West Ashley Greenway – View of the Stono River loop from Shell Point

If you're looking for an easy, scenic touring bicycle ride that delivers big on marsh views without breaking a sweat, the West Ashley Greenway – View of the Stono River loop from Shell Point is definitely worth your time. This easy 9.8-mile (15.8 km) route features a mere 72 feet (22 metres) of elevation gain and takes just over an hour to complete, making it perfect for a relaxed outing for families or casual cyclists.

What to expect on West Ashley Greenway – View of the Stono River loop from Shell Point

Expect a delightful mix of landscapes as you pedal along this rails-to-trails route. The western end, especially around Stono River County Park and Shell Point, opens up to magnificent marsh views, where you might spot egrets and observe oysters at low tide. Further along, the trail transitions from open marshland to shaded sections with trees draped in Spanish Moss, and even some boardwalks. The mixed surface of asphalt, hard-packed dirt, and some packed sand keeps things interesting, but the overall flat profile means it's an easy ride suitable for just about anyone, from families to beginning touring cyclists.

Planning your visit

Planning your ride is straightforward, especially if you start at the Stono River County Park on the western end of the Greenway. This park offers excellent amenities, including a paved parking lot, air-conditioned restrooms, picnic areas, and even a bike repair station and chilled drinking fountain. While the trail has benches and water fountains along its length, dedicated restrooms are scarce outside the park, so plan accordingly. The trail is multi-use and popular, so expect to share the path with walkers and joggers.

• Distance: 9.8 miles (15.8 km)
• Elevation gain: 72 feet (22 metres)
• Difficulty: easy
• Estimated time: 1 hours and 3 minutes