Cycling the "Low Country"

Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA

In the spring to 2010, we toured the "Low Country" area of the southeast United States between Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia, and the community of Beaufort which lies in between. While much of the surrounding countryside is flat and unappealing, these towns are gorgeously preserved and filled with historic architectural gems reminiscent of their European and antebellum heritage.

Our tour of Charleston South Carolina focused on the splendidly preserved architecture of this gorgeous city. The short (12 mile) version visits the commercial district, the French Quarter, the beautiful residential area south of Broad St., and the Charleston Harbor waterfront. We then rode north to Hampton Park and through the grounds of the Citadel. After returning to the start location downtown at Marion Square, the full 23 mile ride continues east through the city and on the Ravenel Bridge bicycle lane. We ride to Patriots' Point near the town of Point Pleasant to view the other side of the harbor and the SS York, a WWII battleship. The ride then returns over the bridge, and takes quiet city streets back to the start location at Marion Square. Although there are many ways to tour the city on bike, our route uses a combination of one way streets and right turns to make it as safe and enjoyable as possible. Note that especially in the downtown areas near Calhoun, King, Meeting and East Bay St., automobile and pedestrian traffic is especially heavy during the spring tourist season.. Description, route map, and cue sheet

Sullivan's Island

East of Charleston along the Atlantic Ocean is Sullivan Island, connected to Charleston by the Ravenel bridge, the longest stayed bridge in the United States. A two way bike lane on this new bridge is already popular with cyclists and joggers alike. Take the bridge to Patriots Point and continue through the small community of Point Pleasant. A second smaller bridge (not bike lane) connects Point Pleasant with Sullivan Island, a long and narrow "outer bank". After reaching the island, we turned right on the highway and rode to Fort Moultree, where we explored its historic battlements. After stopping in Poe's Tavern for lunch, we rode north to the other end of the island , continuing to Isle of Palms . A long new bridge with a wide shoulder on either side connects this island back to Point Pleasant, but be careful of the high traffic volume and strong cross winds. We attempted to ride back to the Ravenel Bridge bicycle lane on Mathis Ferry Road but eventually chose the sidewalk due to the excessive late afternoon traffic and lack of a paved shoulder.

Our tour of Savannah Georgia took us past some remarkable architecture as we rode past this gorgeous city's famous squares. Our 10 mile leisurely tour took advantage of the city's many one-way streets and scenic boulevards as well as the traffic-slowing influence of the squares. We started at the southeast corner of Forsythe Park, working out way slowly toward the lively City Market and River Street areas. Savannah was laid out in a systematic grid, and throughout all of its neighborhoods you will find areas with interesting architecture and tree-lined boulevards. Tourism peaks in spring with trees and azaleas in full bloom. Description, route map, and cue sheet

Beaufort

Between Charleston and Savannah is sleepy Beaufort, a modest but charming town appealing for its laid-back style and antebellum mansions often surrounded by dense foliage . The town is popular with visitors who would rather sit on the porch swings that line the river walk than jostle with the crowds in Savannah and Charleston. You can ride the town's roads is an hour, then take the bridge to Lady Island and beyond for excellent cycling on quiet coastal roads.

South Carolina Bicycle Touring Guide from SCTrails.net

Northern Crescent Coastal Route Central Route Savannah River Run Carolina Connector Walter Ezell Route