Best Walking and Jogging Paths in Myrtle Beach: Myrtle Beach, SC Walking and Hiking Trails Guide

Outdoor adventures are always waiting to happen in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Throughout the Myrtle Beach region, visitors and local residents have easy access to some of the best walking and jogging trails. These include nature paths, paved walkways, and scenic trails through county and state parks, located steps from the magnificent South Carolina beaches.

When visitors and residents are looking for trails to explore in Myrtle Beach, they shouldn’t miss out on any, especially:

• Horry County Bike and Run Park
• Huntington Beach State Park
• North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex
• The Market Commons Trail
• Myrtle Beach State Park

Horry County Bike and Run Park

Address: Horry County Bike and Run Park, 150 Frontage Rd B-2, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

Tucked between the Carolina Bays Parkway and the Intracoastal Waterway, the Horry County Bike and Run Park offers seven miles of mountain biking and running trails. Also known as “The Hulk”, the Horry County Bike and Run Park has a total descent of 952 feet, a vertical of 83 feet, and its highest trailhead stands at 90 feet. South Carolina Trails, a division of the South Carolina Department of Parks, rates these biking and hiking trails in a range of easy to difficult.

The trail surfaces include both boardwalk and natural materials, with some trail portions featuring rougher areas. All trails are maintained by the Cape Fear Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association and wind through about 72 acres of woods and natural areas with scenic views.

The Horry County Bike and Run Park is open daily from dawn to dusk and can be accessed off the Robert M. Grissom Parkway and the Frontage Road. Additional access is off Boat Landing Road, where parking is available. There is no fee to bike or hike these trails. Dogs may join their humans on the trail, but must be on a leash at all times.

Huntington Beach State Park

Address: Huntington Beach State Park, 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

People can travel about 19 miles south of central Myrtle Beach to discover the beauty that is the Huntington Beach State Park. Located in Georgetown County, the Huntington Beach State Park can be found off Highway 17 just south of Murrells Inlet. The park spans 2,500 acres and features the following three trails:

• Boardwalk Trail: short, easy walking trail; length is 0.1 miles
• Kerrigan Nature Trail: a bit longer than the Boardwalk Trail, but listed as hiking trail; length is 0.3 miles
• Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail: the longest hiking trail in the park; length is 2 miles

The Kerrigan Nature Trail is a great opportunity for novice hikers to explore the park. The trail extends into the natural salt marsh and freshwater lagoon area, and visitors can see a range of wildlife during their trek, including pelicans, loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, minks, and more. Additionally, there are about 300 species of birds that have been cataloged.

Huntington Beach State Park also has sites for camping and picnic shelters, and it is open for fishing, swimming, boating, bird watching, and geocaching. Park hours are from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily, but may be extended during Daylight Savings Time. While Huntington Beach State Park is dog-friendly, all canine companions must remain on a leash that is no longer than six feet.

North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex

Address: North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, 150 Citizens Cir, Little River, SC 29566

There are three looping trails for walking, jogging, and hiking at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, located in Little River. Visitors have the option take strollers on the park’s trail system as well. The sprawling complex is located near the Eagle Nest Golf Course, the Carolina Bays Parkway, and the Robert Edge Parkway. Access into the park is off Champions Boulevard. The three trails offer nearly four miles of easy walking, scenic views, and benches placed at intervals.

• Meadow Trail is 0.56 miles long and encircles the park’s 10-acre meadow
• Coastal Carolina National Bank Fitness Trail is 1.1 miles long and circles the park’s 25-acre lake
• Carolina Bay Trail: is 0.6 miles long and has an access point next to one of the main parking lots

The North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex has multiple restroom facilities for visitors, covered picnic shelters, and playgrounds for kids of all ages. There are several sports fields and an amphitheater as well. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. The park does have a three-acre, leash-free, fenced dog park, which is split into two separate areas for large and small dogs.

Market Commons Trail

Address: The Market Common, 4017 Deville St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

The Market Commons Trail ambles through the Market Common area located near the Horry Georgetown Technical College and Grand Lake. This paved trail can be found about five miles south of the Second Avenue Pier and the Boardwalk, nestled between the Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) and the Myrtle Beach State Park.

Walkers, joggers, and bike riders can enjoy the trail that runs along the north side of the Horry Georgetown Technical College, along Farrow Parkway, and through recreational areas that include sports fields and the all-inclusive Savannah’s Playground. The trail winds past the Butterfly Monument, Air Force Hill, and is steps from the Market Common shopping area that’s home to unique places to eat, drink, and shop. The trail’s furthest point is Airpark Drive, as the path winds along the residential neighborhood of The Reserve at Market Common. Its southernmost tip is Warbird Park, home to several military aircraft on static display. Parking also is available at Warbird Park.

The Market Commons Trail spans approximately six miles and is considered an easy, out-and-back trail doable by all skill levels. It’s stroller accessible and dog-friendly, but all animals must be on a leash at all times.

Myrtle Beach State Park

Address: Myrtle Beach State Park, 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575

Located five miles south of the SkyWheel near the Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), Myrtle Beach State Park offers a recreational space for local residents and visitors to the region. The Myrtle Beach State Park opened in 1936. Today, it’s a popular destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. The park has two trails, both rated as easy and ideal for novice hikers and trail explorers.

The Sculptured Oak Trail runs 0.5 miles with a path that leads to one of the park’s ponds. The trail winds through one of the camping areas and offers a shaded trek where walkers might see wildlife, such as terns and sea turtles. The Yaupon Trail also runs for 0.5 miles, meandering through the Maritime Heritage Forest and Trust Site. The trail connects to the Sculptured Oak Trail, and at its most southern end point, it intersects with the Boardwalk. At that intersection, there are public restrooms with changing facilities.

Located near the airport, the Myrtle Beach State Park has more than 270 campsites, plus picnic shelters, rental cabins, gift shops, and a fishing pier. The park opens at 6 a.m., and visitors can plan a day of hiking, bird watching, swimming, and more.

Stay Active in Myrtle Beach

It’s easy to stay moving and active in Myrtle Beach. People can choose any of these popular trails and head out for a walk, hike, jog, or bike ride. Walking and jogging trails in Myrtle Beach offer a chance to stroll through scenic residential areas and neighborhood parks, take a few laps around a lake, or spend the day exploring in a state park where it’s easy to see local wildlife and much more.