Woods Bay State Park

2020 Hiking Post 2

I mentioned previously that even though we've been to all of the South Carolina State Parks, there were a few that we wanted to return to. One of these was Woods Bay State Park. This small park is near the town of Olanta, east of Sumter and just east of I-95. The park is surrounding what is called a Carolina Bay. Carolina bays are elliptical depressions in the coastal area of the Mid-Atlantic.

Local author Tom Poland has a new book out about the Carolina Bays that I'm excited to check out. From the description of his book: "The best definition of these features are "temporary, isolated freshwater wetlands," variously described as "high or flatwater ponds, wet weather lakes, or vernal pools," often identified more accurately as "pocosins," and they are ecological wonders, full of all manner of amphibians and reptiles, insects and birds, wildlife and plants--many of them exotic and rare. What also defines them is their uncommon beauty."

This park has a trail that loops around .9 miles, with a boardwalk that extends into the bay for just a quarter of a mile. There is also a paddling trail that is one mile out into the bay. Previously, we had visited during the warmer months and the bugs prevented us from walking the trail. But recently we visited and walked the nature loop. There are warnings about alligators and other wildlife in this area. I've heard that it's a great place to go bird watching or spot some wild animals. Unfortunately, we went on a cooler, overcast day, in the afternoon, and didn't see anything besides birds. But the trail was pretty and there was a marker that talked about the area's previous history as a mill. 

Cypress knees and other sites along the boardwalk.

We talked with a kayaker who was taking out his boat and he said the trail was pretty well marked. Also, even though we've had a lot of rain recently, it wasn't too flooded. I'm thinking about going back sometime to paddle in the area. Just be prepared for spiders! 

Resurrection Ferns along the trail.

We've spent a good amount of time in swampy area with lots of cypress trees. You don't realize how much of the state has places like this until you get out and explore them. I have been struck by the beauty of these areas and the biodiversity that they contain. I heard that this area is also home to some of the state's carnivorous plants but I couldn't find any this trip. I imagine they grow more in the warmer months. 

The drive to Woods Bay State Park only took us about 1 hour and 15 minutes, taking Highway 378 through Sumter. The park is free to visit.

Coming back, we drove some backroads to Bishopville and stopped by the Lynchburg Savanna Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management Area. It looked like a neat area to return to for a hike through the South Carolina longleaf pine savanna. Nearby is also the Longleaf Pine Heritage Preserve, but we weren't able to stop there. 

Lynchburg Savanna Map