Trails

Maps
Contacts
Etiquette
Trailer Safety
First-Aid
Horse Trails in
South Carolina

The South Carolina Horse Council is pleased to offer Equestrian Trails of South Carolina Guide. There is no charge for the booklet you can get one from a director or pay shipping. ​Please include your address when requesting a guide. 

There are over 650 miles of publicly accessible horseback riding trails in South Carolina and more private horseback areas than you can count. In other words, this is a fine state for those of us who enjoy trailblazing down equine pathways.

Our trails are diverse not only in their landscape, but also in their management. Federal, state, and private non-profit organizations all  provide equestrian trails; some even include posh stalls and electrical hookups. Others may be available for day-use only. It’s wise to check with the management agencies to determine important issues such as condition of trail or whether some usage fees have changed. Some state forests and parks require riders to have a permit and South Carolina law requires a negative Coggins Test Certificate be present for all horses in state parks and forests.

Horseback riding in South Carolina State Parks is a longtime favorite activity, which is why you’ll find miles of horseback riding trails that are just as hoof-friendly as they are boot-friendly.The natural and geographical features in South Carolina’s parks are so diverse, that horseback riders will be able to traverse a variety of terrain.

Challenging rides can be found along the rocky outcroppings at Kings Mountain, while Lee State Park offers a flatter, swampy trail through the Sandhills region. Many of the parks offer  short and easy routes, but riders seeking longer distances can find more than 20 miles of horse trails at H. Cooper Black, Jr. Memorial Field Trail and Recreation Area and Kings Mountain State Park. Coastal rides can be taken during the winter months at Myrtle Beach and Hunting Island State Park.

There is no shortage of equestrian facilities and amenities, either. Long rows of equestrian stalls, show rings for competitions and equestrian campsites with water and electrical hookups are available at several of the parks. Guests will need to contact the park for rental rates and availability, and must have negative Coggins papers for their horse in order to use the park’s facilities. Equestrian trails and amenities can be found at H. Cooper Black Jr., Kings Mountain, Lee, Poinsett, Cheraw

 
 

Want to Help?
Join the efforts to preserve the heritage of SC equestrian trails.

Each of these groups enhance outdoor recreation, and to help preserve and promote the natural and cultural resources of Trails. It is a vital reminder of the history of South Carolina and as a valuable natural resource for many visitors. Purpose is to improve, preserve and maintain South Carolina equine trails under the guidance and direction of Park Directors.

Some goals are to improve and create various projects, including, camping facilities, and horse trails & equestrian facilities, historical landmarks, signage, and awareness of the natural beauty as well as fellowship with outdoor enthusiasts.


The South Carolina Horse Council thanks those who work together in accomplishing these goals.

There is much to be done, volunteer and help make it happen.  Working together promotions public awareness of the values and benefits of state parks and SC trails.

Equestrian Trails of SC guide
Name
Phone Number

 

Additional Resources

South Carolina Resources

National Groups Helping with Trails Issues

SC Equestrian Trails & Maps

Additional equestrian trails in SC.
Please visit https://www.sctrails.net for details on the trails below.

Office-Ranger-Park: Contacts

Andrew Pickens Ranger District Office
112 Andrew Pickens Circle
Mt. Rest, SC 29664
Phone: (864) 638-9568

Ann Springs
2573 Lake Haigler Drive,
Fort Mill, SC 29715803.547.4575

Clemson Forestry & Environmental Conservation 
261 Lehotsky Hall –
Clemson, SC 29634
 (864) 656-3302 

​Croft State Park
450 Croft State Park Rd,
Spartanburg, SC 29302
864-585-1283

Enoree Ranger District Office
20 Work Center Road
Whitmire, SC 29178
Phone: (803) 276-4810

Francis Marion Ranger District Office
2967 Steed Creek Road
Huger, SC 29450
Phone: (843) 336-2200

​Forest Supervisor’s Office
4931 Broad River Rd.
Columbia, SC 29212
Phone: (803) 561-4000

H.Cooper Memorial Field Trail Area
279 Sporting Dog Trail,
Cheraw, SC 29520
(843) 378-1555

Hitchcock Woods Foundation
P.O. Box 1702
Aiken, SC 29802
(803) 642-0528

Kings Mountain State Park
1277 Park Rd,
Blacksburg, SC 29702
803-222-3209

​​Lee State Park
487 Loop Rd,
Bishopville, SC 29010
Phone: (803) 428-5307

Long Cane Ranger District Office
810 Buncombe Street
Edgefield, SC 29824
Phone: (803) 637-5396

Manchester State Forest 
6740 Headquarters Rd,
Wedgefield, SC 29168
Phone: (803) 494-8196
​
​Sand Hills State Forest
16218 Highway 1
Patrick, SC 29584
Phone: 843-498-6478 

The SCHC Trails Committee announces a great source for SC trail information. 
​This website is for avid trail riders. It offers great trail information and weather at each location.

Etiquette

Trail Etiquette for Equestrians
Pleasure trail riding like all aspects of equine use has its rules and regulations pertaining to trail use and manners. How a person rides a trail can determine not only his own enjoyment but the safety of himself, his own horse and other trail users too.  Trail riding etiquette can influence trails staying open and available. The use of the trails is a privilege, not a right. One of the first rules of trail etiquette is to make sure that the trail one is riding is a horse trail! Please preserve this for others as well as yourself by obeying the rules and showing courtesy. Courtesy is the best safety on the trail. Know where you’er permitted to ride and where you are not. Respect private property and closed areas. Most trail systems use international trail symbols — a stick-type figure on a horse. This sign designates a trail for horsemen. If the sign has a red slash over the figure, this means the trail is closed to horsemen.

Sharing the Trail A trail ride should be enjoyable. A casual outing will benefit from established. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to help make your ride safe and pleasant, Gear your ride in consideration of:
  • Novice riders
  • Green horses
  • Condition of your horse , know your horses limits
  • Ground conditions
  • Do not block the flow of traffic
  • At trailside rest stops, even short ones, tie off your horse. This prevents horses from damaging trees or vegetation and is courteous to other trail users by helping reduce wear and tear on the trail. Before you move on, scatter the manure.
HORSE RIDING FOR YEARS TO COME
  • Protect our environment, Stay on designated horse trails. Don’t cut switchbacks or take shortcuts. No litter left behind!
  • Be an educated trail participant. For your safety, no one should go out alone.
  • Practice “scary’ encounters in a safe place off the trail.
  • Give yourselves plenty of room when riding in a group.
  • Be alert, plan for the unexpected.
  • Be visible. Wear something bright.
  • Trail etiquette requires preferential treatment for the horse, say “Thank you” when you get it. Be friendly, considerate and patient.
  • Respect the other trail user’s situation. That hiker may be packing a load and be tired.
  • A basic emergency kit, helmet, cell phone, companion and letting someone know your travel plans is exercising good “horse sense”.
  • Do not cross private property without permission.
  • Avoid using your trail when harmful conditions exist (mud season).
  • Leave gates as you find them. Obey gate closures and regulatory signs.
  • Do not disturb livestock.
  • Be sensitive about road apples. In some cases, it’s a good idea to go back and clean up.
  • If you are using the trails, you should consider volunteering at least one weekend a year to help with trail care.
  • Promote equine respect and prevent equine exclusion on the trail.
  • Keep a steady pace. Stick to the pace most comfortable for the least experienced horse and/or rider. Don’t allow slow-moving horses to fall too far behind the group.
  • Before you move your horse into a trot or canter, always ask the group if they desire and are prepared for a change of pace. Make sure that everyone in your group has safely cleared any obstacles before changing gait or speed.
  • In the same respect, give a verbal or hand signal to your group when you are slowing from a canter to a trot or from a trot to a walk. never stop abruptly since this can cause a pile-up with tragic results.
  • Do look for changes in the trail and terrain. Keep to a safe pace over tricky footing and on difficult trails.
  • Wait for all the horses in your group to get a drink of water at streams before you ride off.
  • After break stops, do not walk off until all riders are mounted and well situated in their saddles.
  • If you have a green horse or rider (beginner) in the group, be considerate of their skill level. If you don’t want to go “that slow”, save riding with the “greenies” for another day.
  • Call out to your group to warn them of potential hazards, such as a hole in the ground, broken glass, etc. Don’t assume they will see it.
  • If a horse/rider is having trouble, stop. Do not just continue on in hopes that “they will work it out.” Start the ride with the understanding that if any one wishes to stop for any reason, they should say “stop” loudly and expect that all riders in the group will respond immediately.
  • Proper distance between horses, horses are herd animals and whenever put together in a group they will instinctively work out their “status.” A good rule of thumb is to keep the horse’s heels in front of you visible between your horse’s ears.  Side by side riding is safe when the trail permits, but only when the horses are acquainted with each other and get along well. Do not simply ride up beside an unfamiliar horse.
  • If one rider must pass another, they should do so on the left and only after confirming with the rider being passed that it is all right to proceed. Never pass at any gait faster than a slow trot.
  • Never, never, never have a hiker or backpacker or biker or other horseman or anybody step behind a rock, a tree, a bush or out of sight! Keep the other trail user in open sight — and TALK. Always pass in safe areas which may mean you, the horseman, may have to back track a few feet.
  • In some areas, trails have been placed beside streets. Obey all traffic laws when riding on the roads. A vehicle that is moving too fast can be ‘signaled’ to slow down by extending your arm on the pavement side out full length and moving it up and down
  • If you trailer to a location, do not clean out your trailer in the parking area.
  • A basic good “horse sense”. Is carrying an emergency kit, helmet, cell phone, companion and letting someone know your travel plans.
antique-horse-trailer-1v2-grey

Trailer Safety

Trailer-Safety Check
Check off these safety points before you go, and have a trouble-free trip.

Each time you hook your horse trailer up:

Before Hitch Up – Make sure your vehicle is rated to tow the weight. Check hitch carefully. Check balances of trailer, make sure rig is level, make sure lights and brakes work, remove rust on hitch. Check lights and turn signals being sure all work correctly. Check the wiring and replace any bulbs that need replacing.

Before You Load Up – Check trailer for bees, remove old hay, and prepare horse to be loaded.  

Before You pullout – Walk all the way around the rig, check all doors. Check hitch to be sure everything is done correctly. Check plugs.  Be sure to remove wheel chocks.

Quick Trailering Check List

Truck/Trailer

  • maintenance up to date
  • Tires – air/condition/lugs
  • Spare tire – air/condition
  • Brakes – truck/trailer
  • Hitch- foot up/plugs/pins
  • Lights
  • Trailer floor (2x year)
  • bees/wasps
  • doors closed
  • flashlight
  • cell phone
  • Tire gauge/lug
  • Wrench
  • Wheel chocks
  • Jumper cables
  • Flares/warning triangles
  • WD-40
  • Rope
  • spare fuses

Horse Supplies/Equipment

  • Extra halter / Lead
  • Crop
  • sheet/blanket/wraps
  • water
  • hay/feed/bedding
  • bucket
  • coggins/health papers
  • brushes/sponge/sprays
  • tack/equip/helmet
  • Duct tape, for covering sharp edges in a damaged trailer and other uses
  • Tool kit-crowbar, hammer,
  • screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers.
  • Fire extinguisher

First Aid

  • non-stick pads/s. napkins
  • vet wrap
  • bandage cutters/scissors
  • antiseptic
  • cotton sheeting/quilts
  • track/polo bandages
  • First Aide – horse/rider
  • medications <Banamine, butte>
  • thermometer
  • cleaning solution/saline
  • twitch
  • knife
  • fence tool/hoof pick
Regular Maintenance Checks of trailer:
Floorboards
  • Check the floorboards for any rot or general weakness.
  • Ensure drainage holes are unblocked in order to lengthen the life of a trailer floor, lift the rubber mats after use and sweep or hose out the floor. Make sure the floor is completely dry before replacing any mats as this may cause rotting.
Inside the Trailer
  • Check carefully for any loose or protruding screws bolts and nails inside the trailer.
  • Check for bees or wasp.
  • Check the partitions and all locks and bolts.
Outside the Trailer
  • Safety Chains: Make sure chains are crossed and hooked to vehicle frame (not bumper).
  • Hitch: Look for loose bolts, hairline cracks, and other signs of wear. Check for proper hookup. (In conventional trailers, the socket should be seated on the ball and locked in place.)
  •  Check that all lights are in full working order including the marker, tail, brake, indicator and interior lights.
  •  Check that jacks and safety triangles or reflectors are in good working order in case of a breakdown.

Yearly Maintenance Checks:
  • Check the brake pads and brake discs for wear and adjust or replace as necessary.
  • Inspect the frame of the trailer for cracks.
  • Inspect all wires for loose connections or frayed coverings.
  • Repair or replace any rotted or rusted metal.
  • Grease all hinges, springs, ball hitch etc.
  • Check the trailer ramp and its hinges for any weaknesses or cracks.
  • Wheels should be pulled and bearings checked and if necessary repacked.
  • Check the floor for any rotting or major weakness, which may need repairing and if it is an aluminum floor, check for any large dents or corrosion.
  • Check all the internal and external lights
  • Take tools for repair. <Pliers, hammer, electric tape, screw driver,>
  • Cell phone and phone numbers

Trailering: Safe Driving Strategies

when hauling your horse, their safety and comfort should be your main concerns.
Some thoughts on safe driving.

  • Make slow takeoffs and stops.
  • Work your speed up slowly.
  • Travel five to 10 miles under the speed limit, especially on bumpy and winding roads.
  • Double the distance you would normally keep between your rig and the vehicle in front of you.
  • Watch and plan as you drive down the road to reduce the chance that you will need to make a sudden stop.
  • Take extra time as you drive around corners. One rule of thumb to keep in mind: If you can “feel” the turns that you are making with your body, you need to slow down.

Hauling is a matter of common sense and good horsemanship. With safety in mind and some careful planning, you can help ensure that your future travels will be safe and enjoyable.

Basic First-Aid for Your Horse

If you own horses long enough, sooner or later you are likely to confront a medical emergency. As a horse owner, you must know how to recognize serious problems and respond promptly, taking appropriate action. Avid horsemen swear by preparedness.

No matter how watchful you are the unexpected sometimes happens.  If an emergency does arise, you’ll be in much better shape to help your horse if you’ve got a first-aid kit on hand.

You should always consult with your veterinarian regarding the specific needs of your horse. 

RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF DISTRESS

When a horse is cut or bleeding, it’s obvious that there is a problem. But in cases of colic, illness, or a more subtle injury, it may not be as apparent. That’s why it’s important to know your horse’s normal vital signs, including temperature, pulse and respiration (TPR), as well as its normal behavior patterns. You must be a good observer so that you readily recognize signs of ill health.
 
WHAT’S NORMAL?
There will be variations in individual temperature, pulse and respiration values. Take several baseline measurements when the horse is healthy, rested, and relaxed. Keep a record of them in your first aid kit, so you have them to compare to in case of an emergency. Normal ranges for adult horses are:

  • Pulse rate: 30 to 42 beats per minute.
  • Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
  • Rectal temperature: 99.5′ to 101.5′ F. If the horse’s temperature exceeds 102.5′ F., contact your veterinarian immediately. Temperatures of over 103′ F indicate a serious disorder.
  • Capillary refill time (time it takes for color to return to gum tissue adjacent to teeth after pressing and releasing with your thumb): 2 seconds.

 
The sight of blood may unnerve you but maintaining your presence of mind can save your horse’s life. The initial steps you take to treat a wound can prevent further damage and speed healing. How you proceed will depend on your individual circumstances, and you must exercise good judgment.
​

Suggested items for a First-Aid Kit

Having all supplies in a container for quick portable access can make difference in an emergency. Be sure to have a parred down first-aid kit you can carry on the trail.

  • Antibacterial soap Betadine scrub to clean minor wounds.
  • Antibiotic ointment. After a wound is clean apply an antibiotic ointment to decrease the chance of infection.
  • Sterile gauze sponges and pads. Have a variety of sizes on hand for covering the minor cuts or wound.
  • Disposable diapers or sanitary napkins. These items are effective to stop bleeding.
  • Vet wrap. These will keep pads and bandages in place.
  • Quilted wraps. The wraps should be placed under bandages for added absorption.
  • Scissors and/or knife. These can be used for cutting during an emergency.
  • Tweezers. These can be used to remove splinters, thistles or other fragments that might be lodged in your horse’s skin.
  • Ice bags or a chemical ice pack. These can be used to prevent or reduce swelling from blunt trauma, reduce bleeding or swelling at the edge of a fresh wound.
  • Thermometer. Keep this to take your horse’s temperature.
  • Stethoscope. This will help you monitor your horse’s heart, lungs gut sounds.
  • Syringe (for pressure-irrigating wounds)
  • 2 Electrolytes
  • Silver, horse-sized, Emergency Blanket – 52” x 84” {Same blankets recommended by the American Red Cross}.
  • Wire cutters
  • 1 roll of Duct Tape
  •  Rx emergency medicine such as – Banamine SMZ-TMP 960mg tablets (Tribrissen tablets) Acepromazine

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