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. This Folly Beach lighthouse walk is about fourth-tenths of a mile. Here, you’ll get epic views of the water and a clear view of the Morris Island Lighthouse. You’ll also be drawn in by a bit of history and some gentle ocean breezes as you meander the Morris Island Lighthouse Trail.

Constructed in 1876 and decommissioned in 1962, the Morris Island Lighthouse is a Low Country treasure.
TripAdvisor/pricklypoppy
Once located on the beach, decades of erosion have left the Folly Beach lighthouse stranded considerably offshore and surrounded by 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.
AllTrails/Kristin Kline
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.
AllTrails/Liene K
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 there.
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 with hikers eager to explore this historical site in South Carolina.

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In recent years, the local interest in the Morris Island Lighthouse 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.
AllTrails/Bill Doaner
We're not going to sugarcoat it: The last couple of hundred yards of the Morris Island Lighthouse Trail to reach the view of the light is an uphill battle through some pretty soft sand.
AllTrails/Shaun Chamberlain
It's a bit of a challenge after the ease of taking your time and enjoying the sights while walking on the paved path before reaching the sand.
Just take your time... there's a huge reward just over the crest of that huge sand dune. Once on top, you will have just proved that you can walk to Morris Island Lighthouse!
AllTrails/B Walsh
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! Feel free to also take a look at AllTrails to learn more about other hikes in the area.
Or, time your Folly Beach lighthouse walk to coincide with the sunrise, and you'll find it's an entirely different view. Just remember to bring your camera!
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 to the end.
AllTrails/Tara Buckley
There are no legal parking spots in this turnaround area, but before reaching it, you should find a legal spot or two. Consider using AllTrails as a resource when planning this historic hike too.

For more on the on this Folly Beach lighthouse walk, consult our friends at Alltrails.com. The lighthouse walk is always open and admission is free. If you’re interested in exploring more hikes in South Carolina and beyond, I encourage you to take advantage of AllTrail’s special sign-up offer too.

What to explore some more? You’ll find information about more trails to check out in our coverage of historical hikes in South Carolina.

 

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More to Explore

Folly Beach Lighthouse Walk

Marla S. | July 24, 2023

Can you walk to Morris Island Lighthouse?

You just learned that you can walk to Morris Island Lighthouse and view it from a distance while you're standing on Folly Beach. However, if you'd like to get a closer look, you'll need to take a boat as it's not accessible by car. However, if you're on the quest to see some lighthouses up close, take a look at our Lighthouse Road Trip on the South Carolina coast. 

What are some popular beach hikes in South Carolina? 

In addition to Morris Island Lighthouse Trail, here are some more popular beach hikes in South Carolina:

 

For more hiking options, take a look at these top trails in South Carolina too.

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Morris Island Lighthouse, 1750 E Ashley Ave, Folly Beach, SC 29439, USA