WELCOME TO THE SPANISH MOSS TRAIL

The Spanish Moss Trail is a developing rails-to-trail greenway located and owned by 

Beaufort County, South Carolina. It is a "must-experience" outdoor activity for nearly 300,000 residents and visitors each year. Today, this 10-mile, non-motorized, multi-use Trail is a 

12-foot wide, paved path dedicated to those who walk, run, bike, or fish. The Trail connects neighborhoods, parks, schools and businesses; spurs economic development; and inspires neighborhood revitalization. The Trail has become a significant tourism attraction with its 

scenic landscape that provides spectacular saltwater vistas, coastal wildlife viewing, 

beautiful wetlands, and scores of historic points of interest.

HISTORY

In 2009, under the leadership of General Manager Dean Moss, Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority acquired the right-of-way for the historic Magnolia Rail Line to use as a utility corridor. In 2011, they granted a surface easement to Beaufort County to own and develop 16 miles of the corridor as a recreational trail – called the Spanish Moss Trail. In 2012, the model mile of the Trail was constructed with funding from the Cox Foundation. Today, the Spanish Moss Trail is two-thirds complete with 10 connected miles available for all to enjoy between Port Royal and Grays Hill.

ORGANIZATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

The Friends of the Spanish Moss Trail (FSMT) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2012 and dedicated to improving the quality of life in Beaufort County by advocating for the development, enhancements and maintenance of the Spanish Moss Trail. The FSMT are governed by an active Board of Directors, led by Founder and Executive Director Dean Moss, and managed by Director of Advancement Sissy Perryman – who is dedicated to the Trail’s fundraising efforts, grant management and implementing strategies to increase the reputation and awareness of the Spanish Moss Trail nationwide. The Trail is a Beaufort County asset and its continued success is made possible through community partnerships, government participation, and private support. 

MASTER PLAN

Soon after the FSMT was formed, it partnered with the PATH Foundation of Atlanta – an expert organization with more than 35 years of experience building hundreds of miles of trails. PATH developed a comprehensive 10-Phase Master Plan for the 16-mile, 12-foot wide concrete Spanish Moss Trail. When fully implemented, the Trail will connect Port Royal, Beaufort, Burton, Grays Hill and Seabrook – through neighborhoods, parks, Lowcountry tidal creeks, nature preserves, historic sites and businesses for recreation, transportation and conservation purposes. 

STATUS AND FUTURE

Two capital projects were recently completed – the major crossing into the Town of Port Royal and the first phase of the Downtown Beaufort Connector. Today, the FSMT are working diligently with Beaufort County to plan for the northern expansion from Clarendon Road to the Whale Branch River. In the future, the Trail will be completed through the Town of Port Royal to the Sands Beach. 

To learn more about how you can help further the development of

the Spanish Moss Trail, Click Here.