There are few better ways to soak in the beauty of the Grand Strand than on a bicycle — from which you can breathe in the fresh ocean air, let the wind blow through your hair and see the sights via pedal power, all while you’re getting in some exercise. And there are plenty of great places to take your bike for an off-road cruise on our stretch of the Carolina coast, allowing you to get off the beaten path and out into nature while doing all of the above.
Next time you’re looking for an easy-riding adventure to get your heart pumping during your getaway on the Grand Strand, hop on a bike and head for one of these top area trails — listed in order of proximity to Long Bay Resort on the Myrtle Beach oceanfront:
Horry County Bike and Run Park (6 miles inland from Long Bay): Affectionately known by locals as “The Hulk,” this demanding singletrack trail requires riders to climb hills and navigate twists and turns reminiscent of a roller coaster. It’s geared toward mountain bikers and those looking for an adventurous off-road ride.
The Market Common (10 miles south of Long Bay): For those looking to take in a little window shopping (or actual shopping) with their ride — or wanting to grab an easy bite to eat before or after a cruise — retail/dining/entertainment center The Market Common offers a 2-mile paved walking/biking trail that runs alongside the complex’s lake and recreational fields.
East Coast Greenway (10 miles south of Long Bay): Myrtle Beach was the first city in South Carolina to complete its segment of this developing, 3,000-mile trail system running from the Florida Keys to Canada. A trailhead and parking for the greenway’s local section can be found at Myrtle Beach State Park, where cyclists can take a continuous, 13-mile off-road section to the Horry County Bike and Run Park.
Vereen Memorial Gardens (17 miles north of Long Bay): The bike trail at this 114-acre slice of unspoiled nature found about a mile from the North Carolina state line takes riders through woodlands and along salt marshes for a real escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Conway Riverwalk (18 miles inland from Long Bay): If a ride along the river gets your wheels spinning, check out this 1.5-mile walking/biking trail featuring stretches of pavement mixed with sections of boardwalk and offering excellent views of the Waccamaw River, as well as a number of historic downtown buildings.
Huntington Beach State Park (22 miles south of Long Bay): A definite favorite among Grand Strand cyclists, Huntington Beach State Park’s 26-mile trail stretches all the way from Murrells Inlet down to Litchfield Beach, with sights like maritime forests and lagoons — as well as Atalaya Castle, a sprawling local example of Spanish architecture — to take in along the way.
Waccamaw Neck Bikeway (30 miles south of Long Bay): Covering a total of 12 miles, this biking/walking trail on the Grand Strand’s southern end runs parallel to U.S. Highway 17 from Murrells Inlet to Huntington Beach State Park, after which cyclists can continue to Pawleys Island via Share the Road bike lanes and completed sections of path.
After getting in some exercise and seeing the sights on these great area trails, head back to your comfortable accommodations and wide-ranging amenities at Long Bay Resort to rest up for another adventure-filled day on the Grand Strand. Book your Myrtle Beach vacation today — whatever activity you and your vacation crew aim to pursue, there are plenty of ways to have some fun on our stretch of the Carolina coast!