A New Trail to Explore

Breathing New Life into a Well-Traveled Place

Just off the scenic stretch of Sheldon Church Road, where the past lingers in the ruins of an 18th-century church and ancient oaks stretch their limbs overhead, something new is taking root.

The Open Land Trust’s 35-acre property across from the Old Sheldon Church Ruins is now home to the newly opened Old Sheldon Woods Trail. And thanks to the dedication of our members and volunteers, it’s already walkable, marked, and waiting to be explored.

A Trail Built by Community Hands

Over the past few months, Open Land Trust volunteers have stepped up in a big way.

Through a series of hands-on trail days, they helped carve a thoughtful path through a beautiful forest landscape. With trail markers, a lush canopy overhead, and native habitat all around, this trail invites visitors to slow down — stretch your legs, breathe deeply, and soak in the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves.

Support from Dominion Energy helped bring the trail to life, funding educational signage that tells the story of the ACE Basin’s rich wildlife and conservation legacy, along with a trail map and trail markers.

And this is only the beginning. Future plans for the trail include picnic areas, a bird blind with marsh views, and interpretive signs about the plants and animals that call this place home.

Expanding Access to Nature for All

This trail is part of a broader effort by Open Land Trust to create more opportunities for people to connect with the natural world. By expanding public access on conserved lands, we aim to foster deeper appreciation for our protected places — where families can explore, learn, and experience the lasting value of nature close to home.

Time in nature grounds us, heals us, and inspires us. The Old Sheldon Woods Trail is a step toward offering that gift more freely to more people — and we’re proud it’s coming to life.

Join Us on the Journey

Interested in helping shape the future of this trail?

Fill out our volunteer form or call us at 843-521-2175 to learn more.

Plan your visit:

  • Address: 948 Old Sheldon Church Road, Yemassee, SC 29945
  • Hours:  Open Dawn to Dusk
  • There is ample parking at the trail head and Old Sheldon Church ruins are just across the road
  • No bathrooms or running water available
  • No camping
  • Bring water, bug spray, binoculars, and close toed shoes/boots are recommended

Looking for more places to explore in our area?  Check out our listing of protected properties open to the public.