5 Amazing Places to Hike Near Manning, SC

If you are looking to get closer to nature or get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Manning and the surrounding areas offer several perfect hiking opportunities for you. While Manning is a beautiful city located in the heart of South Carolina, nothing compares to the tranquility that a day navigating through a trail provides. With so many options available, we’ve narrowed it down to five amazing places to hike near Manning, South Carolina.

1. Poinsett State Park

Poinsett State Park is located upon the gorgeous High Hills of Santee. This park is sometimes called the “mountains of the midlands” and provides a gorgeous backdrop with the different mixed ecosystems that you will see. Poinsett has several different trails that wind their way through the entire park and add up to over 25 miles available to the public. Poinsett State Park can be found at 6660 Poinsett Park Road in Wedgefield.

2. Lake Marion Passage

The beautiful Lake Marion Passage provides you with miles upon miles of magnificent views of the lake and plains that surround it. The foliage surrounding the entire area is seasonally colorful with views that amaze year-round. The entire length of the trail is over 33 miles but you are able to start from different points in order to shorten it to fit your needs. There is access to the trail from Santee Town Hall Complex, Pack’s Landing, and Mill Creek County Park.

3. Congaree National Park

Visit Congaree National Park to experience astonishing biodiversity including the largest intact area of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest still existing in the southeastern U.S. Waters from the Wateree and Congaree Rivers wind through the floodplain, carrying sediments and nutrients that rejuvenate and nourish this ecosystem while supporting the growth of state and national champion trees.

4. Santee National Wildlife Refuge

Located along the north shore of Lake Marion, this awe-inspiring refuge is home to trails, wildlife, and a nature center that adults and children alike will enjoy. The visitor center will provide you with a loaner backpack with items you may need on your hike such as binoculars and field guides.  This service is offered free of charge. The Santee National Wildlife Refuge can be found at 2125 Fort Watson Road in Summerton and is open from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. from October to February and 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. from March through September.

5. Santee State Park

This beautiful state park located near Lake Marion is home to over 10 miles of pristine hiking trails. It houses over 2500 acres right in the heart of Santee Cooper County. They do require a daily admission fee of $2.00 for adults. Kids ages 15 and under are free. These fees go to maintaining the park. Santee State Park can be found at 251 State Park Road in Santee and is open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. year-round.

South Carolina may be known to outsiders for features such as cities and beaches, but locals know what the real appeal is, and that’s an abundance of hiking trails. Whether you are a beginner just starting out or a seasoned pro, any of these places would be a great pick for a hike near Manning, South Carolina.

Image by daveynin via Flickr | CC BY 2.o | Cropped from original

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