The next time you're in Beaufort, take a walk on the Spanish Moss Trail. The 12-foot-wide paved pedestrian pathway now extends from Beaufort to Port Royal, offering walkers and cyclists stunning views of Battery Creek and its expansive salt marshes. From end to end, it's a total of 10 miles.
Built along the former Magnolia rail line, the trail begins near Depot Road and runs through the old train station. Parking is available at the trailhead and at three other locations: Broome Lane, Westvine Drive and Ribaut Road.
About a half-mile from the depot you'll get to the first water crossing, overlooking Battery Creek and Rabbit Island to the east. The next great view of the waterway and the surrounding estuaries comes another mile down the road.
You'll get one more gorgeous marsh view before you get to the end of the trail on Ribaut Road.
Construction of the trail continues. When completed, the Spanish Moss Trail will run approximately 16 miles connecting the towns of Port Royal, Beaufort, Burton and Grays Hill to the Whale Branch River.
If you prefer cycling to hoofing it, you can rent a bike from Lowcountry Bicycles. Cruisers are just $6 an hour.
For more information and a map of the Spanish Moss Trail, click here.
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