Jim-Schmid’s-bicycle-next-Greenwood-SP-sign-9-1-83
The Walter Ezell route is the mountains to sea bicycle touring route proposed back in 1978 by Walter Ezell. When I got involved with the mapping project I added five more touring routes. After a year of researching, mapping, driving, and biking the routes it was time to tackle the route that started it all. I wish I could have biked the entire length, but the weather got me. I was able to bike 130 miles of the 290 mile route. I biked from Wednesday to Friday, August 31 to September 2. Here’s link to my webpage of that adventure.
Narrative from Bicycle Touring Guide:
I
n 1978, Walter Ezell, then the president of the Spartanburg Freewheelers, promoted the concept of a map designating low volume highways suitable for bicycle touring from the mountains to the sea. After several years of work by many volunteers, the project has been completed and we feel it is appropriate to name this route in recognition of his work.
From the Blue Ridge Mountain Foothills to the coast, this 290-mile route traverses some of South Carolina’s most interesting natural and historic areas. Showcasing a variety of terrain, the route passes over steep grades in the foothills, rolling terrain in the midlands, and flat land in the coastal area.
You will have access to three state parks, Keowee-Toxaway, Lake Greenwood, and Santee, as well as other camping opportunities in the Francis Marion National Forest, seven miles south of McClellanville on US 17. Camping areas are about 100 miles apart so be prepared for some long days or develop some other alternatives.
Those wishing to connect with a North Carolina route can contact the North Carolina Bicycle program and request a JKL Mountain Connector Map set.
You’ll be bicycling through the following counties: Pickens, Anderson, Abbeville, Greenwood, Saluda, Lexington, Calhoun, Orangeburg, Berkeley, Charleston.
Download Walter Ezell Route Cue Sheet Directions – Northwest to Southeast
Download Walter Ezell Route Cue Sheet Directions – Southeast to Northwest
Jim's Trail Resources 