Like its longer sibling (Tate’s Trail), this easy, one-mile loop around Pool A within the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is a pleasant excursion into an environment mainly maintained for water birds. The refuge has long been an important stopover for migratory birds; wood ducks, and Canadian geese nest here year-round. Woodland Pond Trail also features a large array of wildflowers and ferns provide a lush backdrop for much of the hike. You may even see a beaver or two. Although Tate’s and Woodland Pond trails are the only “official” trails in the refuge, there are more than 100 miles of dirt roads open to exploration.

Hours: Dawn to dusk.

Camping is available at Cheraw State Park (843-537-9656) and Lee State Park (803-428-5307).

From Columbia: Follow Interstate 20 to US 521 (Exit 98). Turn left (north), drive into Camden and turn right onto US 1. Follow US 1 for 29 miles and pass through McBee. Continue on US 1 for 2.5 miles and turn left onto Visitor’s Drive. The trailhead is approximately one mile on the left.