Let's be honest, when somebody says "let's go hiking," your first thought probably isn't of the Lowcountry. Which is fair. After all, if Mount Everest were flat, the odds are pretty good that the only thing Sir Edmund Hilary would be known for is his girly last name.

But just because the terrain in the Charleston area is flat doesn't mean it isn't challenging or that it's boring. No, sir. In fact, the Lowcountry has some of the most diverse trails in the state, showcasing everything from lagoons and gigantic cypress trees to alligators and egrets. Sure there aren't any tough ascents, but there are plenty of creepy crawlies to avoid. And isn't that challenge enough?

With the weather turning crisp, it's the perfect time to take to the woods of the Lowcountry and explore this great wilderness we live in. So the next time somebody says, "let's go hiking," talk them into one of these five area trails that have a little bit of something for everyone.

Edisto Nature Trail

Length: 1.5 miles.

Description: Like many of the Lowcountry's trails, it doesn't take much driving to get away from all the noise and civilization. Exhibit A is the Edisto Nature Trail, no more than a 40-minute drive from Charleston. Two loops give you the option of making it a one-mile hike or a 1 1/2. Both wind through mature forests, swamps and atop an old railroad bed, providing a great perspective during your hike. When you arrive, keep your eyes peeled for a display containing brochures/map that will help you navigate as well as identify nearly 60 varieties of flora and fauna. Cost: Free.

Directions: From Charleston, drive south on U.S. Highway 17 for approximately 30 miles. The trail head will be on your right, just after a bridge over the Edisto River and immediately before the town of Jacksonboro.

Hours: Dawn to dusk.

More info: Call 871-5000 or visit www.sctrails.net.

Francis Beidler Forest

Length: 1.75 miles.

Description: If you're looking for more of a swamp walk, be sure to check out the Francis Beidler Forest. Owned and operated by the National Audubon Society, this trail features a raised boardwalk through a more than 16,000-acre matrix of blackwater, hardwoods and gigantic bald cypress trees, some of which are more than 1,000 years old. The primary water source in the forest is Four Holes Swamp, a major tributary of the Edisto River. Depending on the time of year you go, be sure to ask the staff about the potential for other hiking opportunities.

Cost: $7 for non-Audubon members, $6 for members; $3.50 for children; free for children under 6.

Directions: Take Interstate 26 west to Exit 187. Turn left on S.C. Highway 27 south. Make a right on U.S. Highway 78 west. At the fork in the road, veer right onto U.S. Highway 178. Make a right onto Francis Beidler Forest Road (first paved right). Four miles, turn right on Mims Road. Entrance is a mile on right.

Hours: The visitor center is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday (closed Mondays and some holidays).

More info: Call 462-2150 or visit www.sc.audubon.org.

Francis Marion Forest, South Tibwin Trail

Length: 5 miles.

Description: One of the best parts about hiking in the Lowcountry is the variation in your surroundings. One minute, you will be walking in thick woods and the next, you are surrounded by tidal marsh. No local trail exhibits this better than the South Tibwin Trail in McClellanville. See everything from managed wetlands to freshwater ponds along with alligators, bald eagles, ducks and hawks.

Cost: Free.

Directions: Drive north on U.S. Highway 17 toward McClellanville (12.5 miles past the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center). Look for iron gates and a parking area on the right.

Hours: Dawn to dusk.

More info: Call 887-3257 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/fmarion.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Length: 6 miles.

Description: This historical area was once part of several rice plantations and home to a series of rice fields sprinkled through cypress swamps. Today, you can choose from eight different trails (catering to all different hiking levels) as they meander through woods and wetlands, on grass, dirt and boardwalks. See tea plants as well as dozens of other exotic flora along with waterfowl, deer, alligators and bald eagles.

Cost: $1 per person. Children 2 and younger get in free.

Directions: Take U.S. Highway 17 south 3 miles past S.C. Highway 162. On right.

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday.

More info: Call 889-8898 or visit www.ccprc.com.

Givhans Ferry State Park

Length: 5.4 miles.

Description: Wildlife is teeming here, right off the bat. From hawks to gators, you will likely see it here. But as you go deeper into the woods, past a small stand of cypress trees, you will notice that even the birds sound distant, leaving you alone with only the sound of the breeze rustling through the trees above.

Cost: Free.

Directions: Take Interstate 26 west to Exit 199. Go left on U.S. Highway 17A for 10 miles then veer right on S.C. Highway 61. Go eight miles and then turn right on Givhans Ferry Road. The entrance is a mile on the left.

Hours: Dawn to dusk.

More info: Call 873-0692 or visit www.sctrails.net.

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