The beach is naturally the first thing visitors think of when they think of an ‘outdoor adventure’ in North Myrtle Beach, but we can attest that there’s so much more to see and do along our little stretch of paradise.
Outdoor enthusiasts are sure to love the wide-open spaces that provide great spots for picnics, outdoor games like cornhole or ladder ball, and hiking and biking.
Biking, in particular, is a popular beach past time, and it’s easy to spot nostalgia-inducing local bike rental shops along the beach boardwalks and Ocean Boulevard.
If you’re looking for a few great spots to hit the trails during your beach getaway, we’ve got you covered. North Myrtle Beach is home to three unique bike trails, with several others located immediately south in the city of Myrtle Beach.
Whether you are looking to rent a few bikes while you’re in town or if you plan to pack your own, check out these fantastic North Myrtle Beach biking trails!
North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex
Address: 150 Citizens Cir, Little River, SC 29566
Phone: (843) 281-3800
Website: https://nmbpark.com/
The North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex is your one-stop-shop for outdoor family fun and entertainment. The expansive facility features a 25-acre lake, 10-acre meadow perfect for sports and games, six baseball fields, eight batting tunnels, an ADA-accessible playground, a public amphitheater, two dog parks, covered picnic areas, and acres of walking and biking trails.
From a trail perspective, there are 3.5 miles of both paved and natural trails to explore, including a scenic loop around the lake. The trails are considered easy and are very family-friendly!
Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens
Address: 2250 SC-179, Little River, SC 29566
Phone: (843) 249-4157
Website: https://www.horrycounty.org/Departments/ParksAndRecreation/Recreation
Located just south of the North Carolina state line, Vereen Memorial Historic Gardens is a scenic retreat for a secluded bike ride. The tract features 114 acres of woodlands and saltwater marshes that create an outdoor oasis with plenty of other amenities, including a full park, public picnic areas, dog-friendly walking trails, a waterfront boardwalk for fishing and exploration, and much more.
For bikers, the park offers 3 miles of natural/unpaved trails. The trails are considered ‘easy’, but beware of potential seasonal erosion. And yes, the trails do take you right to the Intracoastal Waterway!
East Coast Greenway
Website: https://www.greenway.org/states/south-carolina
The East Coast Greenway represents the nation’s longest continuous hiking and biking trail system. The greenway connects communities all the way from Maine to Florida, with plenty of scenic stops along the way!
Though you likely won’t travel the full length, the Greenway offers more than 250 miles along coastal South Carolina passing through North Myrtle Beach and winding all the way south through Charleston and Beaufort. And, Myrtle Beach was the first city on the route to fully complete its segment of the Greenway! How cool is that?!
For North Myrtle Beach specifically, the ‘Barefoot Resort’ segment is a popular 3.3-mile stretch that takes riders by the beautiful Barefoot Landing region. Other popular nearby segments include the Grissom Parkway Trail (6.4 total miles) and Waccamaw Neck Bikeway (5.95 total miles).
Biking Trails Near North Myrtle Beach
If you’re looking to explore more of the Grand Strand, check out some of these great biking trails right outside of the North Myrtle Beach area.
The Market Common
If you’re seeking an energetic and entertaining bike trail, look no further than The Market Common. Located just 20-25 minutes south of North Myrtle Beach, The Market Common features wide-open paved bike paths and plenty to do and see!
Home to an impressive array of restaurants, shops, and attractions, the main Market Common area looks more like an outdoor shopping mall. The bustling sidewalks might be hard to maneuver in the summer, but don’t let that scare you away from taking a break to grab a snack or take in the scenery.
Outside of the main mall area, the Market Common area encompasses several public parks, including the popular Savannah’s Playground, lively ponds, and residential pockets that connect both ends of Highway 17 for a scenic and easy beach ride.
The Horry County Bike and Run Park
“The Hulk” as it’s affectionately called by locals is an ever-evolving man-made mountain bike park that opened in 2012. Located right off River Oaks Drive (convenient to Highway 31 and Carolina Forest), the bike park is true to its nickname with gnarly hills and obstacles to get your heart pumping. There are definitely easier routes, but this particular park is ideal for thrill-seekers or bikers looking for a workout.
The trails combine for a solid 7 miles of work, though it’s easy to cut paths and create a shorter route or double back and make a longer run. The Hulk is ever-changing, so you’re in for a new and exciting experience with every trip!
Please note: The Hulk is best suited for mountain biking and not casual cruises.
Huntington Beach State Park
Address: 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Phone: (843) 237-4440
Website: https://southcarolinaparks.com/huntington-beach
A hidden gem along the south end of the Grand Strand, Huntington Beach State Park is a serene slice of heaven. The oceanfront park is located between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island, which is a good 45-minute drive south from North Myrtle—but the trek is well worth the effort, we promise!
The rich wildlife alone makes this state park special. Hikers and bikers can expect to encounter everything from herons, egrets, and other marsh birds to sea turtles, fiddler crabs, flounder, and more. There are three bicycling and walking ‘trails’ within the park: Boardwalk Trail (0.1 miles), Kerrigan Nature Trail (0.3 miles), and Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail (3.0 miles). Each trail is easy and suitable for visitors of all ages and pet-friendly if you want to bring Fido along for the ride.
The park is open from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily with extended hours during the summer; there is a small fee to enter—$8 for adults, $4 for youths, free for children 5 and under.
From North Myrtle Beach to Georgetown—there are endless opportunities to ‘Bike the Neck’ along the Grand Strand. Stay close to home or venture south to explore all that our rich destination has to offer!
Be sure to check out our official North Myrtle Beach blog for more vacation tips, intel on the hottest spots for locals, exclusive vacation deals, and much more!