In the late 1800's the Savannah Valley RailRoad connected travelers and goods to Anderson and Charleston... Today, the historic railroad connects recreational enthusiasts with the beauty of the Little River Blueway & Savannah River areas.
The Savannah Valley Rails to Trails project is now underway. What was once just a dream by Savannah Lakes Village residents Frank Clayton and Don Norton, is now becoming a reality. Clearing of the the old railway bed is in progress on a section from Barksdale Ferry Road to Worship Site Road and from Huguenot Parkway to Willington.
The trail follows the road bed of the old C & WC Railroad from Charleston to Anderson, which was constructed in 1885. The Interstate Commerce Commission approved discontinuing rail service in 1978, and the South Carolina Department of Commerce purchased the roadway in 1983. The idea for a recreational trail began in the mid-1990s. It is to be open to just hikers and bikers; no motorized vehicles.
The proposed thirty-five mile project is located in a scenic extensively vegetated area along the Savannah River and the Little River area. Ultimately, it will connect Calhoun Falls in Abbeville County to McCormick in McCormick County with Baker Creek, Hickory Knob, and Calhoun Falls State Parks.
The 96 District Resource, Conservation, and Development Council has a license from SC Department of Commerce to develop, maintain and operate the trail on the railroad right of way and a MOU with the US Forest Service to develop and construct a trail on US Forest Service land.