South Carolina Trail Towns - Conway

City of SOUTH CAROLINA

The City of Conway, South Carolina is a charming and vibrant destination, offering visitors a unique mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located along the banks of the Waccamaw River, Conway is home to a variety of attractions, from historic downtown sites to scenic river walks and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, Conway has something for everyone. From its delicious restaurants and vibrant nightlife to its historic sites and outdoor activities, Conway is sure to provide a memorable experience.

WACCAMAW RIV

The Waccamaw River Blue Trail extends the entire length of the river in North and South Carolina. Beginning near Lake Waccamaw in North Carolina, a permanently inundated Carolina Bay, the river meanders through the Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve, City of Conway, and Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge before merging with the Intracoastal Waterway where it passes historic rice fields, Brookgreen Gardens, Sandy Island, and ends at Winyah Bay near Georgetown.

Over 140 miles of river invites paddlers to explore its unique natural, historical and cultural features. Its black waters, cypress swamps and tidal marshes are home to many rare species of plants and animals. The river is also steeped in history with Native American settlements, Civil War sites, rice and indigo plantations, which highlight the Gullah-Geechee culture, as well as many historic homes, churches, shops, and remnants of industries that were once served by steamships.

OUTDOOR RECREATION

BONFIRETAQUERIA

CONWAY RIVERWALK

Known as the oldest throughfare in town, the Conway Riverwalk runs about 1.5 miles along the Waccamaw River. The Waccamaw is a black river, coined by its inky black water dyed by the tannins found in the soil and organic matter below the surface. Consisting of both boardwalk and paved surfaces, the easily accessible riverwalk provides beautiful views year-round. Along the trail, a bright and colorful playground can be found making the trail perfect for children of all ages. At the end of the trail is an arboretum harboring many of Conway’s native plants. After exploring the nearby amenities, visitors can stop in to grab a bite at Bonfire Taqueria located conveniently near one of the riverwalk access points.

HISTORICAL TRAIL

Boasting a rich history, Conway has an abundance of historical sites that can be visited by foot, all located in the downtown area. The Historical Trail Guide can be found at the Conway Welcome Center and provides a map as well as a brief history of each site. A few of the most noted sites are the Kingston Presbyterian and First Methodist churches, the Horry County Courthouse, and the abundance of historical oak trees. Various other sites can be found in the Historical Trail Guide, many of which are listed on National Historic Registries.

Founded in 1732, Conway is one of South Carolina’s oldest settlements. In 1730, Robert Johnson, Royal Governor of SC, included Kingston Township in a plan to encourage development of the Province of SC. In 1734, a plan for the town was completed and by 1735 the first settlers had begun to arrive. The name of the village of Kingston was later changed to Conwayborough, for General Robert Conway, a general in the SC State Militia. The South Carolina General Assembly shortened the towns name to Conway in 1833. The close proximity of the Waccamaw river provided transportation for goods and passengers during the expansion of naval store industries in the 1870s. In 1877, the railroad reached Conway and the town incorporated and elected its first mayor.

HORRY COUNTY COURTHOUSE Third Avenue

In 1906, Col. D. A. Spivey introduced in the General Assembly the Act authorizing the construction of this building, the third Horry County courthouse. The formal opening was held in 1908, with Gov. Martin F. Ansel as a speaker. Mr. W. L. Bryan, Horry County Clerk of Court from 1909 to 1927, supervised the planting of many oak trees on the ground. A portrait of Revolutionary War Colonel Peter Horry, for whom the county was named, hangs on the front hall, given by the local DAR chapter.

FIRST METHODIST CHURCH

1000 Fifth Avenue

The First Methodist Church in Conwayborough was organized in 1828 and the first frame church building was completed by 1844. Replaced in 1898 with a gothic style building, a third mission style building was constructed in 1910, and finally the current Gregorian style sanctuary was built in 1961. The graves in the churchyard date back to the 1830’s.

KINGSTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

800 Third Avenue

Though not known exactly when the first Presbyterian meetinghouse was erected, a map dated 1773 shows that a church building was in existence in Kingston. After the congregation fell inactive in 1795, they began to reorganize and by 1858, the present sanctuary was erected adjacent to the site of the early colonial church. The churchyard contains graves dating back to the 1700’s many of which are no longer marked.

LIVE OAK TRAIL

Downtown Conway

The City of Conway, Conway Downtown Alive and the Horry County Archive Center at Coastal Carolina University published a walking guide of seven of Conway’s historic oak trees. Each of these trees has a colorful story outlined in the guide and though they are different species, they share Spanish moss and resurrection ferns in common. Dated to circa 1596, the Confederate Oak has a circumference of 17’4. With growth in the surrounding areas, the tree has inevitably been paved around but motorists and pedestrians alike must yield to this historic landmark.

WACCAMAW RIVER PARK

1101 State Rd S-26-24

With 237 acres, the Waccamaw River park has something to offer for all outdoor enthusiasts. There are various hiking trails, mountain bike trails, observation decks, even a board walk and disk golf course available for visitors. Check out the welcome sign for a full map of the park.

WACCAMAW RIVER PARK

1101 State Rd S-26-14

With 237 acres, the Waccamaw River park has something to offer for all outdoor enthusiasts. There are various hiking trails, mountain bike trails, observation decks, even a board walk and disk golf course available for visitors. Check out the welcome sign for a full map of the park.

LAKE BUSBEE WALKING TRAIL

1806 New Road

The Lake Busbee Walking Trail is a 2.3 mile, out-and-back paved trail that is situated on a 325-acre man-made lake. This trail is bike friendly and the lake is welcome to anglers.

CRABTREE SWAMP WALING TRAIL

192 Long Avenue

The Crabtree Swamp Walking Trail is approximately 1.5 miles long and is entirely paved. Great for beginners, this loop trail features beautiful views of the Crabtree Swamp and other local scenery.

COX FERRY LAKE RECREATION AREA

The Cox Ferry Lake Recreation Area is a 325-acre property, featuring a network of trails. With around 3 miles of trails in total, there is a boardwalk, biking trail, interpretative kiosks, picnic tables, and a weather shelter.

H

(843) 300-5087

Reach out to H2O Excursions to book an Eco Tourism Tour.

LEWIS OCEAN BAYS HERITAGE PRESERVE

3715 SC-90

Consisting of over 10,000-acres, the Lewis Ocean Bays Heritage Preserve is home to 23 Carolina Bays, which provide some of the most unique and biodiverse ecosystems found in South Carolina. This heritage preserve is home to the only stable population of Venus flytraps in the state.

WACCAMAW NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

1403 W Cox Ferry Road

Protected by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge has miles of interpretive nature trails, a mountain biking trail, boardwalks, and a picnic pavilion. The picturesque cypress trees, swallow-tailed kites, and more than 200 other bird species make this refuge ideal for fishing, birding, photography, wildlife observation, and hunting.

KINGSTON PARK

341 Main Street

Kingston Park is located right in the downtown of Conway. For those looking to enjoy a lunch or take a quick rest in the manicured park, Kingston Park is the perfect stop. Dotted with wooden benches and shaded bistro tables, the park is great place to stop in and take a breath of fresh air. Enjoy the artistry of the Live Oak fountain, “Shoo Fly Express” mural, and beautiful landscaping.

BLANTON PARK 100 University Boulevard

The James P. Blanton Park is located within the campus of Coastal Carolina University. The park is centered around a fountain and contains a 0.3-mile walking path. The park is located nearby Kimbel Library and features planters surrounding the fountain that visitors can use as seating to enjoy the scenery.

Conway is equipped with the Coast RTA bussing system for public transportation to many towns in the immediate area.

Click the logo above to check out the ride tracker.

OUTFITTERS

WACCAMAW OUTFITTERS

4 Elm Street

Stop by the local, family owned Waccamaw Outfitters for kayak rentals and guided tours, pontoon tours, blackwater therapy, and shopping.

STAYS

CYPRESS INN at CONWAY

16 Elm Street

Come to The Cypress Inn where we are dedicated to your comfort and care. Every effort is made to provide a warm and welcoming oasis for you - away from your hectic world. At the Inn you can totally unwind and renew your energies.

You can walk to the downtown shops or fine restaurants of Conway, stroll along the Riverwalk or stay put on our porch lined with Carolina rockers. You can see one of the many wonderful shows minutes away in Myrtle Beach or experience the South Carolina beaches. There are so many things for you to experience. You will find that this is the perfect place for couples and groups to enjoy a mini-vacation with flair!

THE HISTORIC SPIVEY BED & BREAKFAST 800

Fifth Avenue

The Spivey House, situated on two acres along Kingston Lake in Historic Downtown Conway SC, was built in 1938 for Colin Alexander Spivey and his family. This 3000 square foot home boast 2 large on suites, living room, formal dining room, keeping room,den as well as multiple porches just for your relaxation.

WATERFRONT COTTAGE in CONWAY

FAMILY STAY on WACCAMAW RIVER

LAUREL OAKS ESTATE

Laurel Oaks Estate is located 20 minutes from Myrtle Beach, and just a short drive to beautiful downtown Conway, SC.

Take a stroll on one of our many trails that backs up to the National Wildlife Refuge.

Enjoy fishing and take a ride in the paddleboat, johnboat or one of our kayaks on the pond across from your tent. We are also two miles from a boat launch on the Waccamaw River! So, feel free to bring your boat along with you!

WILDLIFE IN THE AREA

Make sure to check local regulations before fishing as regulations in South Carolina can change throughout the year. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

MOST CAUGHT FISH IN THE WACCAMAW RIVER: LARGEMOUTH

BASS

BLUE CATFISH

BLUEGILL

BLACK CRAPPIE

(Micropterus salmoides) –

Largemouth Bass inhabit freshwater lakes, ponds, swamps, creeks, and rivers. Commonly found in South Carolina waters, the Largemouth Bass is a popular sporting fish.

(Ictalurus furcatus)–

The Blue catfish is the largest species of catfish native to North America. These catfish can grow up to five feet in length and can live up to 20 years.

(Lepomis macrochirus)–Bluegill are often referred to as “bream” and are commonly found east of the Rocky Mountain chain. Bluegills are commonly around 8 inches and prefer the shallow waters of lakes, ponds, and rivers.

(Pomoxis nigromaculatus)–Black crappie are very similar to the white crappie, with only small changes in color, body characteristics and preferred habitats. White crappie are more tolerant of turbid water, while black crappie prefer clear lakes and backwater.

COMMON WILDLIFE IN CONWAY:

BEAVER

GREAT EGRET

RACCOON

WHITE-TAILED DEER

FOX SQUIRREL

FRESH WATER TURTLE

The South Carolina Trail Towns Program is a program of the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor. The purpose of the Trail Towns Program is to highlight communities that excel in outdoor recreation and provide a well-rounded approach for traveling outdoor enthusiasts. A named Trail Town can be sure to provide amenities for any outdoor traveler, whether you are new to recreation opportunities, or are a well-seasoned explorer.

For communities looking to expand their recreation opportunities, The South Carolina National Heritage Corridor offers assistance and marketing ideas to gain the Trail Town certification.

For more information, contact Abbey Crocker at abbey@scnhc.com