If ever there was a trail system on this great, green earth that I had full authority and absolute knowledge to write about, the Horry County – Carolina Forest Bike & Run Park in Myrtle Beach, SC is it. Locally known as “the Hulk”, I have covered every inch of this 7 (ish) mile man made trail system thousands of times. I’ve hiked, run, and biked this trail forwards, backwards, and at all hours of the day…and night.

Hell, I even got married on this trail.

When we moved to Myrtle Beach (again) from Vermont back in 2015, Geoff and I were desperately homesick for the solitude of the endless trails found in the Green Mountain state. Myrtle Beach had nothing even remotely close to offer…or so we thought. But then a new friend offered to tour us around “the Hulk” for an easy run. That “easy” run ended up being a 3 mile sufferfest, as these Vermonters had yet to adapt to the brutal June heat and humidity of the South.

But while on the trails of the Hulk, one can easily forget that they are mere miles from the chaos and commercialism of downtown Myrtle Beach. Sure, some stretches of trail provide not-so-scenic views of busy overpasses and crowded neighborhoods. But others will leave you feeling like you are deep in the secluded woods, with nothing but birds chirping and sunshine filtering through the pines.

Don’t get me wrong, Myrtle Beach has it’s appeal. But for those of us with the mountain-wanderlust in our souls, the Hulk is a true gift.

Alright, enough of a sappy love letter to my favorite trail…let’s get on with it.

Horry County – Carolina Forest Bike & Run Park:

The Horry County – Carolina Forest Bike & Run Park is a tiny plot of land – only 65 acres – that sits on the western bank of the Intracoastal waterway in the Carolina Forest section of Myrtle Beach. Despite having such a small footprint, volunteers have managed to carve out 7 miles of mostly single track trail that winds through forests and fields.

The trail terrains varies, from hard packed dirt, to grass, to sand, and has a full range of technicality. One minute you’ll feel like you are in a deep, humid jungle dodging palmetto ferns, and the next you’re running through an arid field that reminds you of a prairie.

One minute you’re shuffling along in the smooth sand, the next you’re tripping on an exposed root. (Trust me, I’m an expert on this one).

Oh, and there’s a healthy dose of carpet thrown in there. Yeah, carpet. The sugar fine sand of the coastal area is hard to contain at times, and the carpet helps slow down the inevitable erosion.

Also, this is one of the only places in all of Myrtle Beach where you’ll find actual “hills”. Myrtle Beach is painfully flat, and elevation gain of any type is a rarity. While there are no extended climbs on the trail, you’ll find plenty of short, punchy hills that will get your quads burning, whether on foot or on a bike.

The piece of land the park sits on is actually a giant pile of sediment dredged during the building of the Intracoastal Waterway, sometime between 1936 and 1940. Because if this, it’s not uncommon at all to find sun bleached, and maybe even fossilized seashells scattered throughout the loose sand on the trail.

What to Do on Trail:

The Horry County – Carolina Forest Bike & Run Park is a multi-purpose trail open to people of all ages and all abilities. In all cases, the trails intersect with the main fire road multiple times, allowing users to either complete the entire 7 mile trail, or, easily head back to the parking lot after shorter sections of trail.

Running:

The Park is the perfect place to head off the pavement and hit the trail, for beginners and experienced trail runners alike. From the parking lot, start in the center gate at the trail head, and continue to follow the RUN signs. You should be running in the opposite direction of cyclists.

Keep your head UP and stay alert: while many of the more dangerous bike/run intersections have been bypassed, there are still a number of blind corners. Headphones are NOT recommended, as you may hear the cyclists before you see them.

Note: on this trail, it’s best practice to yield to cyclists. Because of the narrow trail, with places where it’s difficult to move a bike off trail, it’s simply easier for the pedestrian to step aside.

Mountain Biking:

The countless tight turns, chicanes, and short, punchy hills of this trail are a reminder that the Horry County Bike & Run park was initially designed as a mountain bike park. Throw in a few dozen features, such as drops, berms, table tops, and a pump track, and you’ve got fun for all abilities.

Speaking of: the Myrtle Beach Area Mountain Bike Association has a “wheels on ground” policy, ensuring that all features can be (but don’t have to be) rolled across without catching any air, making the entire course ride-able despite your comfort level.

Reminder: this is a multi use trail, so you are also responsible for keeping your eyes and ears open for runners and walkers.

Hiking / Walking:

The trail is a perfect opportunity to get your “forest bathing” on. Follow all of the “run” signs, again, you’ll be headed against mountain bike traffic. If you are looking for a shorter hike, I highly recommend the first 2.5 miles of the trail. “Tall Pines” is exactly what it sounds like: a winding trail through a beautiful, wooded section full of tall pine trees.

A Note on Dogs: dogs are technically allowed on trail, but must be leashed. As a frequent user of the trail, however, I will say that I’ve seen a lot of close calls with dogs and bicycles. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend bringing your pup to this trail. If you must though, please keep them restrained on a short leash, and please clean up after them.

Is the Trail Kid Friendly?

Great question! And the answer is yes AND no. My kids have been on the trail since they were little, hiking, running, and now mountain biking. BUT, they have been taught proper trail etiquette from a very young age.

If you have little ones, keep them close and/or behind you. Again, bikes come flying out from behind blind corners, and little kids, who are easily distracted by all of the awesome things in nature, might not be paying attention.

As far as strollers go – unfortunately the trail really isn’t stroller friendly AT ALL. If you have a baby, a wrap/sling/backpack type carrier is a MUCH better option.

Know Before You Go:

Facilities:

There’s usually a port-a-potty available in the parking lot. I say “usually” because there have been a handful of occasions over the years when it just …disappears. But it always eventually reappears, which is good.

Water:

At the time of publishing, there is no water source available at the trail (such as a faucet or water fountain). Be sure to bring plenty of water for your ride/hike/run.

Wildlife:

Despite the almost constant traffic at the trail, there’s still quite a bit of wildlife present.

Personally, I’ve seen: squirrels, opossum, a variety of snakes (venomous and non), deer, TONS of rabbits, birds of all sizes (including most recently a pair of timberdoodles, which made my bird-nerd-day), massive banana spiders that build nests blocking the trail, and a coyote.

In the very near vicinity, we also have: black bears, bobcats, raccoons, alligators (though I’m not sure they could climb the steep banks from the waterway). So you know, keep your eyes open.

Pro tip: the bugs can be out of control at certain times of the year. I’m talking: stop moving for half a second and you’re swarmed with mosquito bad. Blood sucking horse flies the size of quarters bad. Tis the nature of the humid South. BRING and WEAR bug spray!

Get There:

Ready to check it out for yourself? Here’s everything you need to know about the Horry County Bike & Run Park (aka: “The Hulk”) before you go.

Location:

• 150 Frontage Rd B-2, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

When you turn off of River Oaks Drive onto Frontage road, you’re going to feel like you’re lost. Keep driving. You’ll pass a back entrance to the Bluff’s neighborhood, then eventually you will see the park on your right.

Hours:

The park is open from sunup to sundown, 7 days a week, with the following exceptions:

• the trail is closed during and after inclement weather
• the trail is closed during special events, such as races.

You can check the Myrtle Beach Area Mountain Bike Association website or Facebook page for the latest trail status.

Fees:

There is no fee to use the park. The Horry County Bike & Run Park is owned by the county, but is maintained almost exclusively by volunteers. If you’d like to contribute financially, you can donate to the Myrtle Beach Area Mountain Bike Association.

Have any Questions about the Horry County – Carolina Forest Bike & Run Park?

Ask away. I’m probably at the trail right now, but I’m happy to answer as soon as I return.