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Along the northern shores of Lake Marion lies the 13,000-acre Santee National Wildlife Refuge.
This area serves as a nesting and stopover area for neo-tropical migratory birds, raptors, shore birds, and wading birds. During the winter, it is also an important refuge for ducks, geese, and swans. Threatened or endangered species on the refuge include the red-cockaded woodpecker, the bald eagle, and the American alligator. Numerous other species of wildlife are indigenous to this area.
Several different management tools are used in the National Wildlife Refuge. Water level is managed in impoundments by use of pumps and water control structures. Farming programs provide food for various animal species. Other tools include moist soil management, prescribed fires, and control of noxious plants.
Wildlife are not the only ones who benefit from this refuge. The roads, the trails, the historic sites, and the visitors center provide opportunities for hiking, off-road bicycling, wildlife observation, education, photography, hunting, and fishing.
Conveniently located along interstate 95, the Santee National Wildlife Refuge is about halfway between Columbia and Charleston, so it can be an easy day trip from either city. It is made up of four units:
- The Visitor Center at the Bluff Unit is a good place to get oriented. It is open from 8:00a to 4:00p, except on Sundays and Mondays. After leaving the Visitor Center, a short trail takes you around the Scott's Lake area toward the historic Santee Indian Mound. From there, you can hike the Wright's Bluff Nature Trail, which offers some nice views of Cantey Bay.
- On the other side of Interstate 95 is the Dingle Pond Unit. Dingle Pond is a rare undisturbed Carolina Bay with a viewing platform and a short hiking trail running beside it.
- For longer hiking trails or off-road bicycling, visit the Pine Island Unit. The dirt roads and trails there offer some great scenic views.
- The Cuddo Unit offers several ways to explore the territory. There are several roads you can drive along, while others are open to bicycle and foot traffic only. Several hiking trails and a proposed canoe trail offer even more activities.
If you wish to explore even more of the area, the Palmetto Trail runs past the entrance to the Bluff Unit. From there, you can travel south across Lake Marion, or go north to get some great views of Cantey Bay.
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SCIWAY
