Over Thanksgiving, Chris and I took our kids out to Awendaw Creek to canoe this intimate, brackish water trail in Francis Marion National Forest.  We set out to do a short version of the itinerary that we’ve got coming up on December 6 and 19.

Our kids range in age from 2 to 22 (!), so we have to plan our adventures around nap time and how long little Emily will consent to being confined within the hull of a canoe.  What we’ve found with her is that she need a destination where we get out and explore.  Just “going out for a paddle” does not work for this active toddler.

On this gorgeous fall day, we packed a cooler with sandwiches (pimento with arugula and pb&j if you’re curious), chips and a bag of Sewee Outpost gummy worms.  As we worked out way down the creek, I had a few takeaways that I wanted to share.

1.  It’s gorgeous. I don’t know if it was the way the light is in late November or if it’s the straw color of the spartina grass paired with the reds and purples of the oaks along the bank, but everywhere I looked it was like a painting.And there are bluffs! As a Georgia native, something that I miss is rolling hills and small changes in elevation.  Looking up at the bluffs that line the woodland side of the creek made it feel like we were somewhere other than the Lowcountry.  Along some portions, the bluffs are twenty feet, supporting live oaks, blackjack oaks, pines,  yaupon holly and other natives along the edge.When you look the other way, its a field of spartina and bullrush reaching out towards Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, putting you on this dynamic edge between two very different ecosystems.
2.  It’s a haven for wildlife.  Being on this edge allows you to see a wide variety of animals and plants.  It’s where saltwater and freshwater collides, so you can see dolphins, oystercatchers (and oysters!) working the creek while woodpeckers and warblers fly overhead.   We saw hawks, kingfishers, cardinals, bald eagles and so much on our short (1-hour) paddle.
3. The hike is as good as the paddle.  I will be honest, I have been on some trails in the Lowcountry that don’t have must interest after a mile or two.  They’re pleasant, but monotonous.This 4.5 mile portion of the Palmetto Trail, known as the Awendaw Passage, is really good. .  There are small hills to scamper up, boardwalks over salt marsh to cross, and overlooks.

   The forest is a great mix of mature trees and understory shrubs and flowering plants.  Palmettos, live oaks, pines, Spanish moss, yaupon holly and more.There are shortcuts and places to wander off the trail.  And the best part?  You’re 20 feet over the estuary, giving you looks across that ecosystem that you seldom see without the help of a drone or a bridge.  Benches are thoughtfully placed along these overlooks so you can take a moment to enjoy.

   Our kids- every decade of them- loved this part of the adventure.

The Takeaway

We recently created an itinerary, the Awendaw Creek Paddle + Hike, to let you see this cool place with us.  We take care of everything- equipment, guide service, set up & clean up- so that you can take it all in and enjoy the moment with family and friends.

And believe me, it’s worth using an outfitter when you kayak or canoe around the Lowcountry.   Chris and I have been together for 10 years, and I’m still in awe of the way he makes his trips- whether for clients or our family- look easy to pull off.   Just like fly-fishing in Montana or whitewater rafting in Maine, you’ll love what a local guide- with all the right equipment and know-how- can do to make your experience the best.

It’s not as vigorous of a paddle and hike as the Bulls Island trip so you get moments to just rest your paddle on the kayak and take it all in.  You don’t need any experience; we’ll teach you everything you need to know.

Should you bring your kids?

We purposely don’t have a kids rate on this tour because for a full-day trip it works better when everyone can keep a certain pace.

For a private tour, it would be wonderful for kids 2 and older.   All you need is a group of 6 or more and enough adults so that each kid under 12 can be in a tandem kayak with an adult.  We’ll adjust the itinerary and give pre-trip suggestions (bring gummy worms!) to make the trip a success.

What else is there to do in Awendaw?

Chris and I live here, so I’ll have to do a day trip itinerary some day.  A few highlights:

Sewee Outpost.  This is the hub of our little hamlet.  We’re partial to the hot biscuits they sell in the morning, so grab a bag before your tour.  You could spend hours in here shopping for outdoor gear (and we do).

Seewee Restaurant.  There aren’t many places like this around anymore.  Ms. Mary and her family cook local seafood the way you dream about.  I like the shrimp (fried or Seewee style), butterbeans and collards, but all of the seafood is great.

Center for Birds of Prey. Our friends at the Center do an incredible job of providing medical care to injured raptors and educating the public.  Don’t miss the flight demonstrations!

Sewee Center.  Visit this headquarters for Cape Romain National Wildlife Center to get information about area trails and outdoor opportunities in Cape Romain and Francis Marion National Forest.  There is a network of boardwalks through the woods behind the center that are fun to explore with kids.

I hope you’ll come out on this new tour we put together!  If you have questions, just call the office at (843)884-7684 and our guides will chat with you about it.

See you on the water,
Kari Crolley