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. 

Area closed to visitors during scheduled hunts.

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.