Interpretive Trail

Interpretive Trail
Canal Walk
(Old Santee Canal Park)

Description: Starting at the Interpretive Center, this enjoyable loop stroll in Old Santee Canal Park crosses swampy Biggin Creek and the Old Santee Canal, that once brought commercial ships to the Cooper River and the Port of Charleston. Although the canal was considered an engineering marvel when it was built in the early 19th century, railroads rendered it obsolete by the 1840s. The Canal Walk is partly boardwalk and has many observation points. At one point it follows the base of a steep limestone bluff, but the bulk of the trail parallels the newer Tailrace Canal, which carries water and boats from Lake Moultrie to the Cooper River. Several bridges along the way provide opportunities to see heron and osprey nests.

Length: 2.8 mile loop

Fees: 0-6 years of age free, 7-64 years of age $3 per person, and 65 and older $2 per person.

Directions: From Charleston, follow US 52 north to Moncks Corner. At the south end of town, the highway forks into US 52 business and US 52 bypass. Take the bypass northeast and follow for one mile. Stony Landing Road to the Old Santee Canal Park is on the right. Access to the trail is through the Interpretive Center at the north end of the parking lot.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Camping: There is no camping available at the site. Camping is available in nearby Francis Marion National Forest and at various commercial sites nearby.

Information: Old Santee Canal Park, 900 Stony Landing Road, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, Telephone: 843-899-5200.