Boating

Santee Cooper Lakes attract people from all around the world. With 315 miles of shoreline along Lake Marion alone, millions of people find this to offer a variety of outdoor recreational activities. The creation of a navigable route from Columbia to Charleston was one objective of the Santee Cooper project. Beginning where the Santee River flows into Lake Marion to the lock at the Pinopolis Dam, a clearly defined waterway allows boaters to travel the 122 miles to the ocean. Passage through the Santee Cooper lakes to Charleston is made possible by going through the navigation lock, which is located adjacent to the power plant. The distance down the Cooper River to Charleston is 48 miles. The lock is in operation daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Canoeing

The Edisto River passes through eight counties as it winds its way to the ocean. Only passable by canoe, the north fork twists and turns through Orangeburg County offering some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The river runs through more than 200 miles of swamp forest with overhanging trees and an abundance of wildlife, including a variety of birds and the American alligator. One of the most popular canoe trips on the river begins at Shillings Bridge Road (SC secondary highway 74) and runs seven miles to the Edisto Memorial Gardens in Orangeburg. This run offers beautiful scenery, flat water and is good for the novice. For more of a challenge for the expert, a 12.3 mile run between the Edisto Gardens and secondary highway 39 is primitive and pristine with unpredictable currents and plenty of deadfall. Those who canoe the Edisto should use a personal flotation device since even an experienced swimmer can have trouble in cold water and fast current. It is wise to wear clothes that will dry quickly in case of a fall into the water. Do not wear denim. Carry along dry clothes in waterproof bags and tie down what you take so your possessions won't float away if you capsize. Keep your group together and take first aid supplies, including a snake bite kit. If you take the proper precautions and know your limitations, your trip down the Edisto will leave you eager to return.

Hiking

Hikers will enjoy Horne Wetlands Park & Nature Trail in Edisto Memorial Gardens. This major addition to the gardens is an integral part of the City of Orangeburg's ten-year development plan for the Edisto Memorial Gardens. The wetlands park boardwalk is located between the rose garden and the river. When all phases are completed, the park will feature 2600 feet of boardwalk, observation decks, a boat dock, and an interpretive shelter. From the board walk trail, both wildlife and plant life can be viewed in their native settings. Future plans call for the establishment of a water garden to display aquatic plants, and for the park to be extended to the west side of the river. A self-guided nature trailthrough the gardens and along the Edisto River highlights native trees. Brochures are available at the Chamber office or the Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center.

Hunting

The beautiful woodlands in Orangeburg County make for memorable hunting. Shooting preserves and state managed lands provide excellent habitat for deer, dove, ducks, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, wild turkeys, bobcats and even wild hogs. A profusion of birds and waterfowl inhabit the lowlands and swamps surrounding the many lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. Marksmen will enjoy ideal conditions for all types of hunting throughout the county. For more information on hunting, contact the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 328, Orangeburg, SC 29116-0328, (803)534-6821 or 1-800-545-6153.

Fishing the Edisto River

The longest black water river in the world, the Edisto, winds through miles of dense hardwood swamps that provide a backdrop of moss draped trees and colorful plants. Much of the river along the north and south forks remain in its natural state, and anglers can fish for largemouth bass, striped bass, jackfish, pike warmouth, catfish, bream and the local favorite, redbreast. Since Colonial times, the Edisto redbreast has had the reputation of being the best in the world, and fishermen have tried many ways to catch this beautiful fish. Two popular methods are crickets on a cane or fiberglass pole and small artificial lures on lightweight spinning tackle. Drifting down the river in the springtime, casting to eddies and logs, using a slow retrieve can yield a good catch.

While largemouth bass are plentiful in the Edisto, they do not grow to the size found in lakes and ponds. However, when you hook one, it will give you a good fight. From May until December, largemouth bass can be caught by using one of several techniques. Lures range from top water plugs, crank baits and plastic worms to minnows. Again, drifting down the river can be very productive. Water level is a major factor when planning a fishing trip. Catching fish is difficult when the river is too high or flooded. The cold temperature and unpolluted natural environment assures you the freshest, firmest, tastiest fish to be caught anywhere!

Catching Big Ones in the Santee Cooper Lakes

Some of the best fishing waters in the world are right here in Orangeburg County - Santee Cooper Lakes - Marion and Moultrie. From shallow swamps and blackwater ponds to vast, open water with a multitude of underwater structure, the lakes offer a wonderful natural experience while enjoying the sports of fishing or boating. As a result of Lake Marion, the upper lake, not being completely cleared before it was flooded, there are thousands of stumps, standing dead tree trunks and live cypress trees. Due to the relatively mild climate, these lakes do not ice over in the winter, so year-round fishing is enjoyed.

Golfing

The Santee Cooper Lakes area is well represented with beautiful courses in picturesque settings, as well as being convenient to outstanding accommodations. In North Santee, Foxboro Golf Course has a 6819 yard course with exceptionally good greens. They are open to the public.

The Lake Marion Golf Course is a public 6600 yard championship course which is located in Santee, SC overlooking Lake Marion. A semi-private Santee Cooper Country Club also overlooking Lake Marion on a 6500 yard championship course. Another attraction in the Santee area is the Santee National Golf Club which is a 7200 yard course and has the capability to challenge everyone from duffers to pros. It is also open to the public. To promote golfing in the area, motel owners, golf courses and related businesses offer golf packages for individuals and groups. For more information, visit the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce Site, or call (803) 534 - 6821 or 1-800-545-6153.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding and boarding facilities are available throughout the county. For information, visit the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce Site, or call (803)534-6821 or 1-800-545-6153.