Old Loop Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Wildlife

You'll park across the road in the main section of the State Park next to Edisto River. The park will have an entrance fee and have restrooms in that area. Limited in area for supplies, two small connivence stores close to park, otherwise Summerville is the nearest town for supplies.

First mile or so is large gravel that can roll under your feet or roll an ankle on if not careful. Once past, for the most part it is just a level overgrown dirt road with tall grasses.

The gate to this trail is right across Givhans Ferry Road/S-30 from the main entrance to the park. It is not a heavily used trail as the old, logging road (now forest management) is overgrown in some places with grasses. This helps hold the big gravel in place while running at the beginning.

In the first mile, you'll pass cypress, a few large bird houses among the more dense tree coverage on the sides.

About a mile in, there is a small bench on the left side (newish but not heavily used looking), which makes a good place to rest or listen to birds. Just beyond the bench, some trees have been cleared, offering nice views through the trees.

The next 2 miles of the trail is quiet as you are the farthest away from the road. Around 2 miles in, there is a water channel you cross that is long and straight and isn't too difficult to cross. The water does not look to be flowing with any current. There is also some ferns in spots and small bamboo shoots in other areas that outline the trail.

About a mile or so before exiting the trail will be another small covered bench on your left.

At the end of the trail when it comes back out to the main road, you can either backtrack on the trail, or take a left on the road to follow the side of the road to the park entrance—about 0.5 mile.

Long Needle Pines mostly, some Cypress, Sweet Gums, Bamboo, wild mushrooms, some wildflowers depending on the season, ferns to name a few things. During certain parts of season, probably many mosquitos, so be prepared.

The group this trail would best be suited for, would be the bird watchers, as this area has many different birds, bird / bat houses hidden among the forest and the land is managed to try to encourage birds to the area.