Conway Riverwalk

Winding along the banks of the 225-kilometre Waccamaw River, the charming Waccamaw Riverwalk is a popular wooden walkway that features a wealth of native flora and fauna, an abundance of wildlife and a gorgeous arboretum.

Begin your walk at the historic town of Conway. This 18th-century hamlet is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places and is an architectural delight, with some of the buildings dating from the 1820s. From here, amble at your leisure along this pretty stretch and admire the rustic buildings that are partially hidden amidst the foliage. A popular recreational spot, you’ll be joined by joggers and cyclists weaving their way through pockets of visitors.

The walk is a nature lovers’ dream. In the adjacent wetlands, gorgeous cypress and live oak trees flank the path, arching over visitors in a canopy of colour. Although beautiful in all seasons, the trees are particularly stunning in autumn when the sunlight dapples through their copper-gold leaves. Keep an ear out for native bird species like the pileated woodpecker and see if you can spot kingfishers, ospreys and hawks as they dart in and out of the greenery. Eagle-eyed visitors may also spot bobcats and deer in the adjacent woodland while alligators and otters are known to inhabit the river’s swampy shores.

Take a moment to peer into the dark, murky waters of the river. Known as a blackwater river, these creeks are characterised by years of decaying vegetation which has turned their stagnant waters an inky black colour.

Pause for a photo at the historical Waccamaw River Memorial Bridge before popping into the arboretum to view a colourful collection of native plants and shrubs.

All this walking will certainly have worked up an appetite so, when you come to the end of the riverwalk, unpack a basket and enjoy some well-earned treats in any one of the pretty picnic spots in the grassy park.

To learn more about the history of the river, a guided tour with Conway Kayak Tours is highly recommended. Furthermore, accomplished kayakers can hire a boat and explore the river at their own pace. There are plenty of ways to enjoy this picturesque beauty spot, so just make sure you give yourself enough time to take it all in.