Key Takeaways
- The Edisto Island National Scenic Byway is a 17-mile route along SC 174 from McKinley Washington Jr. Bridge (near SC 174/SC 162) to Edisto Beach, traversing salt marshes, creeks, maritime forests, farm fields, and historic churches.
- Highlights include buying sweetgrass baskets, local produce, and seafood at roadside stands; beach picnics, shelling, and photography at spots like Dawhoo Landing and McKinley Washington Jr. Bridge.
- Designated by the National Scenic Byways Program for its regional beauty, history, culture, and recreation.
Drive the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway and enjoy the peaceful barrier Edisto Island provides from the hectic 21st Century world of today. The route traverses salt marsh, creeks, maritime forests, farm fields and historic churches from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean. Stop at a roadside stand and buy a handmade sweetgrass basket, fill it with fresh local produce at a roadside market and fresh seafood dockside. Go for a picnic on the beach, keeping an eye out for dolphin and horseshoe crabs. Go shelling. But most of all, take your time and breathe deep: this “Edis-slow ramble” is a visual delight, with much that will soothe the spirit and awaken the senses.
Fill up your camera with memories of the exquisite landscape, like McKinley Washington Jr. Bridge, a photographers’ favorite, or Dawhoo Landing. The wide array of greens and blues will create the perfect setting for your family portrait or Holiday card.”
Enjoy real local flavor at any of the roadside stands along the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway. Local produce and products will entice even the most frugal of travelers with their distinct regional symbolism and influence. Pick out deliciously grown produce and take a piece of the byway with you.
At the end of the day spread out on Edisto Beach and feel the water caress during it’s journey of life. Think back on your experiences and check out those great pictures! Make sure to come back soon! The byway is calling.
Navigating the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway
- The byway starts at the McKinley Washington, Jr., Bridge, about 6 miles from the intersection of SC 174 and SC 162.
- Follow SC 174 south to Edisto Beach for 17 miles.
- The byway ends at Edisto Beach, near the main entrance to Edisto State Beach State Park and the intersection of SC 174 and Palmetto Blvd.
About the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway Designation
The National Scenic Byways Program recognizes highways that are outstanding examples of our nation’s beauty, history, culture, and recreational experience by designating them as All-American Roads and National Scenic Byways. The roads being featured were designated by the Secretary of Transportation from nominations submitted by the states and federal land management agencies. These designations provide a compass for people from all over the world to explore America’s treasured open roads.
Content reproduced with permission from the National Scenic Byways Online: www.byways.org
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