Scenic and with two easy access points — each just a short distance from some remote and beautiful country — it’s still one of the most popular, especially with mountain bikers. The trail rings Lake Moultrie’s eastern and northern shores via service roads along the lake’s dike system. At the southern trailhead (Canal Recreation Area) the trail begins with a short stretch through a pine forest and climbs steps up the earthen Pinopolis East Dike for spectacular views of the lake, especially at sunset. The northern portion of the trail continues along the dike system until you cross the Old Santee Canal on an old railroad trestle. The last few miles of the Lake Moultrie Passage push through a mature hardwood and pine forest that includes some of the trail’s most interesting terrain.

Length: 24 miles
Use: Hiking and Mountain Biking
Difficulty: Easy if done in sections as a day hike, moderate otherwise
Fees: None

Directions: See page 2 of the map pdf.

Camping: Primitive campsites with hand-operated water pumps are near the Diversion Canal trailhead and two spots in or near the Sandy Beach Wildlife Management Area. There is another primitive campsite 1.8 miles after leaving the Bonneau Beach community at General Moultrie Road.

Additional Information: Contact Supervisor-Forestry & Undeveloped Lands, Santee Cooper Land Division, One Riverwood Drive, Moncks Corner, S.C. 29461. (843) 761-8000.

This Passage is divided into 2 section maps. Click below to download individual pdfs.

Section 1 Canal Recreation Area to Trail Mile 10.5
Section 2 Trail Mile 10.5 to Diversion Canal