| Directions
From Charleston, take Hwy. 17 north to McClellanville. Turn left at blinking yellow caution light onto Hwy. 45 (French Santee Road). Drive 4 miles. Turn right onto Mill Branch Road ( Forest Service Road 211). Go 5.5 miles. Turn left on Echaw Rd. (F.S. 204) go 4 miles. Turn right onto McConnell's landing road (Forest Service Road 204 F).
Follow to landing. From McConnell's landing paddle down the Santee River for approximately 4 miles and enter Chicken Creek at the end of the first big "S"curve in the river. Follow Chicken Creek until it joins the Santee. Once back on the Santee continue down river 1/2 mile and turn right into Wambaw Creek. Paddle upstream to the Bridge at Echaw Road. The landing will be on the right. Time your trip to catch the incoming tide up Wambaw Creek.
Tide is 2-3 hours later than posted for the Charleston Harbor). The trail is particularly beautiful in the spring (March-May). To get to take out, continue down Mill Branch Rd. past Forest Rd.211 to Echaw Rd. also called Forest Rd. 204 and turn left at the dead end. Proceed 1 mile to bridge and boat ramp.
History
The banks along the Santee River was inhabited as early as the 1600s by the Santee Indians. Spanish accounts from the 1600s indicated
that the Santee lived in mud covered huts along the river. In the 1700's it is noted that the area along Wambaw Creek was converted to rice fields by slave labor. You may still see some of the old rice fields, canals, and dikes during your paddle. This creek was also used to float trees harvested in the area in 1900's. Use of the creek was stopped after railroad logging began.
Description
This trip takes you on an 8.2 mile paddle down the
historic Santee River, through the fast moving confines of Chicken Creek, back onto the Santee and up Wambaw Creek to the bridge at Echaw Road. Well drained oak and hickory hills along Chicken Creek provide good opportunities to explore on foot.
Wildlife
You may encounter river otters, deer, warblers, swallow tailed kites, egrets,herons,bald eagles, and other varieties of birds during your paddle.
Camping
You may camp at Elmwood Campground which is located near the intersection of Mill Branch and Echaw Road. You need to pack in; pack out if you camp.
Time
You can expect to spend 4 to 5 hours or more depending on your paddle speed and tide conditions.
Hazards
Most danger can come from wasp or venomous snakes that might be encountered if you paddle into the trees and bushes along the creek. Watch for
trees overhanging the river and water releases fron Santee Cooper. You can call the lake line at 1-800-925-2537 that provides daily updates of discharges.
Skill Level
Beginners
Information on the Wambaw provided by the Francis Marion National Forest Service. | |
