Some Lovely Parks Outside Charleston
While Charleston’s city parks keep us plenty busy, we also like to venture to other areas of Lowcountry to explore their parks and green spaces.
Our friends at the Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy have a really great marsh view trail and butterfly garden in Mount Pleasant. The public trail consists of a .25-mile nature walk across a 57-acre conservation easement. The property is at 1619 Rifle Range Road (behind the Mount Pleasant Waterworks Operations Center). In spring 2012, the Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy and its partners built a butterfly garden at the trail’s entrance. The trail not only attracts butterflies, but also is an educational opportunity for visitors to learn more about butterflies and their habitat.
The Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy’s mission is to preserve natural spaces in Charleston County. This organization assisted the Parks Conservancy is securing property in West Ashley, which is being developed as a community garden.
While you’re exploring Mount Pleasant, also check out Shem Creek Park, a 2,200-foot boardwalk from Coleman Boulevard to the mouth of Shem Creek at Charleston Harbor. The park – constructed by the Town of Mount Pleasant – has 250 feet of floating dock space and a commercial fishing dock. Take your camera and get some great sunset photos over the creek.
Head north to Summerville and explore the town’s beautiful Azalea Park, known for its abundance of azaleas blooming in the spring. The park is 12 acres of paths, sculptures, gardens and ponds.
What parks outside the city of Charleston are your favorites?