Cooper River Bridge Pedestrian & Bike Path

It is what it is– a pedestrian path across the bridge. The views are beautiful and the incline of the bridge is a nice change of pace from the flat lowcountry. There’s not really a designated parking area but there are plenty of places around you could park at and just walk up to the bridge path.
One thing to note is that DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED. I totally understand why (it’s all paved so no where for dogs to really relieve themselves without pooping/​peeing where people walk) but it was a huge disappointment nonetheless.
There is a separation between the walking and biking paths which makes it seems safer for both cyclists and pedestrians. There are also a few benches and alcoves where you can stand off to the side and take a break if you get tired.

Really cool way to see a lot of the city and waterfront.
Starting from the Mt Pleasant side, we parked at the Shell gas station (free parking, but could be near to impossible to find a spot at peak times), this walk takes about 1 hour each way to cross. We turned around on the other side where the bridge meets the ground level and came back.
I have traveled a great deal and I am comparing the bike/​pedestrian paths to other cities, both smaller and larger. This path is great as far as being maintained and being wide enough to accommodate lots of users. There are some lengths where the path gets narrow so group walkers or joggers need to be mindful of how much real estate they are taking up accross the path. There is a designated pedestrian «lane» and one for cyclists. These are marked off with bright yellow paint lines. Totally makes sense but not everyone seems to get it, so we saw some near-​misses and near-​collisions.
There are 2 large-​ish «pause» areas and view point at the top of the bridge. Great place to tie a shoelace, grab some water or a snack or check out the scenery and take photos.
Dogs are also allowed on the path. Totally cool but I really think the dogs need to be excellent on walks (not pulling everywhere, cutting cyclists off etc). I would not bring my own dog because she would just want to say a big happy hello to everyone… could be dangerous getting in the way, by clothes-​lining a walker/​jogger.
I am also curious why there is not a barrier fencing between the speeding cars and the pathway. Something like chain-​link could prevent fly debris from hitting pathway users. (Again, something I have seen in cities like Toronto, Sydney, Calgary.)
BIGGEST negative about this bridge and using it as a place to exercise or enjoy the fresh air: It is located along a VERY busy roadway. Breathing in car fumes is not good times. Also, there is no bathroom/​toilet facilities anywhere near the opposite end of the bridge. It’s great that the Mt P side has the gas station where you can use the facilities, fill up on water or purchase snacks.
Overall, a must-​see and must-​do attraction. Very pretty views from the bridge and the structure itself is amazing!

I love walking the bridge but every time I do, my blood pressure goes off the chart (not because of the great workout) from the lack of etiquette from other walkers! They walk in the bike lane (very daring), and they have no regard for other walkers or bikers. You’re not at home, folks! Use some manners! Aside from that, it is invigorating to walk the bridge while enjoying the views. It’s just another wonderful aspect of living in the low country!

Since I’ve moved to Mt Pleasant, this is my primary running spot. The view is phenomenal and the incline gives you a great workout! I also bike on this bridge a lot to get downtown, and it’s fantastic. I don’t own a car yet, so it’s pretty much what gives me access to the city. Every time I run on the path, I can’t help but think that I am incredibly lucky to live in such a beautiful area!

Not many elevation changes in Charleston that don’t require pushing a button, at which point a cable pulls you up to your desired floor.
Speaking of cables, the big suspension bridge that connects Mt. Pleasant and the city is hanging from the thickest ones, that are under constant tension that I can recall seeing as of late.
If your used to running flat surfaces, the bridge will test the non über runner twice. Keeping a slightly forward tilt on your ascent proved helpful for me and your really not out of the woods until the first tower is reached. On the return trip, if your legs are a bit tired, the descent can be taxing on the quadriceps.

For an early morning run, it doesn’t get any better in Charleston. Often, I will literally be the only one on the bridge. At the summit, the view of downtown Charleston — the chapels, the pier, the Cigar Factory — is breathtaking. It is the perfect place to reflect for a moment, and let the pulse settle, before running back down. Don’t forget to take some time to look deeply into the water below. It is not uncommon to see a dolphin or large turtle swimming by. At the base, on the Mount Pleasant side, there is a boysenberry bush by the water fountains. In the springtime the berries are sweet and juicy, but beware of small snakes in the area.
For an afternoon run, the bridge can be a challenge. It is backed up with the «power stroller» moms. Perfectly fit women with double wide strollers command the walk/​run lane forcing runners into the bike lane. It can get dangerous. The occasional walker who brings a dog along can also make for a precarious situation.
Overall, when others are respectful or absent, this is an ideal run in Charleston.

The Cooper River Bridge is a beautiful cable-​stayed bridge that you should check out if you are in the Charleston area (as a fun fact, it is the third longest in the Western hemisphere). The walk is fabulous and the views that you get of the Charleston Bay and the city itself are even better.
I was in Charleston this past January (when it was cold as a mofo!) and while we did not have this on our itinerary, after coming back from an early morning meeting, my sister busted through our hotel door and told me as I was rubbing the sleep from my eyes that she crossed this amazing bridge that we just had to check out. I was somewhat skeptical but once I got up and running, I figured that it would be fun to be spontaneous for once.
To be honest, I can’t remember exactly where we parked (if my baby sis reminds me, I’ll come back and update), but it was very close to the mouth of the path. Once we got on, we noticed that our jeans and boots were out of place, as many who crossed (both on legs and on wheels) were in workout gear. We were total honey badgers though, so we kept trekking on, making sure to jump out of cyclists’ way, lest we get plowed over.
We got some great shots that morning, even though the wind was pretty fierce and we felt like we would get blown away. After a good helping of the biting wind, we turned around and found more runners, walkers, and cyclists coming toward us. We were impressed with the dedication to fitness residents and visitors had, even in the face of cold, cloudy weather. Back in the car, we decided to cross the bridge on four wheels and ended up on the Mount Pleasant side. The experience of driving across the Arthur Ravenel Bridge (the bridge’s other name) was also fabulous, so if you are uninterested in burning calories, just ride your lazy butt across.

Been coming here since the old bridge! This ones a nice replacement and a lot safer!!! Lol This one looks like it’s REALLY GOOD for exercise with the bike path running on the one side.

Boyfriend and I have started walking the bridge once a week. I have to say, this is a grueling walk the first time you do it, but the views are worth it, and once you get used to the incline, having walked it a few times, its awesome.
The path is divided, half for walkers and runners, the other half for bikers. On a nice day it can get pretty crowded trying to walk. You must always be paying attention to whats going on around you, cause you might be in someones way. though most of the runners and bikers are nice enough to tell you to move before they are on top of you.
Some of the best aerial views of the Charleston harbor are at many different points on the bridge. There are 2 observations decks at the top of the two spans so you can take a break and stretch.
Water fountains are at the end of each side of the path. The total mileage from one end to the other and back is about 5 miles.
Parking at the bottom of the Mt. Pleasant side is where the park and pier are as well.
Highly recommend taking a walk at least one way on the path just to see the views, and walk to the end of the pier at sunset for some breath taking views.

The walk and view are hard to beat, one of the best in the U.S.

Favorite place to run in Charleston :). So much better than that old scary bridge I remember from growing up!
Gotta love the nice wide paths for pedestrians and bikers. I have a few routes from Mt. P to downtown so I can do my weekend long runs on the bridge. There are water fountains at the base, which is always nice, and some benches at the top. The actual name for the running and walking lane is «Wonder’s way» which is kinda cool.
Only drawback… it is about the closest thing you can get to a hill in Charleston, so always people walking, running, and biking on it! But that’s a good, healthy, thing!

I am so impressed with this bridge. The old bridges that used to be here were pretty rickety and downright scary. But the new bridge is nice and wide and a much smoother ride. Now, I can enjoy the wonderful views when crossing the bridge!

I once walked over the old Cooper River Bridge. It had a raised shoulder maybe 20 inches wide. Many cars honked at me as they passed. It wasn’t a good idea, but as a teenager I was full of ideas of that merit. Now, the Arthur J Ravenel Bridge has a wonderful pedestrian and bicyclist lane, a great spot for walks and and bike rides.
In the Summer of ’09 I visited Charleston with my girlfriend. We went for a walk together on this new Cooper River Bridge. When we were up there I had the feeling that if I had a ring to offer I would have proposed to her then. I didn’t want to do anything so rash, so I throttled back the idea and waited 6 months until we came back to Charleston in the Winter. I liked that it was something central to my home town and since I had only gone walking on the bridge with her it was something in Charleston that I shared with her and no one else, and since I’m a photographer I made sure to set up a camera to photograph us while I proposed.

Awesome!!!
I can’t say it any better than that or give a better description that the previous reviews. What I can add is Charleston must be one of the healthiest cities in America, because the streets here are crowded ALL DAY with people out for a jog or walk. This bridge is no exception, but be careful of the bicycle’s… they tend to appear out of thin air.
We decided to walk the 2.7 miles (one way) across this bridge to:
A) burn off some of the calories from earlier meals and B) take family pictures.
I have a HUGE affection for bridge architecture and our pictures came out fantastic!!! Views can’t get much better other than a helicopter ride, so take time to explore this bridge if you are in the area. You won’t be disappointed.

Anyone who loves the great out of doors, the expansive views of the Charleston Bay from upon high, and wants a superb opportunity for getting a workout should consider walking, running, or biking across the 2.5 mile-​long New Cooper River Bridge. The bridge is windy up there at times and noisy, but it is its own reward. You might not want to attempt a crossing during the heat of the day or in summer if you’re not used to the heat.

The Cooper River Bridge path is one mean run. The incline going uphill can reach 5%. However, you’ll see some of the most breathtaking scenery in Charleston. Often, you’ll see walkers, runners, and cyclers pushing the limits yet most are polite and courteous with sharing the path.
Depending on the weather, it can be extremely windy. I usually wear a hat. I also bring the IPOD to drown out the traffic. Parking can be tricky and usually park near the gas station on the Mount Pleasant side. If you’re afraid of heights, forget about it. I just love the peaceful scenery and how it takes my mind off of the killer work out I’m getting on my legs:) Fortunately, running downhill is quite fun and a relief!

12 foot path overlooks the Charleston Harbor, with a few benches at the highest points. You’ll be safe from traffic, but the separation does little to stop the noise. The walk across the river is quite a hike, but worth it. I’m always happy to see so many people taking advantage of this feature.
Be ready for wind, and bring your camera! No dogs allowed.
On the Charleston side, parking is available in a small lot off of Cooper St.