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This developing 12-foot-wide Spanish Moss Trail offers spectacular salt marsh vistas and coastal wildlife viewing as it meanders through neighborhoods and beautiful wetlands. There are historical points of interest along the rail trail, bringing together the natural beauty of the Low Country landscape with the area’s past.
Open year-round, sunrise to sunset, the trail attracts more than 100,000 people a year. It was named one of the country’s 10 Best Urban Walking Trails by Outside magazine and the Best Hiking Trail in the Palmetto State by Parade magazine.
Many visitors begin their journey by spending a night in the Beaufort–Port Royal area. Beaufort is the second-oldest city in South Carolina, with a large National Historic Landmark District to explore. The area offers wonderful local restaurants; shopping; and outdoor recreational experiences, including boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and carriage tours.
About the Route
For the full experience of the trail, begin by parking at Clarendon Road— the northernmost trailhead. South of Clarendon Road, the trail weaves through wooded neighborhoods. Trail users may hear the buzz of fighter jets overhead, as the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is located nearby. There is one small tunnel under a commercial driveway that may be challenging to navigate due to its steepness. It is located directly across from Beaufort’s Greyhound bus station, 4.7 miles south of the Clarendon Road Trailhead. Otherwise, the trail is flat.
From the tunnel, the route reaches the most populated segment of the trail in 2.3 miles at the Depot Road Trailhead, which passes through an iconic 1901 warehouse structure. A half mile south of that trailhead, the trail crosses the Mather Trestle, a popular fishing and sunset-viewing spot. Continuing south 1.2 miles to the Broome Lane Trailhead, the path meanders through neighborhoods full of Spanish moss-draped live oaks and other tidal views. It is then 1.1 miles to the Westvine Trailhead. The trail continues south from there into the town of Port Royal, reaching its southern end in 0.3 miles at US 21/Ribaut Road.
Connections
The Spanish Moss Trail is part of the developing 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway, a network of trails extending from Maine to Florida.
The Spanish Moss Trail runs between Clarendon Rd. (Burton), where parking is available, and 1884 Ribaut Rd. (Port Royal).
Parking is also available at:
See TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
Really nice trail to ride. We did have some trouble finding the trailhead but other than that, we enjoyed the ride.
Good flat trail that is well maintained. Many cyclists and folks walking pets in the later afternoon. Enjoyed my ride time but giving only a 4 star due to many road crossings that can be dicey depending on time of day even with cross signals.
Fairly flat concrete path. Well maintained. Had some things to stop and read about historic buildings that surrounded the path. Great scenery along the way
Fairly flat concrete path. Well maintained. Had some things to stop and read about historic buildings that surrounded the path. Great scenery along the way
This is a wide, all concrete trail & is in great shape. It’s getting a 3 star rating because it has some hazardous crossings on busy roads. At one crossing, although we had triggered the pedestrian crossing signal, we were almost hit by cars ignoring the red light for them. Be very cautious when using this trail. The south end of the trail is closed with a detour. The detour involved riding a very narrow sidewalk along a busy highway. There is not room to pass a pedestrian or another bike on the sidewalk. We turned around rather than continue. Not sure how long the detour will be in effect.
Very nice trail.
We love it! shady and paved ¿
Nice wide concrete path through “trunnels” (tree tunnels), residential areas and commercial areas. We we’re camped 10 miles north of the northern end at Clarendon Park and used that parking several times. This end goes through a kind of rough neighborhood and some locals hangout in the park! The other place we parked was at the Publix grocery store on Robert Smalls Parkway about middle of the trail. There’s a concrete path that goes right over to the trail on the right end of the store with ample parking. The trail crosses several narrow lol
If I were local, I would rate much higher. However as a person that has traversed Many trails I have to give this trail a low rating. As a local person, this is a nice trail. However, compared to other trails, it is lacking. Directions to the various trailheads is a zero. I could not find the Port Royal trailhead because there is one. So I went to the northern most near Beaufort and headed south. The scenery is a 3. When you get to Port Royal the trail apparently ends. However, it is paved to the left and a sign indicates 2 miles to go But payment ends and there are no more signs. i Qent T Lacking Tonother trails A Local it is a nice trail A Low rating. has
12’ wide, smooth concrete for 10+ miles. WOW. Easy, leisurely ride. Beautiful and interesting points of interest. We’re very glad we made this choice.
we started at broome lane parking lot (small - but had a bathroom) - rode right almost to the end - turned around and went back all the way and then retraced the mile or so back to broome lane - very lovely ride - just about 17 miles - some very scenic sections - the middle of the ride had a couple of busy/traffic-lighted intersections (no worries if you're careful) and a bit that was right next to the highway - but the pros way out-weighed the cons - good ride - would do it again if ever in the area again - just for those who are interested in the value of rails to trails in your town - we rode here and then spent the night / ate / spent money in beaufort ... RTT do bring economic gain to their host towns !!
pro’s: I love when towns invest in trails, especially as a biker who likes to explore. This trail is a cement, flat path which is nice for easy going. For cyclists, you can do an easy and safe out and back 20ish miles. There is a nice section at Depot Road where you can take a trip into Beaufort- highly suggest! Con’s: this is not a pretty, scenic trail. It goes through depressed areas, is often next to major roads and is littered w/trash.
February 16, 2023: Started in Beaufort at the parking lot near the Depot. A water fountain was working; port-a potty was nearby, on the north side. Trail in very good shape. Not crowded and roadways were easy to cross. Very friendly locals. Beautiful scenery and waterfowl. Fighter jets in the north taking off from the Marine Base. After completing the trail, we drove to the Fish Camp Restaurant a short distance away in Port Royal on the water front. Can walk out on the pier. Fresh shrimp and oysters cooked to perfection. We loved every minute of the ride and
Paved and well marked. Several benches set up along the route for relaxing and viewing the tidal creeks and wildlife. Bathrooms are just a few port-a-potties set up….so plan accordingly. We ride the trail and then ride the city streets down to Waterfront Park and marina. These streets are wide with speed limit of 30MPH.
I love the historic markers. It’s fun to see the locals fishing on the trestles. The marsh is beautiful. I rode from beginning to end and back!
Beautiful, scenic, flat, with wide smooth concrete trail with some shade and great views. Not many other riders or people on the trail on a Saturday in mid June. Plenty of trailheads and parking, but few restrooms on trail (plenty of gas stations, convenience stores just off trail) Some newer hotels actually on the trail as it passes close to Hwy 21. Worth the trip if you’re in the Savannah area
Quiet scenic trail around Beaufort.
We parked along Bay View and jumped on our bicycles heading southwest thru Depot Rd taking the trail south passing by the train station and riding about 3 more miles. The trail is flat, clean and beautiful views! Easy level, perfect for families that just want to have fun biking. I hope Beaufort extends it through more neighborhoods.
10/9/21 Trail was closed near mile 5. Could see a truck and bulldozer. First time riding this trail and had no prewarning that it was closed. Will try it again one day.
I rode this trail 11 May 2021 on my Catrike. At that time there was no construction on the trail itself although it appeared that there may have been some minor work being done on one of the trailhead parking areas on the southern end. The trail is absolutely delightful. Super smooth, the trail is a full 12 feet wide with a nice center lane marking for the full length of the trail. The only bump on the entire trail was in the bottom of an underpass where there was a length of grating to allow drainage. They could have done a better job of matching the heights on that!
I was staying at a B&B on Bay Street about a mile from the Depot so that is where I got on the trail, by biking from my home away from home. Hitting the trail I headed north until I ran out of trail, then reversed course until I ran out of trail on the southern end, then reversed again back to my starting point at the Depot. By the time I got back to the B&B my GPS told me I had gone just over 25 miles., I didn’t see many military jets while on the trail but I certainly heard them. The trail goes quite close to Merrit Field, a Marine Corps Air Station, and they are quite active.
This trail is a must when in Beaufort SC. It’s wide and paved and scenic.
Great rail trail in a town where I grew up. Takes you through some nice tidal grass and marsh land. Great to have this available, highly recommend ¿
We rode this yesterday (Wednesday) and were very surprised. Nice paved trail with hardly anyone on it. There was some construction on the southern end where the trail has been flooding. Our complaints are that there is nothing along the trail for food or drinks. Water fountains at one parking area with a spot a pot. Your not far off the beaten path but, as tourists, you have no idea what’s there. The second complaint is on the southern end. It just stops. No maps or indications of how to get to Port Royal downtown from there.
This trail is closed for construction in many places. Southern end.
I rode this trail in early October with my wife and son (9), and was very impressed. Beautiful scenery, excellent markings, and safe crossings for the major roads make it very family friendly.
My husband and I enjoyed riding our bikes on this scenic, smooth and well maintained trail.
We took our road bikes and rode this trail. Had a blast. Clean and a smooth ride. We will definitely come back.
Beautiful, well-maintained path. There are a number of road crossings at the south end, but otherwise it's a great trip with nice scenery.
This trail was wonderful. We went on a weekday and it was not crowded. I don’t recommend parking in the first lot. Store next to it has bars on the windows which never feels like a safe place to leave my vehicle. Second lot had a nice Parker’s store which welcomes bikers to use the facilities. Very nice place. There are many road crossings but are well marked with lights at the busy ones. The trail ends at rebaut road before reaching Port Royal. Crossing the road is scary but worth it. The town is very nice with a couple Of good restaurants.
Great! Excellent views, well maintained!
Fantastic trail. Great scenery. Smooth concrete throughout. However, was on the trail yesterday and some person, or persons have broken bottles on the trail beginning just beyond the tunnel all the way to the Clarendon trail head. I rode my bike through a couple of the areas where there was glass and was fortunate that it didn’t pop my tire. Met several cyclists along the way who weren’t as fortunate. Seems as if this might have been done intentionally. I ride the trail approximately 5 times a week and just started noticing the glass breakage within the last week. Cyclists please be aware!
This is a really wonderful trail to ride with your family. Pretty stops with a few nice drinking fountains. Historical markers throughout. Beautiful water views. We pull a baby trailer and it’s a smooth ride for our baby and free of debris spraying on them. I’m looking forward to the expansion!
Beautiful trail in excellent condition ... this has been one of the most enjoyable rides my wife and have made in the US. Highly recommend it and suggest you take your time....
This is a beautiful ride. Trail is very well maintained and with lovely views of the marshes and inlets. Easy to find parking lots on google Maps. There is easy access to Beaufort and Port Royal from the trail.
This is any easy trail for families. Very flat and smooth. Rode from Beaufort to Port Royal. Sad part is the trail ends before you get to the historic main part of town. The “trail” continues with small signs marking the way through a residential area. You must cross HWY 21 (Ribaut Rd)
We stopped to check out this trail while traveling, and we loved it. It is wide, clean, and well appointed with benches, tool stations, and scenic stops. We will definitely come back!
First, the trail is actually 9.25 miles long, 18.5 round trip.
Waterways and wooded marshland for the most part, sometimes you can see dolphins. I ride here weekly and always enjoy it.
We live in charleston and decided to day trip to Beaufort for this trail. It's a beautiful trail. It's wide all cement for at least 8+ miles, one way, and well maintained. Lots of people cycling, walking, kids, rollers skating on the trail. It has an option to get off and detour to Bay Street ( main tourist road in Beaufort). We parked at the parking lot off roseida road. I thought that was the beginning of the trail but it appears a new addition has been added going north( away from downtown). I would def recommend to anyone looking to cycle the city and get some exercise doing so. Have fun!
The trail currently runs about 9.5 miles, from mile marker 2 in Port Royal to the newest parking lot across from the MCAS at mile marker 11.5. I biked the full out-and-back 19 miles in about 2.5 hours; there a few one or two mile uninterrupted sections, but highway and road crossings are fairly common. The highway crossings all have crosswalks, but the crossing near Laurel Bay is oddly marked and can be confusing from the West side.
This is a decent trail mostly flat and incomplete on both ends...yes there are some scenic views along with some "eye sores"...
Each morning, my husband and I enjoy the 20+ mile (round trip) from Port Royal area to the Burton area, which extends now well beyond the MCAS. We love cheering on the F-35 fighter jets ocassionally, while they practice overhead! We call those "The Freedom Days". The small bridge has been constructed to maneuver you around to the stoplight at the MCAS, and it is beautiful, amazing craftsmanship. Can't wait to discover the next phase of our Lowcountry trail. Thank you!!
The SMT is beautiful and a total pleasure to ride. Scenic views at every point in the trail. You couldn't ask for a nicer and safer place to ride.
Beautiful paved trail over re-claimed rail bed. It is used actively by the locals for exercise and shortcuts to work and school. The main shortcoming is the lack of rest room facilities.
The trail still has some unfinished sections so if you're on thin tires you'll have to take the surface streets. All the breaks can be navigated with a trail bike. Lots of scenery. The finished portions are wide and well marked. It's all flat but still a fun ride.
We traversed approximately 3 miles today. Beautiful walk.
While vacationing in Beaufort, South Carolina, we sought out the newly constructed bike trail. It was not easy to find the trailhead, although a few local residents gave us directions.The trail runs through a beautifully restored depot and heads in a southwest direction for approximately 3 miles. The trail follows along serene marshes, historic buildings and quiet neighborhoods. Although the trail is short at this time, it is the nicest trail I have ever biked on. The signage along the trail is excellent, there are several benches overlooking scenic views and the trail is very wide. We saw several people using the trail - many people walking as well as casual cyclists. I am very excited to return to Beaufort and ride on their trail again.
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