Looking for some new places to log miles as you train for your next race? Veteran runners offer these scenic locations where you might see some new, cool sites and experience parts of the Lowcountry with which you’re not familiar:
Folly Beach
Running along the beach (be careful between the groins) can be uplifting, particularly along the “Edge of America.” Remember to be careful on narrow streets parallel to the beach.
West Ashley Greenway
This former railroad track from Albemarle Road near the Ashley River to Main Road in outer West Ashley has miles of flat, good paths on which to train. It’s better in winter months when the bug population is more limited.
Kiawah Island
You can start a great beach run at the south of the island from the county’s Kiawah Beachwalker Park. But remember: It’s a healthy drive from the peninsula.
James Island County Park
This convenient park offers a bunch of trails where you can see wildlife in this sprawling area just minutes from downtown Charleston.
Francis Marion National Forest
This area north of Mount Pleasant has a lot of great trails … and lots and lots and lots of bugs. But hey, run fast and you’ll be past them.
5 other popular, scenic runs
Ravenel Bridge. What better way to train for future Bridge Runs than to run five miles over and back across the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge over the Cooper River.
Downtown Charleston. Jogging through downtown’s streets when most people are asleep is a great way to greet the morning — and a way to see Charleston when there’s not much traffic.
Mount Pleasant’s Old Village. There’s always something neat to see in the Old Village — old trees, an unnoticed cemetery, beautiful houses — whenever you run through the shady streets of Mount Pleasant’s Old Village. Make sure to check out the Pitt Street Bridge and breathe in the salt air and pluff mud.
Sullivan’s Island. Just across the Intracoastal Waterway is Sullivan’s Island where you can get a great, long run on the beach. Go early and watch an amazing sunrise.
Daniel Island. The trails around Daniel Island are the perfect place to train and stay out of the Lowcountry’s blistering summer sun, runners say.
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