Edisto Island National Scenic Byway

The youngest and the smallest of the three Edisto churches on the National Register of Historic Places, the Trinity Episcopal Church bathes in sunlight with a backdrop of blue sky and cotton-like clouds.

The Edisto Island National Scenic Byway follows a 17-mile segment of a state scenic highway that winds through Edisto Island all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Signs along the way identify the road as SC 174 Scenic Highway.

Visitors learn about the Edisto State Park from a park ranger at the Edisto Beach State Park Interpretive Center, which has talks, activities and outings that introduce visitors to the internationally-known ACE Basin. Visitors can learn about this fragile ecosystem through hands-on exhibits, touch tanks containing live sea creatures, and nature walks.

The turn-off of SC 174 onto State Cabin Road and the Edisto Beach State Park Interpretive Center are well-marked by a large brown sign amongst lush greens.

The bridge at Dawhoo Landing crawls across the crystal water and fresh green grass. Below the bridge, a public boat landing allows access to the water as well as closeup views of pelicans and boats. The traveler can also go crabbing, fishing or have a picnic.

A moss-draped canopy of oak trees covers a road, leaving exotic patterns.

Miles of pristine spartina marshes greet visitors of the Edisto Island Scenic Byway/SC 174. Moss-covered trees create a mysterious effect on the landscape.

The Edisto Island National Scenic Byway ends at the Atlantic Ocean and the main entrance to Edisto Beach State Park. No visit is complete without walking on the sand picking up shells, fossils, and sharks teeth…or simply sitting quietly as the sun turns the waves into a sea of diamonds.

The Old First Baptist Church, the second of Edisto's churches on the National Register of Historic Places, is the oldest church building still in use on the island. Expanded after the conclusion of the Civil War, the rear part the building dates to 1818.

The Gullah heritage remains today in the skilled hands of the sweetgrass basket weavers who create intricate designs using local plant materials.

The start of Edisto Island Scenic Byway is indicated by a large sign at the base of McKinley Washington, Jr. Bridge. The sweeping bridge joins Edisto Island to the mainland.

Arriving at the terminus of the Edisto Island Scenic Byway, visitors will see the Atlantic Ocean directly ahead and a large sign for Edisto Beach State Park on their left.

A man smiles as he picks out fresh tomatoes from the King's Market.

A couple explores some of the many bike trails in the area, catching a glimpse of the wading birds that frequent these marshes.

The sun rises casting orange, red, and pink light across the Intracoastal Waterway along the Edisto Island National Scenic Byway.

The austere Historic Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island, on the National Register of Historic Places, stands tall and proud over the landscape, a landmark for all visitors.

The Historic Windsor House, a white-columned plantation house built in 1858, looms over Russell Creek.

Visitors to the Edisto Island Scenic Byway can stop at the well-marked outdoor information kiosk in front of the Edisto Chamber of Commerce. Available year-round, the kiosk offers brochures and maps and is located right on SC 174 at the beginning of Edisto Beach.

The white facade of the Edisto Island Museum invites visitors to enter and explore the artifacts and remnants of history in the museum.

The white paneling of Bailey's Store stands behind brilliant red flowers.

Blanketed in orange sunbeams, the Edisto Beach greets visitors with a warm welcome.