Coastal hikes in South Carolina are beautiful adventures any time of year, but when the temperatures and humidity levels fall to numbers that are downright pleasant, hiking anywhere in the Palmetto State becomes a pleasurable experience. One such hike begins at the end of the pavement on Folly Island's E Ashley Avenue. Take this short trail over to the beach for a lighthouse walk that delivers extraordinary views.
From the start of the trail to the beach, this short trek is a mere one-third of a mile and it's paved for nearly the entire distance.
We're headed to the northern end of Folly Island where, from the shore, we'll get a glimpse of the beloved Morris Island Light. One a clear day, there's also a great view of the Charleston Light on Sullivans Island.
After a short climb over the dunes during the last hundred feet, we arrive at the northernmost beach on Folly. (Note, it's not advised to swim here; the currents are very strong.)
The Morris Island Light was first lit in 1876. It towers 160 feet from the base to the top and was actually several hundred feet from the high tide mark on Morris Island (located directly across Lighthouse Creek) before years of erosion left it stranded in the harbor. But the lighthouse isn't the only thing to see on this walk.
Wildlife and sea life abound — even on the sandy surface of the beach.
Make this trek before dawn and, if you're lucky, you'll enjoy a brilliant sunrise and likely have the whole of the beach to yourself, except for the birds.
The Morris Island Lighthouse Trail is a wonderful way to reconnect with nature while exploring a lesser-traveled part of Folly Island.
Learn more about the trail from our friends at All Trails.
Please note that parking on Folly Beach is limited and strictly enforced. For more lighthouse adventures, take this awesome lighthouse road trip to see nine lights on the South Carolina coast.
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