Wednesday, October 21, 2026 8:30 am – 12:00pm
Beyond our Backyard – Biking & Birding the Greenway
Location: Meet at Parking area for West Ashley Greenway (McLeod Mill Rd. nr. Main Rd./SR S 10-20)
Max: 12
Cost None for members; $10 donation for guests
In September, we walked a portion of the Greenway. With cooler weather, we’ll explore a longer portion of the greenway. Grab your bike and join us as we bike the West Ashley Greenway! This trail stretches about 8 miles from Johns Island to the South Windermere Shopping Center on Folly Road (parking available at either end). The trail is open from dawn to dusk. It’s 100 feet wide and mostly hard-parked dirt and some asphalt. Plus, the trail is flat so it’s great for beginning bikers and kids. For the most part, the trail runs parallel to U.S. Highway 17 past neighborhoods, parks and marshes so there’s plenty to see. The City of Charleston Department of Parks has confirmed motorized handicap scooters may utilize the Greenway for this activity so some members may want to “bike” the Greenway in their scooters.
On Johns Island, the dirt gives way to rough gravel and narrow bridge crossings (beach/mountain bikes are better than road bikes on this section). Here the broad wetlands flank the trail, presenting magnificent views and rewarding bird sightings. If your timing is right, you may catch sight of the tidal flow that carved these lacework channels.
We likely will only get part-way down the trail…we make lots of stops on the trip out and faster on the return trip.
Join several SIB members for this biking & birding trip at the West Ashley Greenway. We hope to see shorebirds like egrets, herons and Roseate Spoonbills in the tidal marsh areas. We should see/hear some of our migratory friends as well as late departing summer birds and early arriving winter residents. And birds of prey are common to see flying overhead. Past fall excursions to this location have had a high of 58 species and a lor of 24.
Be sure to bring binoculars, camera, hats, sunscreen, bug repellant, snacks and water. Once we complete our ride, some participants will likely visit Angel Oak Cafe for lunch where all are welcome to join us.
If you are not yet a 2026 SIB member, you may become a member for only $15 by following the instructions on our website: Become a Member. You may bring the form and your dues to the event. Or you may pay the Guest Fee of $10.
Once you are a member, please register no later than Monday October 19, 2026. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior the event.
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