From the parking area, you will walk through a varied habitat, from a pine forest, to a swampy area, then to a near-desert area around the highlight of this trail, a limestone sinkhole pond. During dry periods you may not see a defined pond, but during wet periods you may see two ponds. You will find an interesting educational sign at the pond, which explains the formation of sinkholes in the area. There are deer trails and random footpaths, including a shortcut through thick brush back to the parking area, but stay on the main trail. Two other nature trails are located within Santee State Park—the one-mile Limestone Nature Trail and the one-mile Oak Pinolly Nature Trail.

Camping: Call 1-866-345-PARK (7275) or go online at www.SouthCarolinaParks.com to make your reservations today!

From I-95: Take exit 98 to Hwy 6 toward Elloree, the park is located 1 mi. W. of the town of Santee.

From Columbia: Take I-26 to Hwy 6, exit 136, travel through St. Matthews, continue on Hwy 6 for approximately 15 mile to Elloree and follow signs.