Interpretive Trail

Mill Pond Nature

(Woods Bay State Natural Area)

Description: This easy, 0.9-mile loop trail is well marked and abounds with the beautiful vegetation typical of a Carolina Bay area. As you walk you will be surrounded by many sights and sounds, ranging from the songs of many kinds of birds to the rapping sounds of carpenter frogs during the spring. Some of the birds you may see or hear are, wood thrushes, blue and white-eyed vireos, orchard orioles, summer tanagers, and several kinds of warblers including the prothonotary warbler. Animals you may see in and around the pond range from raccoons, river otters, and alligators to various snakes and tiny tree frogs. To delight the fishermen, the Mill Pond is also home for fish such as bream and bass.

Length: 0.9 mile loop

Directions: From Exit 141 on I-95, drive east on SC 53 for 1.3 miles and turn right onto Sumter County S-43−597. When S-43−597 ends, turn left onto Woods Bay Road (S-43-48) and the entrance to the park is 2 miles on the right.

Camping: No camping.

Park Information: Woods Bay State Natural Area, 11020 Woods Bay Rd., Olanta, SC, 29114, Telephone: 843-659-4445.