Carolina Sandhills NWR

45,000 acres, 30 miles of dirt and gravel roads, multiple ponds and streams, all kinds of flora and fauna and miles of hiking trails...in other words a whole lot of Awesome! I love this place. Every time I plan a quest to this part of South Carolina I am exploring, learning something new. I have kayaked several of the ponds, biked along the dirt roads, hiked the trails, photographed birds, butterflies, dragonflies, turtles and so much more. I suggest stopping at the visitor center/office on the way in, opened 7:00am - 3:30pm Monday through Friday. The people there are friendly, and always willing to answer questions. Pick-up one or several of the brochures they have at the kiosk on things like: the refuge itself (which includes a map), Birds, Common Flowering Plants, Butterflies and Dragonflies, Fishing and others.

There is something here for every outdoor enthusiast. According to their brochure the refuge supports the largest population of endangered red-cockaded woodpecker on service-owned lands and the second largest population in South Carolina. You can hike, bike (on the roads only), kayak (boat), take photos, bird, butterfly watch, fish and so much more. Check the website, http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Carolina_Sandills or stop by the visitor center for rules and regulations pertaining to the sandhills NWR.

My most recent quest to the Sandhills NWR was to photograph Butterflies, Dragonflies and Birds. Please see my photo portfolio on the Sandhills located on the home page. I arrived around 8:00am on a Wednesday, the weather was hot, humid and sunny, another glorious day in the Carolinas. I decided to start my day exploring a new area of the refuge: the Lake Bee Recreation Area. There is a pond, dock, information kiosk, picnic areas and bathrooms. Tate's Loop hiking trail leaves from this area and connects to the Pine Barrens trail. I wanted to stay longer, but the Oxpen Recreation Area was my true destination in this part of the refuge, so off I drove.

I arrived at the Oxpen area a couple of minutes later. The sun and blue sky were reflecting off of both Oxpen and Honker's lakes. The water was a beautiful Carolina blue, the sun creating an amazing shimmering effect off the the ripples caused by a slight breeze...the scene was breathtaking. I proceeded up the observation deck ramp, took in the view and snapped several photos. The White Water Lily was in bloom an irresistible photo opportunity which I took full advantage of (see photo portfolio of the Sandhills). There are also a variety of wildflowers in the area, along with a large population of pitcher plants around the seepage bog near Oxpen Lake.

 It was time to move on, so down the dirt road I drove. The road took me up above Oxpen Lake, and as I looked I had to stop, get out of my car, and take a parting photo of the area.

I returned to some of my old haunts, starting with Martin's Lake. I hiked along Tate's Trail and then drove to the boat ramp, where I did some bird watching. Next was Pool D, I always visit this area whenever I visit the sandhills. It was the first place I stopped the first time I quested to the Sandhills. There is always something to check out, the water lilies, turtles, birds...

The last stop for the day's quest was Pool A. I hiked the Woodland Pond Trail, which circumnavigates the pond and then heads deeper into the wooded area. I took several photos, including turtles, dragonflies and an interesting shot of the pine trees to the right of the trail. Again all the photos I have mentioned can be viewed in the Photo Portfolio section on the main page of my website, please take a look. Once you do, I bet you start planning your trip.

The day was already waning and although I was a little disappointed that my time at the Sandhills NWR that day was running out, it was time to leave. I always say I need to spend several days next time I visit...there are an endless amount of things to do and see. But, luckily it is only a one and a half hour drive for me to get there. I visit the Refuge during the week when there is plenty of solitude and I feel like I can really connect with nature. I can just stop where ever I am to look and listen and take in all the sound of the outdoors without the noise of everyday life intruding. I feel like I could just stay in that moment for an hour or more, it is so peaceful and relaxing, the stresses of life melt away. I highly recommend the Sandhills NWR for a day to connect with all the flora and fauna that nature has to offer.

The Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is located at 23734 US Highway 1 in McBee, South Carolina. In the summer it can get extremely hot and the facilities are few and far apart, part of the appeal for me. Make sure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen, bug spray and snacks. No matter where you quest remember to always follow a "Leave no trace" philosophy. Quest Quietly and be kind to those you meet on the trail!! Until the next Carolina Quest...