Description
Construction of the Santee Canal began in 1793 after the American Revolution, and by 1800 the canal began its life as a shipping corridor for the region's crops to points beyond. Though much of the Santee Canal is beneath Lake Moultrie, some portions are still visible where boats used to enter from the Santee River to join the headway of the Cooper River at Biggin Creek. Old Santee Canal Park lies where the southernmost section of the canal enters Biggin Creek.
The park is characterized with swamps, wetlands and high bluffs. And the trails wind along Cooper River and Biggin Creek.
While visiting the park, you can tour the old plantation house, which was built around 1843. Also, stop by the Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center, which features exhibits about the region's history. The park is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and there is a small admission fee.
Parking and Trail Access
To access the park from Charleston and points south: Take I-26 west to Exit 209A (Goose Creek/Moncks Corner)/Hwy 52. Continue on Hwy 52 though North Charleston and Goose Creek. At Moncks Corner head straight through the traffic light at the Berkeley County Administration Building on Rembert C. Dennis Blvd. Turn right at the 2nd traffic signal onto Stony Landing Road. The park is at the end of the road past Berkeley Intermediate School and Roper Berkeley Hospital.
To access the park from Columbia and points north: Take I-26 east to Exit 199 (Summerville/Moncks Corner)/Hwy 17 and head toward Moncks Corner. In Moncks Corner, Hwy 17 intersects Hwy 6 (Main Street); turn right onto Main Street and go through town until it intersects Rembert C. Dennis Blvd. Turn left and go to the next traffic light (Stony Landing Road) and turn right. The park is at the end of the road past Berkeley Intermediate School and Roper Berkeley Hospital.