Chicken Creek Canoe Trail

This 8.2-mile canoe trail takes the paddler down the historic Santee river, through the fast moving confines of Chicken Creek, back onto the Santee and up Wambaw Creek to the bridge at Echaw Road. Well-drained oak-kickory hills along Chicken Creek provide opportunities for exploration on foot.

Click here for a printable guide and vicinity map.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Camping is available at Elmwood Campground near the intersection of Mill Branch and Echaw Road. Leave campsites in natural condition; Pack it in/Pack it out; and use only dead and down wood for campfires.
Restrictions:	Expect biting insects and high temperatures during warmer months. Watch for venomous snakes and trees overhanging the river and water releases from the Santee Cooper. Call the Lake Line (1-800-925-2537) for daily updates on water discharges and general lake conditions.

General Information

Directions: From Charleston take US Highway 17 North to McClellanville. Turn left at blinking yellow light onto Highway 45 (French Santee Road). Drive four miles and turn right onto Mill Branch Road (FS Road 211). Go 5.5 miles and turn left on Echaw Road. Go four miles and turn right on McConnell’s Landing Road (FS 204F).

Activities

River and Stream Fishing

Boating - Non-Motorized

Put in at McConnell’s Boat Landing (FS 204F). Paddle down the Santee River for approximately four miles, and enter Chicken Creek at the end of the first big “S” curve in the river. Follow Chicken Creek until it joins back into the Santee. Once back on the Santee, continue downriver .5 miles and turn right into Wambaw Creek. Paddle upstream to the bridge at Echaw Road. The landing is on the right. Time your trip to catch the incoming tide up Wambaw Creek. Tide is two to three hours later than posted for Charleston harbor.