New work begins on Spanish Moss Trail; will create 7-mile continuous stretch

The next phase of the Spanish Moss Trail -- the stretch from Depot Road to Broad River Boulevard -- broke ground this week.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year and will create a continuous 7-mile stretch of the trail, which is 12 feet wide and paved in concrete.

The new 2.1-mile segment was built with money from a Federal Highway Administration grant and incorporates the Battery Creek trestle, which can be used as a fishing spot.

The city of Beaufort is discussing whether to allow certain businesses such as bike rentals and cafes to operate along this phase of the trail, which is currently zoned for industrial uses.

A 10-phase master plan will create a 13.6-mile long trail for walkers, runners and bicyclists. The first three phases of the trail are open and connect Beaufort and the town of Port Royal.

Parking is located on trailheads at Depot Road, Broome Lane and Westvine Drive.

An additional segment ends near Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. Parking for that segment is at Roseida Road.

The Cox Family Foundation and the PATH Foundation are committing another $2 million to the trail if the community can raise another $250,000 match, Beaufort Mayor Billy Keyserling said in a news release.

That investment would fund the trail to Clarendon Road and Graves Hill, the release said.