Driving Trail

Driving Tour

Cuddo Unit Visitor’s Drive

Santee National Wildlife Refuge

(Clarendon County)

Description: After entering the refuge, follow the main road to the end and turn left and the road is one-way. During your drive you may encounter many of the wildlife species that inhabit the varied landscape of Santee. During the winter months, the threatened bald eagle and occasionally the endangered peregrine falcon can be seen. From November through February migrating waterfowl such as mallards, pintails, teal and wood ducks along with Canada geese are a major attraction. Throughout the year red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks can be viewed soaring overhead, as can a variety of songbirds in the trees, and wild turkey. The forest also provides a home for white-tailed deer and other woodland creatures such as raccoons, squirrels and bobcats. The ponds and marshes provide a home for alligators plus a number of other reptiles and amphibians.

The visitors drive is closed Saturdays during the months of September, October, November, and December, and for 13 days starting the second Monday in October. Insect repellent is recommended during most of the year.

Length: 10.0 miles.

Fees: No fee.

Directions: From Exit 115 on I-95 between Summerton and Manning, drive southwest on US 301 (Toward Summerton) for 1.1 miles and turn left onto Clarendon County S-14-14. Drive 3.3 miles to Davis Station Crossroad, turn right then left onto S-14-64. Drive 4.9 miles and turn right onto S-14-260. The entrance to the refuge is approximately 2.0 miles on the right.

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Camping: No camping.

Information: Santee National Wildlife Refuge, Route 2, Box 370, Summerton, SC, 29148. Telephone: 803-478-2217. E-mail: santee@fws.gov