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Lake Moultrie Passage Trail

Francis Marion National Forest, South Carolina · 3 min read

Distance
5 mi
Elevation Gain
30 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
October through May
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
2 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Part of the 500-mile Palmetto Trail crossing South Carolina
  • Lake Moultrie views through the longleaf pine and hardwood forest edge
  • Accessible from Moncks Corner for an easy half-day outing
  • Good birding for ospreys, anhingas, and great blue herons on the lake
  • Flat, well-maintained trail suitable for beginning hikers

Overview

The Lake Moultrie Passage Trail is a flat, accessible walk along the western boundary of Francis Marion National Forest, following one of South Carolina's 500-mile Palmetto Trail passages near the shore of Lake Moultrie. The trail provides consistent lake views through the forest edge and offers an easy introduction to the Lowcountry forest character without the difficulty of the swamp and bay terrain deeper in the forest.

Lake Moultrie is one of the Santee Cooper Lakes, a system created by South Carolina's early 20th-century hydroelectric project. The lake's shoreline within the forest boundary provides habitat for osprey, anhinga, great blue heron, and bald eagle, making the trail a rewarding birdwatching destination year-round.

The Route

Trailhead to First Lake View (Miles 0-1.2) The trail begins at the US-52 trailhead and heads east through a mixed longleaf pine and hardwood forest with a saw palmetto understory. The first clear lake view comes at mile 1.2, where a clearing along the bank provides an unobstructed view across the water.

Lake Edge Section (Miles 1.2-2.5) The trail follows the lake edge for the central section, staying on slightly elevated ground above the shoreline. Several informal viewpoints allow lake access. Osprey hunt regularly over this stretch, and anhingas (also called snakebirds for their swimming posture) roost in dead snags visible from the trail.

When to Hike

October through April the weather is comfortable and bird activity is high. Winter brings resident and migratory waterfowl to the lake.

March through May spring migration brings warblers and other neotropical migrants through the forest corridor.

June through September hot and humid. Early morning visits are manageable and the lake bird activity is still good in the cooler hours.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1 liter of water. Binoculars reward the lake bird watching. Sunscreen for the exposed lake edge sections. Insect repellent from April through October.

Trailhead Access

The trailhead is off US-52 near Moncks Corner, South Carolina. The parking area has a vault toilet. No permit or fee is required as of 2026. Dogs are welcome on leash. Limited cell service near Moncks Corner.

Nearby

The Ion Swamp Trail is a short drive east into the central forest for swamp terrain contrast. The Awendaw Passage Trail is the other Palmetto Trail passage in the forest, about 30 miles southeast near the coast. Check conditions before your visit: /learn/checking-conditions-before-you-go. Follow Leave No Trace: /learn/leave-no-trace-7-principles.

Trailhead Parking

Palmetto Trail Lake Moultrie Passage trailhead off US-52 near Moncks Corner. Free. Space for 15 vehicles.

← Back to Francis Marion National Forest

More Trails in Francis Marion National Forest

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Awendaw Passage Trail

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The Awendaw Passage Trail is a 7.2-mile section of the Palmetto Trail through Francis Marion National Forest, connecting the inland pine forest to the coastal saltmarsh near Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

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Buck Hall Overlook Loop

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The Buck Hall Overlook Loop circles 4.2 miles through maritime forest and saltmarsh edge at Francis Marion National Forest's coastal boundary, with views of the Cape Romain estuary and the Intracoastal Waterway.

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Hellhole Bay Wilderness Loop

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The Hellhole Bay Wilderness Loop circles 6.4 miles through one of the finest intact Carolina bay wilderness areas in the United States, a dense evergreen bay swamp and pocosin ecosystem in Francis Marion National Forest.

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Ion Swamp Trail

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The Ion Swamp Trail explores 3.8 miles through one of the most accessible blackwater swamp ecosystems in Francis Marion National Forest, with raised trail sections and exceptional birding in a classic South Carolina Lowcountry setting.

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Sewee Shell Mound Trail

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The Sewee Shell Mound Trail is a 2.8-mile walk to a prehistoric Sewee Native American shell midden at the coastal edge of Francis Marion National Forest, combining cultural history and Lowcountry natural scenery.

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Swamp Fox Trail East Section

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The Swamp Fox Trail East Section covers 12 miles through the eastern portion of Francis Marion National Forest's signature long trail, passing through longleaf pine savanna and bay swamp terrain in South Carolina's Lowcountry.

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Tibwin Creek Trail

5.4 mi15 ft gain
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The Tibwin Creek Trail follows 5.4 miles along a historic rice planter's canal and creek corridor at the coastal edge of Francis Marion National Forest, with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and outstanding Lowcountry birding.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Lake Moultrie Passage Trail take?
The 5.0-mile out-and-back takes most hikers 2 to 2.5 hours at a comfortable pace.
Is this trail part of the Palmetto Trail?
Yes. The Lake Moultrie Passage is one of many passages of the Palmetto Trail, a 500-mile hiking trail across South Carolina from the mountains to the coast. Francis Marion National Forest contains two complete Palmetto Trail passages: Lake Moultrie and Awendaw.
Is the Lake Moultrie Passage dog friendly?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout. Keep dogs away from the lake edge where alligators may be present.