2024 Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve

Bobcat sighting at Lighthouse Inlet on August 22

Growing up in Charleston, summer vacation usually included a week’s stay at Folly Beach near the famed Washout. The beach was wider back then, and the rock groins offered a linear jungle gym of options for youthful pursuits. A buddy and I could tote a 48-quart cooler to the beach by taking one handle each, and then carry fishing rods and a dip net in our free hands. Filled with ice, bait and can soda drinks in the morning, the cooler would eventually be filled with blue crabs and whiting by the afternoon. It’s hard to quantify the amount of joy we experienced by soaking chicken necks and smoked herring at the water’s edge, but the natural resources then were both bountiful and beautiful. 

The best spot at Folly Beach to enjoy all three outdoor pursuits of birding, shelling and fishing today is at the North end of the island. What is now known as the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve Trail is a great place to spend as much time as possible.

To read my feature article in the Post and Courier click on Charleston Choice.

To view past blog entries from Tideline click on Coosawhatchie WMA -  Holy City Tarpon Tourney - Int'l Fly Fishing Film Festival - Carolina Kingfish Classic -  Fishing For Mountain Trout -  Hooked On Miracles -  HMY Lowcountry Cup - Turkeys For Tomorrow-  Carolina Ladies Billfish Classic - Paddling For Pups Photos - 2024 Atlantic Cup - Silvopasture Forestry- Beidler Forest 50th Anniversary - Charleston Race Week Photos - Southeast Shorebird Festival - ACE Basin Day Photos - Santee Big Cat Brawl - Carolina Marsh Tacky Association - SEWE Photos - Five Birding Hotspots