Marrington Plantation Mountain Bike Trail (Goose Creek)

// August 17th, 2009 // Charleston Biking

Hardcore mountain bicyclists will forever rag on any trail 20 miles from the Carolina coast, but don’t be mistaken - Marrington is a legitimate ride. Although the 12-mile perimeter loop never drops or rises more than 20 feet at once, the countless v-ditch crossings, sharp curves, and opportunities for jumps and drop-offs keep the ride challenging (we earned ourselves a fat lip and busted knee underestimating one drop!) Several technical offshoots are scattered along the ride and additional cut-throughs lengthen the total ride opportunity to 17 miles. The trail skirts scenic Foster Creek, passes through grassy wetlands and swamp, and includes stretches through tall pine forests home to deer and bobcat.
Directions from Charleston: Take I-26 W to I-526 E. From I-526 E, take exit 19 onto Rhett Ave. northbound. Continue 5 miles and take a right on Red Bank Rd. (poorly labeled - it’s your first traffic light after a 2 mile stretch of trees on your right). Drive 2.9 miles through the Naval Weapons Station to the large green “Marrington Plantation” sign on your left. Turn in and parking is immediately on your right.

Marrington Plantation Trail Map: http://www.coastalcyclists.org/maps/marrington_trails.pdf