Where to find nature undisturbed by Myrtle Beach’s rapid growth. A guide to local hikes.

Myrtle Beach is one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. New subdivisions seem to spring up overnight. New shopping centers appear to fill every open space.

For nature lovers, the press of development can seem claustrophobic.

But there are still acres of preserved forest and marsh land to freely explore in Horry County, S.C.

Lewis Ocean Bays Heritage Preserve

3715 SC-90, Conway, SC 29526

Located just 5 miles up International Drive from the bustling intersection of River Oaks Drive, entering this 10,427-acre preserve managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, SCDNR, is like passing into an earlier era. The open pine forests are crisscrossed with miles of easily walk-able dirt roads that wander between 23 Carolina Bays.

These mysterious bays, golf ball-like depressions seen from above, are a significant geological feature of the preserve. While their origin is in debate, these bays are known for their wildflowers, pitcher plants and the carnivorous venus flytrap that natively grows within. SCDNR biologists request that visitors stay on the well-packed dirt roads to avoid damaging the protected plants.

All the animals of the S.C. lowland forest may be observed here including deer, squirrel, quail, wild turkey, and fox, but the preserve is best known for it’s black bear population prompting some walkers to carry cans of bear spray on their belts.

In fact, when International Drive was built and paved a few years ago, debate raged about how to best protect the bears from traffic along the new road and stalled the construction. After courtroom battles over the potential need for bear tunnels, the SCDNR recommended a slower speed limit which was eventually set to 45 miles per hour.

If you go: Observe the bulletins on the informational kiosks and within the preserve that warn of hazards including controlled burns of the area and hunting seasons. A posted notice states that “All Visitors must wear solid international orange during any deer hunting season. (hat, vest or coat.)”

Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge

1403 W Cox Ferry Rd, Conway, SC 29526

This refuge spans both sides of the Waccamaw and Great Pee Dee rivers from near Conway, S.C. in Horry County into portions of Georgetown and Marion counties. It offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, mountain biking, hunting and nature observation.

Local walkers can most easily access the 325-acre Cox Ferry Lake Recreation Area portion of the refuge at trailheads off West Cox Ferry Road or Gray Lake Boulevard off Highway 90 near Conway.

Approximately 3 miles of wide, well-marked trails meander along the river and across blackwater cypress swamps. A tidal freshwater wetland, animals that might be spotted here include turtles, amphibians, deer, turkeys and alligators. The refuge is known among local birders for its variety of wading birds, ducks, woodpeckers, swallow-tail kites, owls and ospreys.

Walkers on the Blue Trail can stroll over the winding Otter Lake Boardwalk, which stretches for more than 1,000 feet across wetlands.

If you go: Winter and Spring are good times to visit these river bottom areas as biting insects emerge with warmer temperatures. These trails are also prone to flooding during the wet seasons and may be closed when river levels rise.

Vereen Memorial Gardens

2250 SC-179, Little River, SC 29566

This Horry County park, once a 400-acre plantation owned by the Vereen family, is now an ideal place for a nature hike through forests and across marsh lands.

Tucked in the Northern corner of the county against the Intracoastal Waterway the area has a rich history dating to the pre-colonial period. The Vereen family cemetery located on the site draws history buffs while nature lovers have plenty to explore along the forest’s trails and marsh boardwalks.

Throughout the park visitors will find placards describing the native animals and plant life that abounds. Fiddler crabs scurry ahead of walkers on the boardwalks that lead down to several islands along the Intracoastal Waterway and a pier where visitors can watch the boats pass by.

This is a great area to have lunch in one of the gazebos and entertain the kids as there is a play area with swing sets located near the entrance.

If you go: You may want to take some colored markers and string along. Visitors often hang painted oyster shells along the trees lining the Intracoastal Waterway to memorialize their visit to the site.

Ingram Dunes Nature Preserve

999-943 Hillside Dr, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

One of the area’s most ‘hidden gems’, Ingram Dunes was protected from development when it was purchased by the City of North Myrtle Beach with the help of local conservation groups in 2019.

This 7.24-acre preserve of ancient maritime forest and towering sand dunes is the last plot of untouched land in the city and is surrounded by the residential homes of the Crescent Beach neighborhood.

The trails within the property, long used by locals as a natural respite from the hustle of the city, can now be freely enjoyed by visitors.

Limited roadside parking is available along Hillside Drive where walkers can pick up one of the sandy trails that wind over the dunes and under spectacular old live oak trees. Despite it’s proximity to the city, this natural area is home to wildlife such as migratory birds, foxes, deer and turtles as well as dozens of native plant species.

If you go: Expect to get sandy. Kids especially love running, often tumbling, down the steep sand dunes.

Heritage Shores Nature Preserve

5611 Heritage Dr, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

This easy 1-mile walk takes visitors to cross portions of a salt marsh on elevated boardwalks to a small undisturbed maritime island with panoramic views of Hog Inlet and Waties Island from a gazebo on the point of the island.

Along the trail and on observation decks over the salt ponds and creeks, interpretive signs are placed describing the history of the area and the wildlife that can be found there.

If you go: The nearest parking is at the Cherry Grove Boat Landing and Park at 53rd Avenue North in Myrtle Beach where hourly parking fees are required. Visitors will need to walk 1 block North along a residential sidewalk to enter the park.