The Place to Share
Canoeing & Kayaking

Our Route Summary

• Submitted by: Al Vazquez
• Date Submitted: 5/99
• Email: kayak@easyposter.com
• Location: Moncks Corner SC north of Charleston
• Class: Typically flat water
• Distance Paddled: 3 miles round trip
• Water: fresh
• Wildlife: fish, turtles

Entry and Exit

• Directions: From Charleston, take 26 north about 45 minutes to the Moncks Corner Exit. Follow signs for the U.S. Route 52 bypass to Moncks Corner. In Mocks Corner, follow the signs to the Old Santee Canal park.
• Telephone: 843-899-5200
• Fee: Yes - See www.oldsanteecanalpark.org for current rates
• Description: canoe livery docks (no private canoes allowed)
• Parking: adjacent paved
• Facilities: Very nice interpretive center,, nature trails along the Cooper River and canal, picnic areas, museum, shop

What We Saw

The Old Santee Canal served commercial transport connecting the Cooper and Santee Rivers from 1800 to 1850. With 10 locks, vessels were raised 34 feet then lowered 69 feet in this first summit level canal in the United States.

It is now closed at the rivers but this portion of the canal at the Cooper River has been preserved in an excellent park facility.

Because there isn't a flow of water, the water is stagnant, but quite beautiful and full of wetland life such as turtles.

It's also possible to hike along a trail that parallels this stretch of the old canal along the Cooper River nearby.

If you'd like to paddle your own kayak nearby in a beautiful creek, try the Wadboo nearby.