Hiking/Mountain Biking Trail

Lake Marion Passage of the Palmetto Trail  

(Orangeburg/Clarendon County)

TrailMap

Description: You can start your hike/ride from Santee or Mill Creek County Park and do the full 25 miles, or shorten it by starting at one of the alternate points, such as Pack’s Landing in Rimini (see the map). Depending on which way you hike/ride, the trail is blazed yellow or orange. The span between Mill Creek County Park and Sparkleberry Landing is blazed orange and the remainder is yellow. For most of your hike/ride you will follow the shoreline of Lake Marion and enjoy some beautiful vistas, and at Santee you will cross the lake on an old highway bridge. Since the trail is so close to the lake, be aware that some sections may be flooded during the wet season. You may encounter a variety of wildlife, so be aware of snakes and possibly some large alligators.

During hunting season (August thru January) be sure to wear bright colored clothing and during warm months, insect repellant is highly recommended.

Note: On the Trail Map a bridge is shown between Jacks Landing and Billups landing. This bridge has not been completed, but the detour is well marked and will add approximately 8 miles.

For additional information from Palmetto Trail users: Trail Talk

Length: 25 miles.

Fees: None.

Directions: To the southern trailhead: From Santee, drive approximately 1.5 miles southwest of Santee on SC 301. The parking area is on the left.

To the northern trailhead: From US 378 near Sumter, drive south on SC 261 for approximately 12.7 miles and bear right onto Sumter County S-43-51. Drive 3 miles and turn right onto S-43-808 and Mill Creek County Park is .7 mile on the right.

Hours: Dawn to dusk.

Camping: Camping is allowed at various boat landings along the trail.

Information: Palmetto Conservation Foundation, 1314 Lincoln St., Suite 305, Columbia, SC 29201-3154, or Trail Talk