Hiking/Mountain
Biking Trail
Marshland Loop
(Santee Coastal Reserve)
Trail Map
Description:
This easy walking or riding trail winds through the 1,040-acre Washo Reserve
section of the 24,000-acre Santee Coastal Reserve. A former rice plantation, the
Santee Coastal Reserve was acquired in 1974 by The Nature Conservancy
and eventually turned over to the state Department of Natural
Resources. You will walk through a lush coastal forest and on the
dikes once used by the rice planters. The major feature of this trail
is an 800-foot boardwalk that extends into a pond
where you can see majestic bald cypress and water tupelo, all draped
in Spanish moss. The entire reserve is a birder’s
paradise and almost 300 species have been seen here. It also offers gorgeous
spring flora shows from a multitude of wildflowers, such as blue flag
iris. About midway on the Marshland Loop you will encounter the
approximately 6.5-mile Bike/Hike Loop, where you can continue left to
the parking area, or extend your hike by turning right. As in all
wetland areas, insect repellant is recommended during the spring and
summer months.
Length:
1.9-mile loop.
Fees:
None
Directions:
From Georgetown, drive south on US 17 for 15 miles (one mile past the
South Santee River Bridge) and turn left (southeast) onto Santee Road
(Charleston County S-857). Drive 1.4 miles and turn left (east) onto
Santee Gun Club Road at Lillypond Mission Baptist Church. The
trailhead is 3 miles on Santee Gun Club Road.
Hours:
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru
Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March thru October.
In February, the reserve is open
daily from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The trail is closed from November thru January.
Camping:
Camping is allowed in the Santee Coastal Reserve with a permit from
the reserve headquarters.
Information:
Santee Coastal Reserve, P.O. Box 37, McClellanville, SC 29458,
Telephone: 843-546-8665.
South Carolina State Trails Program
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
1205 Pendleton Street :: Columbia, SC 29201 :: 803-734-0173
Webmaster:
bswanson@scprt.com
Updated: October 21, 2005
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