Wambaw Creek & Swamp Wilderness Morning 3 Hour Kayak / Canoe Tour at 10:00 a.m.
This is a "Nationally Recognized and Designated Trail" located in the heart of a Protected Wilderness area in the Francis Marion National Forest. This beautiful Blackwater Creek is a tributary to the Santee River and was paddled by the Santee and Coastal Plain Indians for thousands of years. Giant 1000 year old Bald Cypress trees can be seen in the upper section and Water Oak, Water Ash, Red Maple and Swamp Dogwood shade the banks of its pristine black waters. It offers spectacular birding and wildlife viewing including Prothonotary warblers, small alligators, turtles and the occasional river otter. Banks of the river reflect geological precedence of the Rice era where Historical earthen dikes give way to a flooded subtropical forest of abandoned rice fields once owned by prosperous Rice Plantations. The 3 hour tour encompasses about 4 to 5 miles of paddling with a short break creekside. 45 minutes from Mt. Pleasant and 50 minutes to an hour from Charleston and South Myrtle Beach. *After your tour enjoy the historic town of McClellanville with local seafood, gift shops, museum and several artist shops. Your tour will end around 1:00 to 1:30 p.m.
(Restrictions)
Ages 4 through 11 must be in a tandem 2 person kayak or canoe with someone aged 14 and up. Ages 12 and up are allowed to paddle a single kayak. This is slow moving fresh black water and is perfect for beginners. During summer months, you may need to be careful of occasional paper wasp nests. Bring your own epipen if you are allergic. You will follow your guide another 7 miles into the National Forest to the landing from this meeting location. The last 3.5 miles of this drive is on a dirt road.
On a rare occasion, the U.S. Forest Service will be conducting control burns. If this occurs, we will have the right to cancel the tour with a full refund.