Walking Trails In and Around Lexington, SC: A Locals Guide

🍂 There’s just something about fall in South Carolina:  cool mornings, golden leaves, and that perfect breeze that makes you want to get outside. 🍂

If you’ve been searching for new weekend ideas close to home, we’ve got you covered! The Midlands is full of beautiful, unique walking trails that let you slow down, stretch your legs, and see more of what makes our communities so special.

From peaceful pond loops in Lexington to waterfront views at Lake Murray and shaded paths in Irmo and Chapin, these local trails are a great way to explore our neighborhoods, and maybe even find your next favorite spot to call home.

Let’s lace up and take a stroll through some of our favorite trails in and around Lexington, SC. Whether you’re walking the dog, getting in your steps, or exploring new neighborhoods around Lexington and the Midlands, these community trails make it easy to move, breathe, and connect with your surroundings.

Grab your sneakers (and maybe a furry friend or two) and check out these local favorites!

Waking, Hiking, and Biking Trails In and Around Lexington, SC

🚶‍♀️ Fourteen Mile Creek Trail
📍 Parking: 1104 N Lake Dr, Lexington, SC 29072
🌿 Description: 10-foot wide paved pathways weave through forest and bridges along Fourteen Mile Creek. Perfect for a quiet morning walk or a family bike ride.
🐾 Pet Policy: Pet friendly (leash required)
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes, partially
🔗 Trail Info: Fourteen Mile Creek Trail

🌾 Old Mill Pond Trail
📍 Parking: 711 E Main St, 717 Main St, and 510 S Lake Dr, Lexington, SC 29072
🌿 Description: A peaceful loop around the pond in the heart of downtown Lexington, with ducks, shaded paths, and benches for a quick rest.
🐾 Pet Policy: Pet friendly (leash required)
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes
🔗 Trail Info: Old Mill Pond Trail

🌳 Gibson Pond Park
📍 Parking: 241 Gibson Pond Rd, Lexington, SC 29072
🌿 Description: Short, easy loops with boardwalks through wetlands and plenty of space for kids to explore. Great for an afternoon stroll.
🐾 Pet Policy: Pet friendly (leash required)
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes, partially
🔗 Trail Info: Gibson Pond Park

☀️ Mungo Park
📍 Parking: 2121 Lake Murray Blvd, Columbia, SC 29212
🌿 Description: Open green space with walking paths and picnic areas — a peaceful place to unwind or get in a few laps close to Irmo.
🐾 Pet Policy: Pet friendly (leash required)
♿ ADA Accessible: No
🔗 Trail Info: Mungo Park

🌅 Lake Murray Dam Pedestrian Walkway
📍 Parking: 2101 N Lake Dr, Columbia, SC 29212 & 1836 N Lake Dr, Lexington, SC 29072
🌿 Description: 1.7 miles across the dam with sweeping views of Lake Murray.  One of the Midlands’ most iconic walks.
🐾 Pet Policy: No pets allowed
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes
🔗 Trail Info: Lake Murray Dam Walkway

🌲 Saluda Shoals Park
📍 Parking: 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
🌿 Description: A beautiful riverside park with miles of paved and natural trails. Enjoy peaceful views of the Saluda River, bridges, and shaded paths. Great for walking, biking, or stroller-friendly strolls.
🐾 Pet Policy: Pet friendly (leash required)
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes, on paved paths
🔗 Trail Info: Saluda Shoals Park

🌳 Dreher Island State Park Trails
📍 Parking: 3677 State Park Rd, Prosperity, SC 29127
🌿 Description: Surrounded by Lake Murray, this park offers several scenic trails ranging from short loops to moderate hikes with lake views and wildlife sightings. Perfect for a Saturday outing or family picnic.
🐾 Pet Policy: Pet friendly (leash required)
♿ ADA Accessible: Partially accessible on main loop areas
🔗 Trail Info: Dreher Island State Park

🌅 Harbison State Forest Trails
📍 Parking: 5600 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
🌿 Description: Over 20 miles of well-marked trails just minutes from Irmo! Choose from easy loops to moderate hikes through pine forest, creeks, and riverside paths.
🐾 Pet Policy: Pet friendly (leash required)
♿ ADA Accessible: Main loop partially accessible
🔗 Trail Info: Harbison State Forest

🌻 Crooked Creek Park Trail
📍 Parking: 1098 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin, SC 29036
🌿 Description: A local gem in Chapin featuring a short paved walking trail, open fields, sports areas, and playgrounds — a great option for families and light walkers.
🐾 Pet Policy: Pet friendly (leash required)
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes
🔗 Trail Info: Crooked Creek Park

🦋 Sesquicentennial State Park Trails
📍 Parking: 9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
🌿 Description: Known as “Sesqui” to locals, this park offers multiple trails around the lake and through longleaf pines. Ideal for peaceful weekend walks or easy hikes.
🐾 Pet Policy: Pet friendly (leash required)
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes, on main paved loop
🔗 Trail Info: Sesquicentennial State Park

🌊 Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park
📍 Parking: 312 Laurel St, Columbia, SC 29201
🌿 Description: One of the most scenic and historic walking spots in the Midlands! This paved trail runs along the Congaree River and Columbia Canal, offering stunning views of downtown, the old waterworks, and peaceful wooded stretches. Ideal for both leisurely walks and morning jogs, it’s a local favorite for enjoying nature right in the heart of Columbia.
🐾 Pet Policy: Pet friendly (leash required)
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes — wide, paved, and stroller-friendly
🔗 Trail Info: Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park

🌿 Timmerman Trail
📍 Parking: 500 Alexander Rd, Cayce, SC 29033
🌿 Description: Winding through the woods along the Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve, Timmerman Trail offers a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown Columbia and Lexington. This paved, shaded path features scenic boardwalks, creek crossings, and occasional wildlife sightings — perfect for walkers, joggers, and nature lovers alike.
🐾 Pet Policy: Pet friendly (leash required)
♿ ADA Accessible: Yes — fully paved and mostly flat
🔗 Trail Info: Timmerman Trail

🪨 Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve
📍 Parking: 883 Peachtree Rock Rd, Lexington, SC 29073
🌿 Description: A true Midlands treasure! Peachtree Rock Preserve offers a peaceful network of trails winding through sandstone formations, a seasonal waterfall, and forested areas rich with wildflowers. The preserve is named for its signature “Peachtree Rock” — a fascinating inverted pyramid-shaped sandstone formation that makes this spot one of the most unique natural areas in Lexington County. It’s a great place for families, photographers, and anyone who loves exploring South Carolina’s hidden gems.
🐾 Pet Policy: Pet friendly (leash required)
♿ ADA Accessible: Not ADA accessible — natural dirt and sand paths with uneven terrain
🔗 Trail Info: Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve

💬 Why We Love These Trails

Beyond the fresh air and Carolina sunshine, these trails help locals explore nearby neighborhoods and community spaces, whether it’s discovering a new area of Lexington, wandering through Columbia’s greenways, or taking a peaceful morning walk in Chapin or Irmo.

They’re a reminder that the Midlands isn’t just a place to live.  It’s a place to thrive, surrounded by trails, water, and welcoming communities.