Outdoor Centers

In an effort to increase the usage of the Palmetto Trail, PCF opened its first Outdoor Center in March 2008 in western Sumter County and will open another in Berkeley County this September. The goal is to provide visitors with information and trail maps on the many opportunities that are available for outdoor exploration. Organized hikes and tours leave from the centers guided by naturalists, historians, and experienced trip leaders.

The High Hills Outdoor Center is located next to Battens General Store on Hwy 261 in the town of Wedgefield. It serves as an eco-tourism headquarters for the Wateree, Santee and Lake Marion areas with an emphasis on the High Hills of the Santee (click here for map). The center is open on weekends March – June and September – November. In addition to the many outings that were offered, a historical lecture and tour series on Sunday afternoons was very popular.

The Hell Hole Outdoor Center in St. Stephens will focus on the outdoor opportunities of the Santee River, the Francis Marion National Forest and Lake Moultrie. Visitors will discover where to hike and bike in the swamps and pine flatwoods of the Palmetto Trail or how to explore the beautiful waters of the Berkeley Blueways. The center will be open Wednesdays – Sundays and will offer mountain bike and kayak rentals.

If you’ve ever wanted to explore this beautiful and often wild part of South Carolina, these centers should be your starting point.

Click here for schedule of outings

High Hills Outdoor Center Outings

High Hills History Series
 

Hell Hole Outdoor Center Outings

Hell Hole History Series