Sierra Club

Current Outings

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.

Past Outings:

Sunday, January 10, 2010: Paddle/hike North Williman Island

The Williman Islands are the crown jewels of the Ace Basin National Estuarine Reserve.  After a very short paddle across Wimbee Creek, we’ll spend the day on foot circumnavigating the north island through forest and marsh.  Rubber boots, or a willingness to get your feet muddy and wet, are essential.  This is an all day walk, sometimes through mud and marsh grass, so participants should be in reasonably good shape.

Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503.

Saturday, January 16, 2010: Coastal Bird Watching Trip.

On this trip to Huntington Beach State Park, we’ll take a six mile hike along the beach.  It is a fabulous opportunity to view northern birds in our southern climate.  We’ll watch for rabid birders and hope to see cormorants diving, loons swimming, purple sandpipers piping and a host of wonderful waterfowl and sea gulls.  We could possibly take a side to trip to Brookgreen Gardens for a quiet winter tour of the sculpture gardens.  If there’s interest, we could overnight in a car camp.

Contact Starr Hazard at (843)881-8902 or by e-mail at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Saturday, February 20, 2010: Santee Coastal Reserve.

We will hike the Santee Coastal Reserve trails.  The hike is around nine- to ten-miles (1.9 miles in the marsh loop and 7.2 miles on the rice dikes).  It's not a trivial distance so be prepared to walk for a while.  Available at SC Trails. We hope to see eagles, wood storks, swans(?), osprey, lots of mud hens and assorted dabbling ducks.  There may be jasmine in the woods, and the sun will bring the 'gators' and possibly snakes out to warm.  There may be deer, wild hogs, frog choruses and much, much more.

Call Starr Hazard at (843)881-8902 or contact him via e-mail at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Saturday, February 27, 2010: Bear Island Walk.

We’ve usually hiked the western (Ashepoo River) side of this 12,000 acre refuge.  This time we’ll cover the east side, traversing old rice dikes and fresh water marsh impoundments full of all sorts of wading birds and waterfowl.  We’ll take a seven- to eight-mile walk in big sky country.

Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503.

Saturday, March 20, 2010: Cycling the Moultrie Passage of the Palmetto Trail.

We'll see miles of trail, potentially significant numbers of HUGE alligators, breeding ospreys and such. There will be mud, single track trails, sandy beaches and stretches of urban riding to enliven our journey.

Contact Starr Hazard at (843)881-8902 or by e-mail at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Sunday, March 28, 2010: Cycling at Bonneau Ferry.

This is a fourteen- to sixteen-mile ride at a leisurely pace through this state refuge on the Cooper River.  Along the way, we’ll visit the eighteenth-century Strawberry Chapel and cemetery, the remains of the Commingtee Plantation house, an old rice mill on the river, a couple of nice ponds, and a few other scenic sights.  Geared mountain- or hybrid-bikes are recommended.

Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503.

Saturday, April 3, 2010: Hike in Congaree Swamp National Park.

This is a seven- to nine-mile walk in South Carolina’s only national park.  This park near Columbia has some of the last remaining stands of virgin bottomland hardwood swamp left in the southeast.  It is particularly pretty in early Spring.

Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503.

Sunday, April 25, 2010: Rimini Swamp Canoe/Kayak Trip.

From year to year, this is consistently our most widely acclaimed and requested trip.  Unique in the state, the cypress tupelo swamp at the headwaters ofLake Marion will just be greening up for Spring.

Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503.

Saturday, May 15, 2010: Bicycle tour of Hunting Island State Park.

We will drive to Hunting Island State Park and spend the day hiking through the islands sites.

Contact Starr Hazard at (843)881-8902 or via  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Weekend of May 29 through 30, 2010: Canoe/kayak Edisto River

Overnight in Colleton State Park—Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, an easy downstream paddle of the ‘black-water’ main stem of the Edisto River, with overnight camping reserved with the facilities of Colleton SP.  We’ll meet Saturday morning at the park, shuttle to the put-in, approximately twelve-miles upstream, paddle back to the park and camp.   On Sunday morning, we’ll paddle an additional nine-miles downstream, maybe more.  This may also be done as a single day’s paddle trip on either day.  This trip is suitable for families with children.  There will be a $5-10 cost for camping and bus shuttle(s).  Provide your own boat and camping gear, or have an outfitter provide you (a list is available, send an email for details, but keep in mind that this is a busy weekend and availability is limited).  Participation is limited.

Send an email to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Saturday, June 05, 2010: Bicycle Tour of Savannah

We will drive to Charleston's sister city and ride around the waterfront and Forsythe Park and explore the historic city squares.  Later, we will tour Fort Pulaski.  If there is interest, we might throw in a side trip to the Savannah Wildlife refuge OR plan to dine on the riverfront before heading home.

Contact Starr Hazard at (843)881-8902 or via  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Saturday, June 12, 2010: Garus Landing to North Bull’s Island Sea Kayak Trip

This is a moderately-serious paddle from the landing to Bull Island.  We will walk from the North to the bone-yard and back along the dikes.  We may get to see Sandwich- and black terns as well as the general beauty of a sea island in late Spring.  We will ride the ebb tide out and hope for pleasant winds on the return.  This is a longish paddle.  Contact Starr Hazard at (843)881-8902 or via  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Saturday, June 26, 2010: Kayak Black Creek into North Fork Edisto River

Paddle where most boats can’t go! We’ll put in at State Road #245 (Hartley Quarter Road) outside of Pelion and paddle approximately seven-miles down a remote creek that’s often the width of a kayak, ending on the North Fork Edisto River at Highway 302.  Due to swift flow, narrow width, and vegetation, this is moderately difficult for kayaks about ten-feet long.  If you are able to maneuver your kayak well, fit enough to get over any downed tree trunks (there were only a few) and are unafraid to get into the water, this will be a short easy workout for you.  Participation is limited.

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Saturday, June 26, 2010: Shem Creek to Morris Island Tour de Harbor Tour and Moon Rising Show

We’ll ride the tide from Shem Creek past Crab Bank and Castle Pinckney.  We’ll loiter through the day on Morris Island, cross the channel near low and take up position near a lee shore to watch the moonrise from on the water.  Bring lots of sunscreen and water.  This is a non-protected open water trip for experienced paddlers and may include after-dark navigation.  Weather permitting.

Contact Starr Hazard at (843)881-8902 or via  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Saturday, June 26, 2010: Canoe the Tyger River

We are canoeing a section of the Tyger River in Union County on Saturday, June 26, 2010.  This section of the River goes near the Rose Hill Plantation, an antebellum mansion.  We plan to stop and take a half-mile educational walk up to see the plantation, a South Carolina State Park. The Tyger River goes through National Forest lands, so it is very much in a natural state.

The Tyger River is an easy paddling river; we can accommodate beginning paddlers as long as you are reasonably fit.  Dennis Chamberlain and Norm Sharp, both experienced canoeists, are also coming on this trip.  We are making arrangements to rent canoes and equipment for anyone who needs gear.  Because of the logistics involved, sign-up by Sunday night, June 20 is mandatory.

Please call Eric Thompson at (864)297-6015 to sign-up for what should be a nice summer canoe outing. 

Saturday, July 10, 2010: Kayak circumnavigation of Sullivan’s Island

This is a long half-day kayak sampler for novices (i.e., not beginners).  Participants will experience open water, beaches, clapotis, favorable and contrary currents, breaking waves, tranquil inland waterway passages, views of historic forts, numerous picturesque bridges and much, much more.  Contact Starr Hazard at (843)881-8902 or via  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sunday, July 25, 2010: Canoe/Kayak/swim a section of the Black River

Come cool off on the river with a relaxed paddle pace and stops to lounge on sand and allow the river flow over you and wash the heat away.

Contact Starr Hazard at (843)881-8902 or via  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Saturday, August 21, 2010: Kayak from Cherry Point Landing to Deveaux Bank and Back

This is lovely paddle that begins and ends in the protected waters of the Intercoastal waterway and heads out the Edisto River to a bird colony and barrier island.  Dolphins, sea turtles, shrimp boats and terns, terns, terns will probably highlight this journey.

Contact Starr Hazard at (843)881-8902 or via  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Saturday, August 28, 2010:  Canoe / Kayak trip on the Black River

Leisurely paddle with lots of stops for swimming.

Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503. 

Weekend of September 4 and 5, 2010:  Canoe / Kayak Camping Trip

The Little Pee Dee River is one of the most beautiful and least developed rivers of South Carolina’s coastal plain.  If the water is low enough, there should be lots of gleaming white sandbars for swimming and camping.

Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503.

Weekend of October 2 and 3, 2010: Joyce Kilmer Forest Hike

Walk with the Giants in the home of the trees.  Dance the night at River Falls Lodge camp overnight and drive home.

Call Starr Hazard (843)881-8902 or contact him via e-mail.

Weekend of October 8 through 10, 2010: Bioblitz at Cheraw State Park

(Dr. Julia Krebs passed this along to me).  The State Parks in South Carolina are working on an inventory of all organisms in each State Park.  This is not a small task that can be done in a year or even 5 years, but a long-term project.  As a part of this All Taxa Biological Inventory there is going to be a Bioblitz at Cheraw State Park October 8-10.  If you have expertise in a particular group of organisms or just an interest in the natural world, you are invited to participate.

Contact Brian Scholtens This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 843-953-8081 for more information.

Saturday October 9, 2010: Lake Jocassee Kayak Trip

We will paddle for about 5 hours, round trip, up to Wright Creek Falls. Bring your own kayak or canoe, life jackets lunch and water. You should have some experience on the water for this outing.

Call senior hike leader Mark Williams for meeting place and additional info. at 864-882-6511

Saturday, October 16, 2010: Butterfly Watching (and other natural history finds)

Doug DeNeve will lead us on a tour through Lee County State Park.  This was a very popular outing and a very special park.  Emphasis will be on identifying butterflies.  We will meet at Vistors Center at 10 AM.  Directions can be found at http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/park-finder/state-park/891.aspx

Contact David Wach at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 229-9000 for more information.

Saturday October 23, 2010: Winding Stairs Trail

This is an easy walk through a forest filled with rhododendron and mountain laurel.  The trail passes through Miuka Falls, one of the state's most impressive cascades.  This is a three and a half mile trip. Dogs are welcome on this hike.

Call Kathy Clark for details and meeting place at 864-646-2841 (home) or 803-629-8961 (cell).

Weekend of October 29 through 31: Outings Leader Training

National is sponsoring an Outings Leader Training in North Florida at Gold Head Branch State Park Keystone, Florida (between Jacksonville and Gainsville).  http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/training/brochures/2010-florida.asp.  This training will qualify you to lead overnight outings. The cost is $45.

Weekend of October 29 through 31:  Fall color base-camp backpacking trip in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

After a relatively short five to seven mile hike into the Appalachian woods, we’ll set up camp and day hike out from there.  This is a good trip for beginning backpackers and for people who think that carrying a thirty-five pound pack around all day every day is an unnecessary price to pay for enjoying the wilderness.

Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503.

Saturday, November 6, 2010: Outdoor Education Trail with Dr. Jim Frederick

We’ll meet at the Clemson Extension Service at 9am.  The address is 2200 Pocket Road, Florence, South Carolina‎.  We will tour the trail and find out what has changed since our last visit in 2006.  There is a nice picnic area for lunch.  Jim has suggested that, for those who would like to bring canoes, or kayaks, they might want to explore the tupelo tree swamp part of Dargan’s Pond after lunch.  This is normally an area that off limits to the public.  There is a boat launch near the picnic area.  For a map of the extensive trail system click here.

Saturday, November 6: Table Rock Mountain

This is a highly strenuous hike with spectacular views from the top of the dramatic cliffs.  Three and sixth-tenths of a mile one way, total seven and two-tenths miles, approximately six to seven hours in total. Dogs are welcome on this hike.

Call Kathy Clark for additional information and meeting place.  You can reach her at (864)646-2841 (home) or (803)629-8961 (cell).

Saturday, November 13, 2010: Bicycling the Wateree Passage of the Palmetto Trail

We’ll cycle about fourteen-miles in two sections of the Palmetto Trail between Poinsett State Park and North to the Wateree River.  Besides the state park, we’ll go into Manchester State Forest and Wateree Swamp towards the river.  The morning trip will be up to seven-miles on elevated flat converted railroad bed through the swamp towards Wateree River.  We’ll then move to Poinsett SP, where we’ll do a more path-sized “mountain bike” section of the Palmetto Trail before heading onto the dirt roads of Manchester SF.  You don’t need to take the whole thing on, either the easy morning half may be done, or the more moderate afternoon half.

Send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Saturday, November 13: Rabun Bald Trail

This will be a moderate hike of 4 to 5 miles in Northwest Georgia. Bring your lunch, water and your dog is welcome on this hike.

Call Senior hike leader Mark Williams at (864)882-6511 for additional information and meeting place.

Sunday, November 28:  Canoe/kayak trip on the lower Edisto River and Penny Creek

We’ll ride the rising tide beginning at historic Willtown Bluff, past old rice fields and forest, ending up in small, intimate Penny Creek.

Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503.

Sunday, December 5, 2010:  Walking tour of Botany Bay on Edisto Island 
South Carolina’s newest wildlife management area, Botany Bay has a beautiful avenue of oaks, marsh and maritime forest vistas, a couple miles of undeveloped beach, and plantation ruins.  The trip is about six to eight miles long.

Call Bill Turner at (843)571-3503.

Saturday, December 11, 2010: Paddle through Congaree National Park

This is a basic paddle through the Congaree National Park on Cedar Creek.  We'll go from Banister Bridge to South Cedar Creek Road, about seven miles.  This is a twisting creek and best suited for shorter recreational boats.

Contact at David Hutchens at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Weekend of December 11 through 12: Otter Island Over Night Kayak Camping Trip
Paddle and camp where the ACE Basin meets the sea.  Kayaking and camping experience necessary.

Contact Starr Hazard (843)881-8902 or send him an  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 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  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

January 22, 2011: Birding at Huntington Beach State Park

Contact Starr Hazard (843)881-8902 or send him an email at:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 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:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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.