Cypress Swamp Nature Colleton State Park - Member Hike

Hike Name:	Cypress Swamp Nature Colleton State Park
Country:	United States
State:	South Carolina
Nearby Town:	Canadys
Rating:
Directions:	Located off I-95, exit 68. Head E. toward Charleston/Canadys on Hwy. 61. Go 3 mi. to Hwy. 15. Take Hwy. 15 N. (left) for .5 mi. The park is on the left.
Total Hike Distance:	0.50 miles
Hike Difficulty:	Easy
Permit Required:	No
Hike Type:	One-Way, Shuttle Hike
Hike Starts:	post and rail fence
Hike Ends:	post and rail fence
Trails Used:	Cypress Swamp Nature .5 mi loop
Backcountry Campsites:	No
Backcountry Water Sources:	Streams, Rivers
Management:	State Park Service
Contact Information:	147 Wayside Lane Canadys, SC 29433 843-538-8206 E-Mail: colleton@scprt.com
Best Season:
Users:	Hikers, Dogs
Road Conditions:	Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads
Hike Summary:	An easy, easy hike. This one was good for stretching our legs and eating a few sandwiches on our trip back from Myrtle Beach. http://www.stateparks.com/gmaps/curlocation.asp?lat=33.06361&lon=-80.61583&z=12 This state park is a popular stop-over for interstate travelers. Campers, fishermen, and canoeists enjoy the peaceful and relaxing waters of the Edisto River, with its diversity of wildlife. Colleton State Park is on a portion of the river that has been designated as an official canoe and kayak trail. Public restrooms available: Yes Drinking water Dogs allowed: Yes Picnic tables, shelters Playground map: http://www.sctrails.net/Trails/MAPS/ColletonSPmap.html From the trailhead at the post and rail fence, pick up a self-guided nature brochure for this short, level, easy walking, loop trail. Numbered signs will help you identify a variety of trees and plants including cypress, poplar, hickory, sweetgum, maple, dogwood, birch, and magnolia. You can follow the canoe launch board walk spur trail to the dark water of Edisto River. Watch for a variety of birds, deer, turtles, snakes and other wildlife. Remember to wear insect repellant in warm weather. Pets are permitted on leashes. Restrooms are available at the camping area. State Park Overview: Only five minutes from I-95, this 35-acre park was originally built as a wayside park in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Campers, fishermen, canoeists and other outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the peaceful and relaxing blackwaters of the Edisto River. Colleton is on a portion of the river that has been designated as an official canoe and kayak trail, which carries paddlers into a rare, natural world of wildlife and scenic beauty. The park hosts the Edisto Riverfest, an annual weekend festival held in June, which offers numerous guided canoe trips, educational programs, workshops, exhibits and music. Guests also have the opportunity to camp, hike or picnic in this scenic regional park. History of the Area: Colleton State Park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal Program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The program was designed to provide employment during the Great Depression while addressing national needs in conservation and recreation. The CCC was instrumental in the development of many of South Carolina's state parks. A number of buildings built by the CCC in the 1930's are still in use at this park.