One of South Carolina’s most beloved lighthouses sits stranded in the water just north of the end of Folly Beach. If you’ve never ventured out to see this incredible piece of South Carolina history, then perhaps it’s time for a little adventure. It’s a mere fourth-tenths of a mile to reach the beach that has a clear view of the Morris Island Light and along the way, you’ll be drawn in by a bit of history and some gentle ocean breezes.
Constructed in 1876 and decommissioned in 1962, the Morris Island Light is a Lowcountry treasure.
TripAdvisor/pricklypoppy Once located on the beach, decades of erosion have left her stranded considerably offshore and surrounded by the elements of the sea.
Getting out to see the light is as easy as taking a 0.4-mile lighthouse walk from the north end of Folly Island.
© Robin Jarvis Much of the walk is on a recently paved path, but for those with accessibility challenges, the hard surface ends just before reaching the beach and the view of the light.
During the Civil War, Folly was occupied by federal troops who staged an artillery battery on the north end of the island.
TripAdvisor/HMCola Later uses of the area here would leave some structural remains that you’ll pass on your way to the beachfront. Long before the Civil War, in the 1700s, the island now known as Folly was nicknamed Coffin Island because it was where the sick people trying to enter Charleston via ships were dropped off — most met their death here.
The short hike out to see the Morris Island Lighthouse is a peaceful stroll.
Flickr/Ted Kerwin You can expect to meet many others along the way, as this is a well-traveled path.
In recent years, the local interest in the Morris Island Light has risen significantly with the help of a non-profit organization called Save The Light, whose sole interest is to preserve this incredible piece of history for generations to come.
© Robin Jarvis
We’re not going to sugarcoat it: the last couple of hundred yards to reach the view of the light is an uphill battle through some pretty soft sand.
© Robin Jarvis It’s a bit of a challenge after the ease of taking your time and enjoying the sights while walking on the paved path prior to reaching the sand.
Just take your time… there’s a huge reward just over the crest of that huge sand dune you’re climbing!
© Robin Jarvis There is a beach at this end of Folly and while it’s perfect for gawking at the lighthouse or shelling, or just walking… you won’t want to swim here due to the major currents found at this end of the island. But a picnic would be nice!
Or, time your lighthouse walk to coincide with the sunrise and you’ll find it’s an entirely different view!
Photo credit: Highlywood Photography / Getty Images
Ready to check it out? Drive to Folly Beach and turn left onto E Ashley Avenue and then drive all the way to the end, where you’ll reach the spot seen below.
Google /Maps There are no legal parking spots in this turnaround area, but prior to reaching it you should find a legal spot or two.
For more on the Morris Island Lighthouse Trail, consult our friends at alltrails.com. The lighthouse walk is always open and admission is free.
TripAdvisor/pricklypoppy
Once located on the beach, decades of erosion have left her stranded considerably offshore and surrounded by the elements of the sea.
© Robin Jarvis
Much of the walk is on a recently paved path, but for those with accessibility challenges, the hard surface ends just before reaching the beach and the view of the light.
TripAdvisor/HMCola
Later uses of the area here would leave some structural remains that you’ll pass on your way to the beachfront. Long before the Civil War, in the 1700s, the island now known as Folly was nicknamed Coffin Island because it was where the sick people trying to enter Charleston via ships were dropped off — most met their death here.
Flickr/Ted Kerwin
You can expect to meet many others along the way, as this is a well-traveled path.
It’s a bit of a challenge after the ease of taking your time and enjoying the sights while walking on the paved path prior to reaching the sand.
There is a beach at this end of Folly and while it’s perfect for gawking at the lighthouse or shelling, or just walking… you won’t want to swim here due to the major currents found at this end of the island. But a picnic would be nice!
Photo credit: Highlywood Photography / Getty Images
Google /Maps
There are no legal parking spots in this turnaround area, but prior to reaching it you should find a legal spot or two.
Address: 1750 E Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC, 29439
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