If you haven't taken your kids on the Sawmill Branch Trail yet, this is the week to change that. It's one of those spots that feels like it should require more effort to find but it's right here in Summerville, just south of downtown, running alongside the old Sawmill Branch Canal. We are lucky to live close to an entry point, so now that our four year old learned how to ride his bike we’ve been taking advantage of it frequently as a family!
The trail is a paved, flat, 10-foot wide path that stretches just under seven miles one way (about 13 miles total out and back). A buffer of trees lines most of the route, which keeps it shaded at certain times of day and surprisingly peaceful even in the middle of a Lowcountry summer morning. There are no significant hills, no confusing intersections — just a smooth, wide path alongside the canal that's genuinely ideal for little bike riders, strollers, scooters, or anyone who just wants to walk somewhere that doesn't feel like a parking lot.
Along the way there are fitness stations and a playground at Newington, so you can break it up and let the kids burn some energy mid-route before heading back. Riding to the Newington playground is one of our favorite rides! The trail is also dog-friendly on a leash, so bring the dog too. For adventurous older kids (or dads), there's an adjacent off-road singletrack trail called the Sawmill Ridges tucked in alongside it for when the paved version starts to feel a little tame.
The best entry points are near Gahagan Road (right next to Summerville Catholic School), Luden Drive (small parking area off Luden Drive near the canal), or Bacons Bridge Road. All are free to access. If you're heading out this week, go in the morning before the heat really kicks in or use it as an post-dinner activity.
Lately, our favorite way to use the trail is to bike to downtown Summerville. The exit on Richardson Ave. is just a couple minute ride away from downtown. Just use caution when crossing Richardson even though there’s a crosswalk— cars tend to drive really fast. Once we get downtown we let the boys run around in Hutchinson Square or treat them to a slice at Benny’s, ice cream at Simple Treasures, or a hot dog and Italian ice at Puma’s which makes it an even more fun (but still affordable outing). Riding down to the farmer’s market on Saturday mornings is a super fun option, too!
