The Old Santee Canal Canoe Trail is a short, easy trip of approximately three miles through the 195-acre Old Santee Canal Park near Moncks Corner. The park preserves remnants of an early 19th century diversion canal engineered so ships could pass from the Santee to Cooper rivers. Today, you can boat directly through the southernmost stretches of the 30-foot wide, 5.5-foot deep canal for a relaxing day trip. Old Santee Canal is a beautiful waterside collection of giant cypress, tupelo and limestone outcrops. In addition, you’ll float past wild rice fields and possibly catch a glimpse of an otter, beaver, or alligator. The park interpretive center describes the colorful history (for instance, why it was closed in the 1850s) and geology of the canal.

There is no camping available in Old Santee Canal Park.

Current pricing and additional information about the park can be found at www.oldsanteecanalpark.org.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily

(Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)

Access/Take-out Points: Access is at the Interpretive Center, and there are “tie-up” points within the park, but canoes cannot be taken out. From Moncks Corner, drive northeast on US 52 Bypass for approximately one mile and turn right onto Stony Landing Road (Berkeley County S-8-1243). Park at the Interpretive Center.