Do you ever have the itch to get in your car and drive? I used to - a lot. Especially once I felt that weather dip between summer and fall, it just enticed me to get into my car, roll the windows down, and enjoy the scenery. If you're like me and want to enjoy a scenic South Carolina drive with a remote destination that is well worth the trip, then we have the perfect day trip for you. Driving along Ashley River Road, a National Scenic Byway, isn't a long journey. But when you pair it with a stop at Audubon Swamp Garden, you'll have a two-for-one adventure not to be missed.
The drive along Ashley River Road (SC Highway 61) in South Carolina is a scenic 11-mile journey rich with history, culture, and natural beauty. Stretching from just outside Charleston into the Lowcountry, this road offers a glimpse into the past with its deep connection to the region's colonial and antebellum history.
Running parallel to the Ashley River, this road holds much historical significance within just a few short miles. Authorized for construction in 1691, the road was initially planned to connect Charleston to the Ashley Barony, but it wasn't fully completed until 1721. Likely the oldest road still in use in South Carolina, it played a vital role in the growth of Charleston, the development of the Ashley River region, and the state's early history.
The drive itself is beautiful. Lined with towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, the road meanders alongside the Ashley River, offering picturesque views of marshlands. It's known for being part of the Ashley River Historic District, which includes several historic sites worth stopping for.
Old St. Andrew's Parish Church is the oldest surviving structure used for worship south of Virginia and the state's only remaining cruciform church. If you're up for a challenge, try to spot the remains of Fort Bull, a Confederate earthenwork fortification abandoned by the time Union forces reached Charleston.
But one stop you must make is at the Audubon Swamp Garden, a remote destination with the most stunning views.
The swamp garden offers visitors a unique chance to explore a vast cypress and tupelo swamp teeming with wildlife. The raised boardwalks and trails wind through the wetlands, allowing you to view alligators basking in the sun, herons and egrets fishing in the shallow waters, and turtles resting on fallen logs. Birdwatchers will appreciate the variety of species attracted to the swamp, particularly during migration seasons.
The Audubon Swamp Garden feels like stepping into a magical world, with towering trees draped in Spanish moss and the still waters reflecting cypress knees and contrasting greenery. It’s easy to get lost in the beauty, but don’t worry—interpretive signs along the way make sure you’re learning something cool about the swamp’s unique ecosystem as you go. Make sure to snap some photos, take time to spot wildlife, and just enjoy the views.
What do you think of this unique day trip adventure in South Carolina? Share with a friend if you want to experience it! You can also check out more information on Ashley River Road via the National Scenic Byway Foundation or when to visit the Audubon Swamp Garden.
Need some fun road trip snacks for your drive? Don't worry, we have you covered.
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