| Directions
Take Hwy. 45 southeast from St. Stephen for 5 miles until you get to Forest Service Road 144 on your left. Follow this road until you get to a fork, then turn right on 144-A. 144 - A will lead you to Laurel Hill Landing. Be careful not to get your vehicle stuck in the sand at the landing. From the landing, proceed to your right upstream for 12.6 miles to the 17-A landing on
your right at the bridge. The 17-A landing can be reached by turning left on Hwy. 45 after you leave Laurel Hill. Follow Hwy. 45 seven miles until you reach Hwy. 17-A. Turn left and travel four miles until you reach the caution light and stop sign in Jamestown. Turn left and travel 1.2 miles and turn left at the Hwy. 17-A landing.
History
The banks along the Santee River were inhabited as early as the 1600's by the Santee Indians. Spanish accounts
from the 1600s indicate that the Santee lived in mud covered huts along the river.
Description
This trip takes you on a 12.6 mile trip down the historic Santee. This section of the river is lined with large sand bars on both sides of the river throughout your trip. The first half of the river is relatively narrow in comparison to the last half which widens in spots. The high banks along the
river are lined with cypress, oaks, and pine trees.
Wildlife
You may encounter river otters, deer, warblers, swallow tailed kites, egrets, herons, bald eagles, and other varieties of birds during your paddle.
Time
You can expect to spend 5 to 6 hours or more depending on your paddle speed and water flow.
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; submerged logs in river, flooding due to heavy rain, and high wind.
Skill Level
Beginners accompanied by intermediates. | |
