Current Outings
Saturday, August 13: Black River Paddle
Canoe/kayak trip on a roughly 10-mile section of the Black River, with lots of stops for swimming.
Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503.
Saturday, August 20: Black Creek into North Fork Edisto Service Paddle
This is a paddling trip for smaller kayaks through mostly undeveloped land on a pristine creek the width of most kayaks. This is the same trip as last year but with the additional plan to do some service work to the waterway. We’ll cut down overhanging branches, pick up some trash but, mostly, just enjoy the paddle down one of the narrowest "navigable waterways" in South Carolina.
Contact David Hutchens at
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Weekend of August 27-28: Kayak Camping Caper's Island
Kayakers are welcome on this tune-up trip for fall kayak camping. We will head out to Capers Island, walk the bone yard beach, spend the night by the sea, and comb the beaches of the south end of Bull Island. This is a great chance to get started kayak camping.
Contact Starr Hazard at
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or (843)881-8902.
Saturday, September 3: Falls Creek Hike
The Western Carolina Sierra Club group will be leading a couple hikes in the Upstate of South Carolina! We will meet outside of the Table Rock visitor center across from the park on Saturday, September 3 at 11am, sign waivers, discuss the trip details and then head to Falls Creek Road and the beginning of our hike. The hike is a moderate 1.7 mile hike one-way. The hike will take a casual pace, ending at the Falls Creek waterfall, where we’ll stop and have lunch. After lunch, we’ll return on the same trail. No fees are required. Participants should have some prior experience in hiking on off-road trials. All participants should have proper hiking boots, appropriate clothing for hiking, rainwear, plenty of water and lunch. Ten person limit.
Sunday, September 4: Raven Cliff Falls Hike
The Western Carolina Sierra Club group will be leading another hike in the Upstate of South Carolina! We will meet outside of the Table Rock visitor center across from the park on Sunday, September 4 at 9am, sign waivers, discuss the trip details and then head to a parking lot across from our hike. The hike is a moderate 2 miles hike one-way, lasting about 3 hours. The hike will take a casual pace, ending at the platform looking out at Raven Cliff Falls. We’ll return on the same trail. No fees are required. Participants should have some prior experience in hiking on off-road trials and be in moderate shape. All participants should have proper hiking boots, appropriate clothing for hiking, rainwear, plenty of water and snacks. Ten person limit.
September 4-5: Overnight on the Pee Dee
Canoe/kayak camping trip on the Little Pee Dee River, one of the prettiest, least developed rivers in the coastal plain.
Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503.
Saturday, September 24: Trail Service Outings at Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Event 4
We are beginning the ninth year of service to Caesars Head and Jones Gap State Parks. Please join us on Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 9am until 10am for the fourth event in the 2011 Trail Service Project to improve and preserve the existing trails at these mountain parks.
For more details contact Jim Majors at (864)233-7576 or
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Weekend of September 30: Georgia Chapter Retreat
Place: Jekyll Island, GA (website)
Registration: Click here to register online
Please join us for the Georgia Chapter Sierra Club 2011 Retreat, Sep 30 – Oct 2. This year's retreat will be held on beautiful Jekyll Island, the island that has been preserved for the people of Georgia. We'll explore the island, learning about the birds, sea turtles and Georgia's State Mammal, the Right Whale, all of which rely on this island and the sea offshore for their survival.
There will be plenty of opportunities to go dolphin watching, biking, kayaking, birding, kite-flying, etc. We also have a variety of workshops planned where you can learn more about how you, as a Sierra Club member, can become more involved in the variety of Conservation initiatives of the Georgia Chapter.
Registration and Facilities: We have 3 choices of lodging for the weekend. Price includes the following: Registration, lodging (except for motel), meals (breakfast, lunch and banquet on Saturday plus breakfast on Sunday) and all workshops.
Click here to register online
Contact: If you have questions or need more information, please contact:
Genie Strickland -
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or (404)607-1262 x-221
Weekend, October 28-30: Wilderness First Aid & CPR Training
This year’s only Halloween weekend WFA-CPR Training Outing is to be held at Poinsett State Park, forty miles east of Columbia, South Carolina. Campsites are reserved and one cabin (of park’s five) will be used as Headquarters-Dining Hall for 2+ days & nights. Adult CPR training starts on Saturday morning then half of WFA, with last half of WFA on Sunday.
Upon completion you’ll receive American Red Cross certification (valid 2 years) which fulfills requirements of Sierra Outdoor Leadership OLT201 for overnight wilderness trips, plus knowledge that may save a life someday.
Poinsett is a ‘Great Depression’ era park built by the CCC in the 1930s. Its unique geography has mountain- and swamp-like areas around its pond and an 1800s mill ruin fed by mini-waterfall stream, where the Wateree River section of Palmetto Trail goes through the area.
This is a highly discounted Training Outing with limited participants. Cost are as follows:
Reserve by July 31 at $110
Reserve by September 10 at $130
Reserve after September 10 at $150
Cost includes ARC certified WFA & CPR, meals and camping spot.
Contact David Hutchens at
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for further information.
Past Outings:
January 8, 2011: Hike at the Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge (Grove Plantation)
Six to eight mile walk through hardwood forest and old rice impoundments. Along the way, we’ll see one of the oldest antebellum plantation houses in the Lowcountry, as well as a hidden Civil War earthen fortification.
Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503.
Saturday, January 15, 2011: Table Rock State Park
Hiking Pinnacle Mountain and Table Rock Mountain will take us along ridges in excess of 3,400 ft with great views. Hike is strenuous and about 10 miles long; however, with the cooler temperatures of January, it should be worth it. Shorter alternatives are an option. Chance of snow is possible this time of year. Information on trails can be found here.
Contact David Wach via
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or call him at (843)229-9000 for more information and to coordinate ride sharing.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011: Birding at Huntington Beach State Park
This outing will be led by Dr. Julia Krebs; Julia, as we all know is a locally renowned expert on identifying birds. This is a must whether just starting, or a long time birder. Some binoculars will be provided, but please bring your own if possible.
Contact Starr Hazard (843)881-8902 or send him an
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January 22, 2011: Birding at Huntington Beach State Park
Contact Starr Hazard (843)881-8902 or send him an email at:
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Saturday, February 19, 2011: Palmetto Trail – Peak to Prosperity Passage
This section of the trail was newly added in 2009. This section features a 1,100 ft long section over the Broad River offering a wonderful view – including occasional sighting of bald eagles. Six and a half miles, easy hiking along former Norfolk Southern rail bed. For more information click here.
February 19, 2011: Santee Coastal Reserve
Contact Starr Hazard (843)881-8902 or send him an email at:
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February 26, 2011: Hike at Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
Whooping cranes have overwintered at this great Ace Basin refuge for the past several years. If we’re very lucky, we may see them. If not, we’ll still come across plenty of wading birds and waterfowl.
Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503.
Saturday, March 26, 2011: Bicycling Bear Island
Sixteen to eighteen mile bicycle tour of the expansive, open sky country of this Ace Basin wildlife area. There are no greater concentrations of birds and alligators anywhere in the state.
Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503.
Saturday, March 26, 2011: Paddle Cedar Creek in Congaree National Park
We'll return to South Carolina's only National Park just outside of Columbia, to paddle approx seven miles down the narrow Cedar Creek in swamp-like bottomlands among preserved virgin forests. Short paddling boats are preferred unless you're capable of pulling a larger one over downed trees (if any) in the water. No cotton clothing should be worn during this time of the year. Any adults and children able to handle their boats with lots of turning, including lifting them, in a gentle flowing creek are welcome.
Contact David Hutchens at:
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Saturday, April 2, 2011: Morning walk at Dungannon Heritage Preserve
Half-day walk through the woods and around the swamp of this preserve just south of Charleston. In early spring, the wood storks are nesting. A boardwalk across the water provides a rare chance to see this federally-endangered species up close.
Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503
Tuesday, April 26, 2011: Exploring Hunting Island State Park
We will drive to Hunting Island and bike around the maritime forest and beaches, making note of coastal dynamics in this gorgeous place.
Contact Starr Hazard at
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or (843)881-8902.
Saturday & Sunday, April 30-May 1, 2011: Hike & Camp in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Visit America's most popular National Park at the North Carolina/Tennessee state line, about three-and-a-half-hours drive from Columbia. We'll hike a very small section of the famous 2000+ mile Appalachian Trail, visit numerous waterfalls, and tent camp alongside a creek in a developed campground (showers etc.) outside of Cherokee, North Carolina. All healthy adults and children able to hike up to seven gentle miles per day (with breaks) over less steep or downhill trails welcomed. A small fee ($10? each) for the campsite will be required, participation is limited.
Contact David Hutchens at:
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Saturday, May 7, 2011: Bicycle Exploration of Urban Savannah
Make plans now for this excursion through our neighbor city’s historic district. We’ll drive to Savannah and then embark on a lazy ride through the sights and smells of Savannah's best urban features.
Contact Starr Hazard at
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or (843)881-8902.
Saturday & Sunday, June 4-5, 2011: Paddle Edisto River & camp in Colleton State Park
We'll return to the "black river" Edisto for an easy paddle of about seven miles each day, tent camping (near bathrooms & showers) at the trip's center in Colleton State Park just off I-95. Trip could also be done either day as just a single day's paddle. An easy downstream paddling trip with no obstructions, well suited for all adults & children who can paddle or ride in their boat. Swim attire is the preferred clothing this time of year.
Contact David Hutchens at:
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Saturday, June 4: Kayak Paddle Awendaw Creek to Buck Hall
See the Awendaw section of the Palmetto Trail from water level as we combine a marsh creek paddle and Intracoastal waterway excursion and possible visits to the edge of the sea on this short trip.
Contact Starr Hazard at
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or (843)881-8902.
Saturday, June 18: Kayak Tour-de-Harbor
Experienced kayakers are welcome on this long day’s journey into light as we ride the tidal cycle around the harbor beginning and ending in Shem Creek. Plan B will be a tour-de-creek where we explore Shem creek.
Contact Starr Hazard at
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or (843)881-8902.
Saturday, July 2: Kayak to North End of Bull Island
Experienced kayakers are welcome on this trip from Garris Landing to the north end of Bull Island. We will go out walk the beaches, enjoy the summer birds and paddle back. This involves a lengthy open water passage.
Contact Starr Hazard at
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or (843)881-8902.
Saturday, July 9: Lake Moultrie Paddle/Swim
Russellville Flats on Lake Moultrie is an aquatic garden of lotus blossoms and lily pads in bloom. Nesting ospreys abound. We'll find a quiet deserted island beach or two to relax and go for a swim.
Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503.
Saturday, July 16: Long Creek Falls
Hike about three miles and swim on this rated difficult hike, to Long Creek falls. Bring Lunch, water, kids and your dog is welcome.
Contact Senior Hike Leader Mark Williams for more information at (864)882-6511.
Saturday, July 23: Hike along Croft Park Trail
Our hike for the month of July brings us along more of the trails in Croft Park. The hike will start at 11am. Again, for those interested, we will get coffee at Little River Coffee Shop in beautiful downtown Spartanburg. We will discuss erosion: hikers, bikers, horses, and the less human factors.
For more information call Chip Green at (864)579-0164 or via email at
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Saturday, July 30: Rainbow Falls
A 5 mile strenuous hike, that starts out on the Jones Gap Trail in Jones Gap State Park The bottom view of the falls makes this strenuous hike worth the effort. Bring your lunch, water and your dog is welcome on this hike.
Call Hike Leader Kathy Clark for more information at (864)646-2841 (home) or (803)629-8961 (cell).
Saturday, July 30: Kayak to Deveaux Bank and Botany Bay Island
Experienced kayakers are welcome on this trip from Cherry Point Landing on Bohicket Creek to Deveaux Bank. Come swim with dolphins and the jellyfish at the mouth of the North Edisto River.
Contact Starr Hazard at
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or (843)881-8902.
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