Nestled on the western edge of Lake Marion, South Carolina’s largest lake, Santee State Park is a haven for those seeking an outdoor escape. With its unique blend of water and land activities, the park offers something for every kind of adventurer.
Santee State Park
2025 Price: $3 per person
Park activities include hiking, biking, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and camping.
Santee State Park Trails
There are three main hiking trails in the park: Limestone Nature Trail, Oak Pinolly Nature Trail, and Sinkhole Pond Nature Trail.
Oak Pinolly Nature Trail
This 0.75-mile lollipop trail is an easy walk but there are a lot of tree roots in the path that you can trip over. It is well maintained and marked with yellow blazes.
On my early July hike, I found blue jays, Carolina wrens, eastern wood-pewees, great crested flycatchers, northern cardinals, and tufted titmice. There were also lizards and squirrels scurrying around on the ground.
Sinkhole Pond Nature Trail
Sinkhole Pond is an easy 0.75-mile path with orange blazes. Unlike on the park map, it was a true loop and not a lollipop trail. It is also well maintained and easy to follow. There is a small parking area along the road.
All along the trail I found dozens of American toads and Fowler’s toads. One of my favorites was a tiny toad on a pinecone. I also spotted a Halloween pennant dragonfly.
The trail passes through pine forest and swampy areas to a limestone sinkhole pond. Sinkholes begin as a crack that grows as groundwater weakens the limestone. A submerged cave develops which has a rock ceiling supported by the water. Without this support, the rock ceiling is more likely to collapse. A sinkhole, or depression, is when the underground collapse is noticeable above ground. Over time, the sinkhole can fill with water forming a wetland or pond.
At the pond, I had a surprise sighting. As I absorbed everything, I thought I saw a frog near the edge and stopped to photograph it. I snapped one shot before I realized it was an alligator hiding below the waterline. Needless to say, I quickly decided to turn back toward the trailhead.
I heard Carolina chickadees, eastern wood-pewees, pileated woodpeckers, and tufted titmice.
There was also a sinkhole directly next to the parking area, for those looking for a more accessible option.
Santee State Park is a great stop for those who love water activities and short hikes.