After you exit the fortified area on the History Trail, you will come to the junction with the Garden Trail. You can turn right to see the Legare/Waring house and view the ruins of the Horry-Lucas house, evidence of the continued use of the site after the settlement period. Turn left and you will enter the gardens where you can see azaleas, camellias, wisteria, bald cypress, and Japanese yews.

From the the Visitor Center, walk a short distance on the Historic Trail and turn left onto the the Animal Forest Trail where you will see an incredible variety of native South Carolina animals in a natural habitat zoo. You may view herons, egrets, pelicans, and white ibises from the boardwalk. Follow the directional signs to the wolf, bear, deer, elk, bison, puma, bobcat, alligator, and otter habitats.

Restrooms, water, and snacks are available at the Visitor Center. Restrooms are also located throughout the park. Bikes and pets are only permitted between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. No food is permitted in the Animal Forest. Insect repellent is recommended during warm weather. 

Length: Historic Trail 1.5 miles, Animal Forest Trail 1.0 mile, and Garden Trail 0.3 mile..

Directions: From Charleston drive west on US 17 south and cross the Ashley River Bridge. Bear right onto SC 61/171, drive two miles and bear right on SC 171. The Charles Towne Landing entrance is one mile on the right.

From Exit 216 A on I-26, drive south on SC 7 for four miles and bear left on US 171. The Charles Towne Landing entrance is one mile on the left.

Camping: No camping.

Park Information: Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, 1500 Old Towne Road, Charleston, SC, 29407. Phone: 843-852-4200.