Biking Around Lake Moultrie (Lake Moultrie)

// No Comments » // Charleston Family

For 26 miles, the Palmetto Trail skirts the banks of Lake Moultrie following a wide dike that’s often immediately along the shore. The packed dirt trail is flat which allows for any great family ride for all levels of riders. The final 3 miles at the trail’s western end passes through a pine forest, including a boardwalk and bridge over a creek. Primitive campsites with hand-operated water pumps are near the Diversion Canal trailhead and two spots in or near the Sandy Beach Wildlife Management Area. There is another primitive campsite 1.8 miles after leaving the Bonneau Beach community at General Moultrie Rd.
Directions from Charleston: To start at the eastern trailhead, take exit 199B (Hwy 17A) off I-26 W to Moncks Corner. Pass through town and bear left onto Hwy 52. Continue 3.6 miles to Canal Recreation Area. To reach the western end, continue 13 more miles past the eastern trailhead on Hwy 52 and turn left on Hwy 45. In 10 miles, the trail crosses at the bridge over the Diverson Canal between Lakes Marion and Moultrie.

Lake Moultrie/Palmetto Trail Info & Maps: Palmetto Conservation Foundation: 803-771-0870 or Santee Cooper Land Division 843- 761-8000 / http://www.palmettoconservation.org/

Experience a Real Lowcountry Swamp (Harleyville)

// No Comments » // 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

Ferry Ride to Bull Island (Awendaw)

// No Comments » // Charleston Family

This adventure combines all the best of what Charleston has to offer-a pristine coastal wilderness, a beautiful ferry ride, and a “boneyard” beach. Bull Island is part of the 66,267 acre Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge which was established in 1932 as a migratory bird refuge. The 30 minute ferry ride departs from Garris Landing in Awendaw and takes you through salt marsh creeks with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. Once on the island enjoy the 16 miles of trails through maritime forest. A trip to Bull Island just would not be complete without a picnic lunch-be sure to stop at Sewee Outpost to pick up some serious homemade grub including homemade biscuits. A great way to start this adventure is to stop by the nearby Sewee Visitor and Educational Center which specializes in Lowcountry natural history.
Directions from Charleston: Take Hwy 17 N for 10.8 miles to right turn on to Sewee Rd. Head 3.4

Cape Romain/Sewee Visitor Center: 843-928-3368 / 5821 Highway 17 N, Awendaw / www.fws.gov/caperomain
Ferry Service to Bull Island: 843-881-4582 /
www.coastalexpeditions.com/index.php?page=bull-island-ferry
Picnic Lunch from Sewee Outpost: 843-928-3493 / 4853 Hwy 17 N, Awendaw / www.seweeoutpost.com

Paddle Around Crab Bank Island Preserve (Mt. Pleasant)

// No Comments » // Charleston Family

An easy paddle out Shem Creek and around Crab Bank Island in the Charleston Harbor with great views of Fort Sumter, Ravenel Bridge, Patriot’s Point, and Sullivan’s Island. Crab Bank Island is home to thousands of nesting shorebirds and is not meant to be disturbed. In other words, it’s illegal to walk on the island. There is a very accessible self put-in right at Shem Creek with rentals available. If you work up an appetite while paddling, you won’t have to travel far to get some good local grub-there are numerous options right there on Shem Creek.
Directions from Charleston: Take Hwy 17 N towards Mt. Pleasant over the Ravenel Bridge. Exit onto Coleman Blvd. and at the 4th traffic light turn right in to parking lot on Shem Creek.

Paddling Experts: Paddlefish Kayaking / 843-330-9777 / www.paddlefishbasecamp.com
Nature Adventure Outfitters / 843-928-3316 / www.natureadventuresoutfitters.com

Walk in the Footsteps of the Early Settlers (West Ashley)

// No Comments » // Charleston Family

If you are looking to take in a little history, check out some trails, and see some animals then the Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site is for you. Established in 1670 on the Ashley River by English settlers, Charles Towne Landing helped establish Charleston as one of the first major port cities in the colonies. The site features 7 miles of walking/ biking trails, a 22-acre zoo home to animals the original settlers encountered, and a life-size reproduction of a typical trading ship of the 17th century. Another bonus is that leashed dogs are allowed in most outdoor areas except the zoo.
Directions from Charleston: Take Hwy 17 S from downtown to SC 61/St. Andrews Blvd. Head 1.8 miles on SC 61/St. Andrews Blvd. to slight right on to SC 171/Old Towne Rd. Head .8 miles to entrance on right.

Charles Towne Landing: 843- 852-4200 / 1500 Old Towne Rd., Charleston / www.charlestowne.org

Catch the Breeze

// No Comments » // Charleston Family

For a relaxing, stress-free adventure we recommend experiencing Charleston’s sights via water. More specifically, we recommend kicking back in style on a catamaran. Skip the carriage tour mob, hit the water, and take in Forts Moultrie and Sumter, Castle Pinckney, the USS Yorktown, and the Charleston skyline. Your best bet for an affordable family adventure is to hop on board the Palmetto Breeze complete with a 1700 square foot deck, covered cockpit, cushioned seating, free bottled water and soft drinks, and two bathrooms. If the wind in your hair doesn’t relax you, then grab a cocktail at the Palmetto Breeze’s bar.

Directions from Charleston: To find out departure times and locations we recommend calling the folks at AquaSafaris/Palmetto Breeze at 843-886-8133.