Little Gap Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake

Park entry fee ($2 adults, $1.25 SC seniors, age 15 and younger free), bathrooms at trailhead

At just under 2.5 miles long, and with minimal elevation gain/loss, this short hike along the Lake Murray shoreline is great for everyone! Upon entering Dreher Island State Park, stay on the main park road for approximately 1.5 miles until you come to Red Maple Dr. (on the left) and Yellow Poplar Dr. (on the right); each road has parking lots that will take you to the trail, however the trail kiosk is at the parking lot entrance on Yellow Poplar Dr.

The hike begins from the kiosk and follows a well-defined footpath along the lakeshore. Views of Lake Murray are nearly constant along the trail, however there are two highlights. The first is a short spur approximately a half mile into the hike; this little side trail is also well-defined and takes you right down to the water. The second highlight is along the loop portion of the hike (the loop begins approximately 0.8 miles into the hike); here, the trail nearly connects with the lakeshore, opening up for expansive views of the lake.

Once completing the loop, backtrack along the main footpath back to the trailhead.