Starting from McConnel’s Landing, you will have an easy paddle downstream on the historic Santee River. At approximately 4 miles you will enter Chicken Creek, which is on the right just past the first big “S” curve. While on Chicken Creek you will pass through a well-drained forest of oak and hickory that is especially beautiful during the spring months. Due to the fast moving water of Chicken Creek, you will soon rejoin the Santee River, where you will continue downstream for .5 mile, then turn right onto Wambaw Creek. You will need to paddle upstream on Wambaw Creek for approximately 2 miles to the takeout on the right at the Elmwood Landing. This is much easier if you can catch the incoming tide, which is 2-3 hours later than Charleston Harbor.

Be aware that during the summer months you will encounter biting insects, and may see venomous snakes (water moccasins).

Hours: Dawn to dusk. Check with the Sewee Visitor Center for conditions.

Camping: Camping is available at McConnel’s Landing. Camping is also permitted in Francis Marion National Forest, but there are few suitable areas due to the swampy nature of the stream banks.

Access Points (mileage and GPS coordinates are approximate and for reference only):

Mile 0 (GPS N 33.2457 W 79.5213) - McConnel's Landing - From McClellanville, drive north on US 17 for 6.5 miles, and turn left at the Hampton Plantation sign onto Charleston County S-10-857 (S-10-857 becomes FS 204 near the county line). Stay on FS 204 and turn right onto McConnel’s Landing Road (FS 204). Continue to McConnel’s Landing.

Mile 4.0 (GPS N 33.2346 W 79.4796) - Enter Chicken Creek. 

Mile 6.0 (GPS N 33.2193 W 79.4560) - Return to the Santee River

Mile 6.5 (GPS N 33.2127 W 79.4465) - Enter Wambaw Creek

Mile 8.5 (GPS N 33.2070 W 79.4684)  - Elmwood Landing - From McClellanville, drive north on US 17 for 6.5 miles, and turn left at the Hampton Plantation sign onto Charleston County S-10-857, which becomes Forest Service Road 204. Elmwood Landing is at the bridge that crosses Wambaw Creek.