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The Coastal Trail

 

St. James Santee Church
St. James Santee Church, McClellanville.
Photo by Ron Anton Rocz.

The Coastal Trail celebrates the sites that can be visited from Mt. Pleasant to the South Santee River. This area was one of the largest producers of rice in the state until the early part of the 20th century. Beginning in Mt. Pleasant, stop at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and learn of the war heroes of World War II and more recent conflicts. Boat departures are available from this site to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began on April 12, 1861. Mt. Pleasant boasts a lovely historic district and offers shopping, restaurants, and lodging. Fort Moultrie, where Edgar Allen Poe was stationed, is just a few moments away on Sullivan's Island. Learn of the valor of those who guarded this fort from the Revolutionary War through World War II.

Continue to travel north and stop at various sweetgrass basket stands on Highway 17. Next, visit the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, the home of Charles Pinckney, farmer, patriot, and framer of the United States Constitution. Boone Hall Plantation, with its brick slave cabins, lies opposite, and both are located on Longpointe Road.

Bull's Island Ferry, Moores Landing.

Travel to the Sewee Environmental and Educational Center, Awendaw, to learn more about the maritime forest and its habitat before visiting the Francis Marion Forest. Tours of Bull Island, in the heart of the Cape Romaine Wildlife Refuge, are available. Wildlife surrounds you on this coastal island.

At the South Santee River, the visitor can tour Hampton Plantation State Historic Site and learn about 18th-century rice culture. Nature trails are available to cycle or wander at the Santee Coastal Reserve. To finish the trail, visit the quaint fishing village of McClellanville, where shopping, dining, lodging, and tour opportunities abound.

Coastal Trail Map

 
Places to dine along the Coastal Trail

Gullah Cuisine
1717 Highway 17, Mt. Pleasant
Lowcountry restaurant, specializing in okra gumbo, Gullah rive, hoppin' john, collards, cabbage, and succotash. Tuesday-Friday, lunch and dinner. (843) 881-9076.
Things to do along the Coastal Trail

Mt. Pleasant/Isle of Palms Visitor Center
Highway 17 at G.M. Blvd., Mt Pleasant
Complete visitor information for East Cooper and the Charleston area. 1-800-868-8118.

Fort Sumter
Located in the mouth of Charleston Harbor, this fort was where the Civil War began on April 12, 1861. Daily, except Christmas Day. (843) 722-BOAT.

Fort Moultrie
1214 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island
This National Park Service site was active from 1776 until WWII. Daily, except Christmas day. (843) 833-3123.

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
1254 Longpoint Road, Mt. Pleasant
Discover Charles Pinckney's contribution to the U.S. Constitution and America. Daily, except Christmas Day. Free. (843) 881-5516.

Museum on the Common and Shem Creek Maritime Museum
510 Mill Street, Mt. Pleasant
Local maritime history museum and "Hurricane Hugo Revisited" exhibit. Free. (843) 849-9000.

East Cooper Heritage Trail
Mt. Pleasant
A 90-minute step-on guided historical and cultural sojourn highlighting the African American experience east of Charleston. Customized packages are available. Reservation. (843) 881-3275.

Hidden Landmarks Tour
Mt. Pleasant
Guided tour of historic sites in Francis Marion Forest, and boat excursions to view shore, wading, and migratory fowl. (843) 971-9020.

Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center
5821 Highway 17, Awendaw
Information on Francis Marion National Forest and Cape Romaine Wildlife Refuge. Free. (843) 928-3368.


Hampton Plantation, McClellanville.

Hampton Plantation State Historic Site
1950 Rutledge Road, McClellanville
This Georgian style plantation house, situated on the Santee River, was once a substantial rice plantation that hosted diplomats and wealthy families of the Colonial period. Educational programs showcase its history and architecture. (843) 546-9361.

Santee Coastal Reserve
Highway 17, McClellanville
Nature trails available for biking/hiking, including a 2-1/2-mile trail with a boardwalk overlooking a 500-acre lake. Wonderful assortment of deer, hawks, alligators, otters, and more. (843) 546-8665.

Town of McClellanville
405 Pinckney Street, McClellanville
Seafood capital, surrounded by the Cape Romaine Wildlife Refuge and the Francis Marion National Forest. Dining, lodging, and shopping available. (843) 887-3712.

Patriots Farm Strawberry Station
10970 Highway 17, McClellanville
Farm-fresh strawberries, u-pick, we-pick. Daily, 8:00-6:00, April-June. (843) 887-4010.
Places to shop along the Coastal Trail

Common Courtyard and the Fifth Season
510 Mill Street, Mt. Pleasant
Quaint specialty shops. working artists. Overnight accommodations and extended stay. Shem Creek Village. Monday-Saturday, 10:00-6:00. (843) 884-5000.

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This page was last updated July 21, 2004..