Turning into the entrance gate of Mepkin Abbey, one first journeys through ‘oak alley’, the compelling long entryway drive flanked on both sides by rows of ancient live oak trees. Approaching the Crossroads at the end of the road, one encounters the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue inviting and welcoming visitors into the monastery with open outstretched arms. Accompanying nearby signs direct visitors to the layout of the larger abbey grounds, including to the major gardens and scenic Cooper River overlook.In all directions, live oaks are in various growth stages as you walk along. There is hardly a tree at Mepkin that was not damaged by Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Since then, the diligent arboriculture of more than 500 trees has preserved what you see today.
