fitness center which consists of boardwalks and packed dirt trails that go over little streams before going back on the regular trail. The wide, paved corridor allows plenty of people on the trail at the same time.
Old Santee Canal State Park
The Santee Canal was originally built in 1793, not long after the American Revolution. By 1800, it was an active shipping corridor by 1800 for the area’s crops and commerce. While a majority of the canal is now under Lake Moultrie, Old Santee Canal State Park is located where the most southern part of the canal entered Biggin Creek. The park has a variety of terrain here including wetlands, swamps, and high bluffs. As you hike along the trail, you’ll pass Biggin Creek and Cooper River.
While you’re at the park, take the time to go on a tour of the old 1843 plantation house. You can also see the Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center to see more about the history of the area. The park is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sumter Cypress Trail
The Sumter Cypress Trail is a beautiful, quiet park, perfect for taking a walk to help you collect your thoughts or go on a relaxing hike with someone else. The trail starts near the Sumter’s Dillon Park golf course and is a mainly flat trail. While it’s not marked, it’s easy to follow as it goes along a grassy path and dirt road through the open fields and woods.
The trail will also guide you by the ponds and a creek at Cypress Park. There are picnic tables and benches available, so be sure to bring a snack or lunch to enjoy after your hike.
Image via Flickr by danoxster under use of CC BY-SA 2.0
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