Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapOverview
The Sawmill Branch Multi-Use Trail is a 6.9-mile paved pathway that follows the Sawmill Branch Canal through the town of Summerville.
About the Route
Starting from its northern end at 500 E Richardson Avenue, just east of Summerville's main drag, this flat, 10-foot wide, paved trail follows the Sawmill Branch Canal along a wooded area in the southern part of the city for just shy of seven miles. The southern end of the trail is at the YMCA Trailhead (908 Crosscreek Dr, Summerville).
Most of the road crossings on this trail go under the roads, making for a pleasant—and safe—journey. The adjacent canal and wooded lands make for scenic accompaniment, although the trail itself receives minimal shade, so be sure to come prepared with sunscreen. Keep an eye out for wildlife like egrets and heron along this wooded trail and signs warn to be mindful of alligators, which can occupy the canal.
The Sawmill Branch Trail runs between the E Richardson Ave Trailhead (500 E Richardson Ave, Summerville) and the YMCA Trailhead (908 Crosscreek Dr, Summerville), both of which offer parking.
Parking is also available at:
Visit the TrailLink map for all parking options and detailed directions.
The signage for the intact part of the trail was below average. The detour section was poorly marked unless you are familiar with the road building project. It will be much nicer when completed, but for now it is best to avoid that area.
We got on the trail at E. Richardson Avenue. To our surprise there is a major road being put in a couple miles into the ride. You can pass through the construction but it is definitely a boot unpleasant.
I moved to Summerville Nov 2020. I enjoyed this trail until Dec 2021 (one year). Charge cards and cash stolen from the trunk of my car. A police report was taken. I have not felt self nor been back since.
My wife and I rode our tandem bike on this trail Mon-Thurs beginning on 4Jan21. We parked off of Richardson Rd and went about 6 miles out and back each day. There are no bathrooms. There were very few riders/walkers. When Mel says she liked the trail, she means it was not hard pedaling! This one met her requirements and she was willing to go back daily for an hour of easy exercise! Watch out for two road crossings where the trail changes to the flip side of the canal! I enjoy a bike trail that is clean of trash, and this one was very clean! We had a great time!
Nice but a bit too rough for inline skating.
It’s a nice trail and I enjoyed it, but I wouldn’t recommend it during the summertime. It’s open and there’s no shade. It’s amazing during the wintertime though.
Very nice trail. Smooth surface and fairly flat trail. Need more signage. We didn't see many signs and it was a little confusing at times. Not much shade so it was a hot ride (in the 90's). Might be better to plan to ride it in the morning or late in the afternoon or just during cooler weather.
this is a fantastic trail with many areas to gain access to. safe for all types of exercise walks jogging bikers runners and even the recreational dog walk. although I would recommend they add more trash bins along the way for "poo-bags" to be left. they even have a water fountain for dogs at midway. My dogs enjoy this trail jog.
My girlfriend and I have used this trail twice for walks and jogging. The trail is very flat and looks like it would be great for quick bike rides or some longer distance running. There is not much shade from the trees in the daytime, and the scenery is uneventful. The section we walked was close to a main road, so the road noise was easy to hear for the 1.5 miles we walked. If you're looking for a scenic trail for walking or hiking, this isn't it. If you are looking to run or bike on a paved surface without having to worry about traffic, you'll get a lot of use out of the Sawmill Branch Trail.
I enjoy bike riding on this trail. It is smooth, peaceful, well maintained and safe for casual biking and walking. There are only two, two-lane roads to cross, as the path goes underneath the busier roads. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. So far this month (May) I have seen deer on almost every ride, hawks, 2 soft-shell turtles in the canal (among the midst of yellow belly turtles), a tree full of barred owls and more cardinals than I can count. It is nice to hear the birds call as they fly over and enjoy the shade of the oaks and maple trees. I can't wait for the construction on Bacon's Bridge Road to finish so that the whole trail is accessible.
This was my first bike trail and the scenery is good. There are a few places to stop and rest and even a few places set up to do strength training exercises. Trail maps lack specifics but use of Apple maps made quick work of map issues. Overall good, safe, easy trail.
I've walked, run, and cycled on this trail for close to 20 years. It's perfect for long runs, especially as you can incorporate adjoining neighborhoods for additional miles. I've felt safe running on my own for the most part, but be sure to lock your vehicle and put valuables out of sight. People have gotten into my car twice in the last year, though I almost always remember to lock it.
One of the bridges that goes over the trail is being replaced. As a result, the trail is closed at that point. There is no official detour which is sad because many people use this trail as a safe alternative to riding or walking on Dorchester Rd. I made a map showing the closure and the detour that I use.
https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zsD7RU7q5ygU.ky3CVJ10URUU
I rode out and back the full length of the Sawmill Trl 12/12/2013. I agree with all the positive reviews below. I found that at the south end of the trail, where the recreation fields are located, there is a bridge that crosses the canal to west. A rider can then ride a narrow circuitous trail through a grove of trees up to Dorchester Rd and follow it to Trolley Rd. My guess is they will eventually join trails on Trolley Rd. I was pleased to gain a bit more latitude in my quest to cross the country from Canada to Mexico on trails only.
I'm a newcomer to "TrailLink"...and the Sawmill Branch Trail was my first hike as a result of using this website. The trailhead was difficult for me to find, although, once I stumbled upon it, it seemed rather obvious. It may of been a combination of my lack of familiarity with the area, and the directions I was using. I started the trail at the endpoint near the YMCA, and hiked the entire trail, turned around and came back. The entire trek took me about 4 hours. The hike was satisfactory-although, I found myself thinking this would be a great training avenue for running (particularity for distance runners.) Nothing spectacular really to see, and the terrain was very flat. I could envision using this trail more often if I lived in the local area; but since I'm some distance away, it's probably not something I would attempt again.
The trail is paved and is good for cyclists, walkers, and runners.
If you're looking for 6.75 miles of uninterrupted walking and riding trails...this is it. No super-busy streets to cross...ample parking...100% paved....well-maintained, marked down to how far you've walked. You cannot go wrong with the Sawmill-Branch Walk/Bike trail. No seedy neighborhoods, excellent views and beautiful nature.
Sawmill Branch is a great choice for walkers, joggers & cyclists who live in the Summerville/Goose Creek/Charleston area. The asphalt path is wide & pancake flat throughout, & at ~6 miles one way is a good distance for cyclists who are looking for a quick out & back. There are multiple parking areas throughout the length of the trail & only a couple of points where the trail crosses a road. The only downside to the trail is there are no "restrooms" or porta-johns along the trail. However, there is a porta-john at the end of the trail near the YMCA soccer fields. The trail is located in a typical suburban setting w/ a nice adjacent tree-lined buffer to the surrounding neighborhoods. While not a refuge for wildlife, one may often see egrets, herons & turtles down in the creek.
_0_nb.jpg)
_2592_nb.jpg)
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
