ABOUT THE AREA
Located in the heart of the Lowcountry of South Carolina, we have over 50 miles of unspoiled estuarine coastline that we call "home". The entire area is comprised of wildlife and waterfoul management areas that are controlled by the state or federal government. There are five major fresh water rivers which empty into our immediate area making the surrounding waters brackish and the ideal habitat for a variety of species, many of which are threatened or endangered and rely on these protected marshlands and coastlines for their continued survival. The closest city is Georgetown, South Carolina, which is our home town. We are located 36 miles south of Myrtle Beach and 60 miles north of Charleston. Whether you're an avid outdoors person, photographer, or just appreciate the beauty of nature, be sure to take advantage of what this area has to offer.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Santee Coastal Reserve
This 24,000-acre reserve is a Wildlife Management Area that includes two barrier islands accessible only by boat. There are six trails on the islands:
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The Cape Trail is a 4.7 mile trail through old rice field impoundments.
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The Marshland Trail is a 1.9-mile trail with an 800-foot boardwalk into a freshwater cypress swamp.
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The Woodland Trail is a 2.3-mile trail through pine forests.
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The Eldorado Trail is a 1.6-mile trail through pine forests leading past the old Eldorado plantation ruins.
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The Ormand Hall Trail is a 6.2 mile trail leading through all of the habitats mentioned above.
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The Big Well trail is a 1.7 mile trail starting at the boat dock leading through marshland at the South Santee River.
Hours of Operation:
7 days a week daylight to dark
Call ahead for closure due to hunting seasons and water levels
Free daily use cards are required and can be picked up at the entrance to the Reserve
Contact Information
220 Santee Gun Club Road
McClellanville, SC 29458
Phone (843) 546-8665
Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
A stretch of barrier islands and salt marshes that make up one of the nation's most outstanding wildlife refuges. The 66,306-acre refuge is a true wilderness experience. Coastal Expeditions, the contracted concession for the refuge, offers overnight three-day weekend tours on Bulls Island and visitors lodge at the Dominick House. Coastal Expeditions, a reputable guide service and outfitter in the Charleston area provides ferry service to Bulls Island throughout the year and offers four annual public tours to Lighthouse Island. The concession promotes conservation and environmental education through interpretive tours and programs The Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center at 5821 Hwy 17 N in Awendaw is operated jointly by Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and the Francis Marion National Forest. The center includes refuge and forest exhibits, classrooms, a film, live endangered Red wolves and interpretive trails.
Hours of Operation:
Visitors Center Tu-Sa 9am-5pm; Refuge sunrise to sunset
Contact Information:
5821 Highway 17 N.
Awendaw, SC 29429
(843)928-3264