Ride Between Civil War Battlefields (James Island)

// August 18th, 2009 // Charleston Biking

Not much remains of Fort Lamar on James Island, site of the Battle of Secessionville, save a few earthen mounds and a fine view across the salt marsh to Folly Beach. Begin at the fort on Fort Lamar Rd. and pedal back towards Folly Rd. Take a left on Old Military Rd. and follow it around to Folly Rd. Turn left toward the beach. If you desire, take a 6 mile out-and-back side trip by turning right at Sol Legare Rd., beside the Piggly Wiggly. The route borders the marsh for its entirety, passing through a historic Gullah community before opening up onto a boat landing and a vista across the Stono River. Back on Folly Rd,, continue over several bridges and creeks until you reach Center St. on Folly Beach. Take a left on Ashley Ave. and ride 4 miles to the island’s northern tip to gaze across the inlet at Morris Island.
Directions from Charleston: To reach Fort Lamar, take the James Island Expressway until it dead ends into Folly Rd. Turn left and drive 3.5 miles to Grimball Rd. Turn left and drive .5 miles to Old Military Rd. Fort Lamar Rd. will soon appear on your left - the fort is about half a mile on your left.