Spanish Moss Trail Part 1

Southbound from Robert Smalls Parkway to Port Royal

The Spanish Moss Trail is an expanding rails-to-trail greenway running from northern Beaufort County to Port Royal along the historic Magnolia Line Railroad. This 10-mile greenway has become a must-experience activity for locals and tourists alike. The 12-foot-wide paved trail is a great space for walking, running, biking, skating, scooting, strolling or even fishing. The trail is handicap accessible, and parking is provided.

The Spanish Moss Trail offers spectacular views of Lowcountry marshes, waterways, coastal wildlife and historic points of interest. Points of interest are well marked along the trail. Pets on a leash are welcome on the trail.  Doggie bag stations are available as well. There’s even a place to pump up your tires at the Depot Road access point. You can also find recreational fishing spots on various trestles along the trail.

Bringing a bottle of water is a good idea. You can refill it at any of the trailheads. There are also two restroom/port-a-potty facilities at the Broome Lane and Depot Road Trailheads. The Westvine Trailhead has equipment for push-ups and pull-ups.

From one of the trestles it was easy to spot a family of wood storks taking an afternoon nap. These wading birds are rather humble looking when at rest but are beautiful in flight. Also visible along the way are butterflies, king fishers and many other wading birds.

Fishing is great fun on the Spanish Moss Trail. Bring your supplies but remember to take your refuse with you when you leave.

Along the way visitors encounter the remains of the Seacoast Packing Company. This building began life as a meat packing plant, with hopes of encouraging farmers to raise livestock. This venture failed almost immediately. It later went on to be used as a grocery warehouse, a tomato canning plant and eventually a pickle packing plant. This building was once surrounded by other structures important to the railroad. Today it is the only remaining reminder of the once busy railroad area.

Another reminder of days gone by is the Charles E. Danner & Co. Grocery Warehouse. This remaining brick building was once surrounded by other warehouses at the Port Royal Railroad Depot. Located outside visitors will find a map showing the locations of other businesses that used to grace the depot area.

Plan on spending at least two hours to bike the southern side of the Spanish Moss Trail. Give yourself more time if you’re walking. Be sure to pack supplies for your journey. Make sure to stop along the way to read historic markers and enjoy views from the trestles. If you get tired just take a break on one of the many benches provided. Travels to the other side of Beaufort’s Spanish Moss Trail can be saved for another day.

For more information on Beaufort attractions visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/. Other Lowcountry nature trails and wildlife preserves can be found at https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/wildlife-preserves-and-nature-trails/

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Spanish Moss Trail in Beaufort, South Carolina?

The Spanish Moss Trail is a 10-mile rails-to-trail greenway in Beaufort County, South Carolina, running along the historic Magnolia Line Railroad between northern Beaufort and Port Royal. The paved 12-foot-wide trail is popular for walking, biking, running, and sightseeing while offering scenic views of Lowcountry marshes, waterways, and wildlife.

Where does the Spanish Moss Trail start and end?

The trail runs between Beaufort and Port Royal in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Multiple access points and trailheads allow visitors to enter along the route, including locations such as the Depot Road Trailhead, Broome Lane Trailhead, and Westvine Trailhead.

How long does it take to explore the Spanish Moss Trail?

Most visitors should plan at least two hours to bike the southern portion of the trail. Walking the same stretch may take longer depending on pace and how often you stop to enjoy scenic overlooks, wildlife viewing, and historical markers along the route.

What activities can you do on the Spanish Moss Trail?

The Spanish Moss Trail is designed for a variety of outdoor activities including walking, running, biking, skating, and fishing from select trestle bridges. Visitors often stop along the way to watch coastal wildlife, photograph marsh views, and explore historic landmarks connected to the old railroad corridor.

Is the Spanish Moss Trail pet-friendly and accessible?

Yes. The Spanish Moss Trail is handicap accessible and welcomes pets as long as they remain on a leash. Doggie bag stations are available along the route, and the paved surface makes it suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and casual riders.

Are there historical sites along the Spanish Moss Trail?

Yes. The trail passes several historic points of interest tied to Beaufort’s railroad era. Notable remnants include the Seacoast Packing Company building and the Charles E. Danner & Co. Grocery Warehouse, which once stood among a busy depot complex serving the Port Royal Railroad.

Originally written by

Carmen Pinckney

I am the Director of Online Content for the SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission. I enjoy traveling the South Carolina Lowcountry in search of fun and exciting nature-based destinations. The natural beauty found in the area between Charleston and Savannah is my world and I love sharing it with you.

Edited by

Keelie Robinson

As an avid outdoorswoman, I love hiking, camping, kayaking, boating, and traveling. Come along and we’ll explore this region, south of Charleston and north of Savannah, to find what makes the SC Lowcountry NATURALLY AMAZING!