Hunting Island State Park may be one of South Carolina’s most popular parks, but that doesn’t mean it is without hidden gems. The diverse park is home to the only lighthouse in the state that’s open to the public, plenty of wildlife, and even a quiet marsh. Take the official Hunting Island Marsh Boardwalk trail to see it for yourself.

Hunting Island State Park has five miles of beaches, 100 campsites, a saltwater lagoon, and a whopping 5,000 acres of lowcountry land that includes marsh and maritime forest.

Will McConnell / alltrails.com The area may look familiar – after all, it was used for filming some of the Vietnam scenes in Forest Gump.

The Hunting Island Marsh Boardwalk trail offers just over half a mile of exploration.

Michel Kehrer / alltrails.com The trail begins on the southern end of the island and takes you deep into a salt marsh.

Since the path is boardwalked and flat, it’s considered a nice, easy nature walk perfect for all skills levels.

Wikipedia/cdamgen

Eventually, you’ll reach the quiet, calming marsh.

Wikipedia/cdamgen And don’t be surprised if you see some wildlife while you’re there, especially deer. If the tide is low, look for fiddler crabs and blue crabs.

In the summertime, a naturalist often gives guided tours and shares interesting tidbits about this area.

Google Local/Josee Laberge However, if you’ve ever been here before, you know the mosquitos are typically at their worst in the summer. You may want to plan accordingly.

At the end of the trail, you’ll notice a platform that makes a perfect spot to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Sharon K / alltrails.com The ocean is just a few steps away, so you’ll be able to hear the waves and enjoy the soft ocean breezes.

This trail is short, but you’ll want to take it slowly so you can experience it to the fullest.

Google Local/leader ship Allow at least an hour for this adventure.

Have you been to Hunting Island? If not, add it to your local bucket list when you’re free to explore.

Will McConnell / alltrails.com

The area may look familiar – after all, it was used for filming some of the Vietnam scenes in Forest Gump.

Michel Kehrer / alltrails.com

The trail begins on the southern end of the island and takes you deep into a salt marsh.

Wikipedia/cdamgen

And don’t be surprised if you see some wildlife while you’re there, especially deer. If the tide is low, look for fiddler crabs and blue crabs.

Google Local/Josee Laberge

However, if you’ve ever been here before, you know the mosquitos are typically at their worst in the summer. You may want to plan accordingly.

Sharon K / alltrails.com

The ocean is just a few steps away, so you’ll be able to hear the waves and enjoy the soft ocean breezes.

Google Local/leader ship

Allow at least an hour for this adventure.

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Address: Hunting Island, South Carolina 29920, USA