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South Carolina Hiking|Nature

This Little-Known 3-Mile Canoe Or Kayak Trail Through Cypress Trees In South Carolina Is A Paddler's Dream Come True

By Robin Jarvis | Published February 20, 2021

If you’re into canoeing or kayaking and haven’t discovered the water trail on the mill pond at Goodale State Park near Camden, then you’re in for a delightful surprise. You don’t even need to tote your own canoe or kayak over to the park because you can rent one there. Here’s an overview of what you’ve been missing:

Goodale State Park is one of the best kept secrets in the South Carolina State Parks lineup.

The 763-acre park features a 140-acre mill pond with a seriously stunning stand of swamped cypress trees, among other things.

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Load up the kayak or canoe, or simply rent one at the park. The cost is $10 for a half day and $20 for the full day. You'll put in near the spillway and then paddle across the lake (the mill pond) to the entrance of Pine Tree Creek.

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You'll know where it is because it's where the cypress trees are.

On the way, you may even get to paddle through a carpet of lilies.

The water trail carries up Pine Tree Creek for about a mile or so.

You'll wind through a huge stand of water-logged cypress trees before reaching the end of the trail, where you'll turn around and paddle back to your launch site.

Goodale State Park is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

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Have you discovered this underrated state park yet?

For more information about Goodale State Park, see the official website for South Carolina State Parks.

What other state parks in South Carolina are your favorites? Let us know in the comments!

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Goodale State Park, 650 State Rd S-28-331, Camden, SC 29020, USA