West Ashley Greenway:
South Carolina
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Description:
A favorite of local mountain bikers, the West Ashley Greenway takes you on a 10.5-mile (one way) ride from suburban Charleston west to the scenic Lowcountry wetlands that surround this charming city.

From its trailhead behind the South Windermere Shopping Center, the greenway connects several miles of subdivisions on a 100-foot-wide, packed-dirt path. On Johns Island, the dirt gives way to rough gravel and narrow bridge crossings—mountain bikes are a must. Here the broad wetlands flank the trail, presenting magnificent views and rewarding bird sightings. If your timing is right, you may catch sight of the tidal flow that carved these lacework channels.

At the Wappoo Road crossing you can take Wappoo north, crossing over US 17/Savannah Highway and hop on the 2.5-mile West Ashley Bikeway.
The agricultural heart of the region, Johns Island is the nation's largest producer of tomatoes. In fact, much of the fresh produce served in local restaurants hails from this still rural but slowly developing community.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the trailhead from downtown Charleston, take US Highway 17 west across the Ashley River Memorial Bridge. A half-mile past the bridge turn left on Folly Road. At the second light, turn right on Windermere Boulevard and enter the South Windermere Shopping Center. Park beside the trailhead on the north side of the shopping center.

Contact:
Charleston Department of Parks
30 Mary Murray Drive
Charleston, SC 29403
843-724-7321

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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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awful
By pamvanw in December, 2010
This trail was a big disappointment. The first section near Charleston runs through neighborhoods, and you have to keep crossing streets. About 5 miles into the trail you get to a neighborhood section that is run down and sketchy - the homeowners have used the greenway as their personal garabage dump throwing trash over their fences into the greenway area. Then you ride through the agricultural research area where you have 6' high razor wire fences on both sides of you. About 1/3 mile into the razor wire we turned around and gave up on this trail.
Fun ride!
By Jim herron in June, 2008
A very enjoyable ride. It was more fun than some paved trails and we liked the variety of scenery. Parking was easy. I think we'll use again next year as we travel South..
Great trail in Chas!
By Andrew M. in October, 2007
"I just went biking on this trail last weekend, August 25th, and what a great trailin Charleston this is! It's behind the S. Windemere shopping center, and the trail head is right behind the coffee shop on the corner of Rt. 17.

Don't let the 10 miles scare you - this is a very flat, well-maintained trail that I could have done on a beach-cruiser bike. And for the time it takes to get out to the estuary, it's worth it (The estuary is 4 or 5 miles from the trailhead). It was my girlfriend (who rode the trail with me), myself, and about 50 different animals of all different types - but unfortunately no alligators. It was picturesque views for minimal effort on this trail. If you're looking for something different to do that would be fun for everyone, this is the perfect opportunity. "
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Wesley Dr. at Folly Rd./SR 171 to McLeod Mill Rd. nr. Main Rd./SR S 10-20
Counties: Charleston
Trail Length: 10.5 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Dirt
Trail Activities: Mountain Biking, Walking
TrailLink ID: 6017144

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other Southeast rail-trails in RTC's Southeast Guidebook.