Walking Program

 

Walking Trails at Brookgreen Gardens

Lowcountry Hike
1.1 miles
Approximately 25 minutes

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Arboretum and the history of the Lowcountry Trail as you walk from the main parking lot, past Pledge Allegiance, between the galleries of the Rainey Sculpture Pavilion and continue on through the arboretum past some of our most magnificent landmark sculptures: The Saint James Triad, Gazelle Fountain, Don Quixote and Heron, Grouse, and Loon. Continuing behind the Wall Lowcountry Center, follow the shady, raised wooden platform of the Lowcountry Trail along the former rice fields, through the overseer’s archaeological site, and continue on via the natural path along the white picket fence to the Plantation Barn. Follow the sidewalk along the main road to return to the parking lot.

Beyond the Garden Stroll
2.2 miles
(2.7 miles with the addition of the Labyrinth)
Approximately 45 minutes

Stroll beyond the Garden Wall and enjoy the natural beauty and water views offered by Brookgreen. Begin at the Welcome Center parking lot, follow signs to the Holliday Cottage along the edge of Jessamine Pond and continue along the sidewalk behind the Wall Administration Building. Walking clockwise around our landmark sculpture, Youth Taming the Wild, head back toward the Gardens under the shade of a beautiful Live Oak Alleé which will carry you straight to Diana of the Chase and into the Live Oak Alleé within the Garden. Walking around the gleaming gold Dionysus and the Rosen Carolina Terrace, follow the narrow path to the left labeled “The Trail Beyond the Garden Wall.” From there you will leave the Huntington Sculpture Garden and step down to the grassy nature trail that closely follows the water’s edge and offers plenty of shady benches for a cool rest. Passing the rice field trunk, you’ll come to the Labyrinth at Brookgreen. Completing the winding Labyrinth will provide an additional ½ mile and a unique opportunity for reflection and meditation. From the Labyrinth, continue along the nature trail to the sidewalk leading to the boat dock marked by a flag pole. Turning right, continue on the sidewalk which leads straight down Magnolia Alleé, walk clockwise around Youth Taming the Wild, and back along the edge of Jessamine Pond to return to the parking lot.

Inner Garden Walk
1 mile
Approximately 20 minutes
Stay fit while enjoying the treasures of the Huntington Sculpture Garden and its spectacular seasonal flowers. Begin at the Welcome Center parking lot and follow the path in front of Keepsakes, The Brookgreen Shop, between Pledge Allegiance and Anne’s Garden. Passing by The Visionaries and the Palmetto Garden, follow the path to the left and completely around The Fountain of the Muses. As you head toward the landmark sculpture, Pegasus, also notice the massive, historic Constitution Oak on your left. Walk clock-wise around Pegasus, through the Garden gates and continue to follow the far back brick wall of the Garden. Enter the Dogwood Garden between the double urns and follow its path clockwise around Riders of the Dawn. Walking under the creeping fig-covered arch of the Brown Sculpture Court, you’ll pass between two Centaurs. Enjoy the smaller sculpture collection inside of the Court, exiting left just past the restrooms. Follow the outer wall of the Peace Garden Room for Children where you’ll find a delightful collection of well-loved animal and juvenile-themed sculptures nestled among charming plantings. Continue along the sidewalk just to the left and to the outside of the Live Oak Alleé. With a panoramic view of the Arboretum, take a right between Bella and the Bug and Torse de Femme, and you’ll find yourself at the Rainey Sculpture Pavilion and moments away from your return to Keepsakes and the parking lot.

 

Zoo Adventure Strut
0.8 mile
Approximately 15 minutes

Strut through Brookgreen Garden’s Lowcountry Zoo on this shady loop. A short walk, but quite hilly, you’ll begin across from Whispering Wings Butterfly Exhibit and walk toward the Plantation Barn. Enjoy the wildflowers on your way to the Cypress Swamp Aviary where you will encounter dozens of birds in their native habitat. Next, on your left, you’ll pass by the Otter River Basin Retreat and the Alligator Swamp. Continue around the loop and take in the delightful Lowcountry animals of the Fox Glade, Birds of Prey Aviary, and the Deer Savannah. Return to the Barn to complete your zoo adventure strut. Limited parking is available at the zoo, but you may prefer to take the shuttle bus from the Welcome Center or walk directly from the main parking lot.

 

You may download a copy of the map by clicking on the link below. You will need Adobe Reader to view it.

Walking Trails Map