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Experience a Real Lowcountry Swamp (Harleyville)

// August 17th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Charleston Family, Uncategorized

When most people think of the Lowcountry they think of beaches. That beach mentality often keeps folks from participating in an authentic and rewarding swamp experience. Located in Four Holes Swamp and off the beaten path, the Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest includes a 1.75 mile boardwalk trail set within 1,800 acres of old-growth cypress-tupelo swamp forest where 1000 year-old trees and native wildlife abound. We recommend checking out their very popular naturalist lead canoe/kayak trips that typically take place in the spring and sometimes summer months (call for reservations).
Directions from Charleston: Take I-26 W to exit 187. Turn left on to Hwy 27 S to right turn on to Hwy 78 W. At the fork in the road, veer right onto Hwy 178. Make a right onto Francis Beidler Forest Rd. (first paved right). After 4 miles the road will make a 90-degree turn to the left, veer right onto Mims Rd. Head 1 mile to entrance on right.

Francis Beidler Forest: 843-462-2150 / 336 Sanctuary Rd., Harleyville / www.beidlerforest.com

Experience the Appalachian Trail

// May 14th, 2010 // No Comments » // Asheville Hiking, Uncategorized

The Appalachian Trail, the nation’s longest marked footpath at 2,178 miles, has numerous access points near Asheville. We like the rugged Roan Mountain section near Bakersville.  From the Carver’s Gap (5,500 feet) parking area we recommend heading northeast towards the Grassy Ridge section which includes the longest stretch of grassy bald in the Appalachian Mountains. This section is great for an overnighter because it includes the AT’s highest shelter, Roan High Knob Shelter at 6,275 feet, which is approx. 1.5 miles from the parking area.

Directions from Asheville: Take I-26 W to exit 9/US-19 N. Stay on US-19, which becomes US-19 E in Yancey County, to Spruce Pine. Take left on NC 226 N. Head 11 miles through downtown Bakersville then becomes NC 261 N. Head 12 miles to NC/TN state line to Carver’s Gap parking area.

Run the West Ashley Greenway (West Ashley)

// August 17th, 2009 // No Comments » // Charleston Running, Uncategorized

Paralleling Highway 17 but far enough away to escape the noise, this 10.5 mile hard-packed dirt path ideal for running begins at the Ashley River and continues to the Stono River. You’ll pass through neighborhoods and parks as the route grows increasingly rural before opening up onto the marsh and the Stono.

West Ashley Greenway Directions:

Take Hwy 17 S to left on Folly Rd. and park behind EarthFare grocery store on your right. The trail passes behind the shopping center. To have closer access to the marsh, keep in mind the trail is usually only a few blocks off Hwy 17 so consider parking on Farmfield Ave. or McLeod Rd.

West Ashley Greenway Info & Map: www.westashleygreenway.org