# 14 - Crooked Bay
Rated: Moderate
5.3 or 7.4 miles, round-trip, loop
Located entirely within the Sandy Beach Waterfowl
Management Area, the Crooked Bay route takes
the hiker through a variety of habitats including
pine forests, bottomland floodplains, water
impoundments and big lake coves, all while hiking
on wide, easy forest service roads. To say this area
has wildlife is an understatement! In one trip, you're
likely to see egrets, herons, ibis, eagles, deer,
alligators, snakes and fox squirrels. Don't miss this
adventure for those who like to wander in the woods!
Allowed
certain times
CONTACT DNR
Yes*
Click Here for a Downloadable Crooked Bay Hiking Guide
5.3 Mile Route - GPX Hiking File for your GPS
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Difficulty: Moderate (only due to distance).
Distance: 5.3 mile route or 7.4 mile route, round-trip, loop style hikes.
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours.
Trail Surface: Wide dirt/sand forest service roads.
Stroller Friendly: Yes; with large-wheeled, all terrain strollers.
Crowds: Very light.
Fees/Permits: None. Parts of the waterfowl management area are closed from November until February. There are signs indicating this.
Precautions: Biting insects can be formidable in warmer months. Bring insect repellent. IMPORTANT: Sandy Beach has a large alligator population. There could be alligators sunning on some of the roads. Never approach an alligator. Usually they will quickly move away when they see humans.
Trailhead & Parking: Sandy Beach Road, Pineville, SC 29468.
GPS Coordinates for Trailhead: 33.400852, -80.066027 or 33°24'03.1"N 80°03'57.7"W
Camping: There are two places to camp the Sandy Beach Waterfowl Management Area. There is primitive camping at the north side of Crooked Bay available on a first-come, first-serve basis. This area can easily accommodate 6 campers. Click HERE for the location.
There is also camping available at the namesake "Sandy Beach." This area can easily accommodate 20+ campers. Click HERE for the location.
Contacts: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Bonneau, SC Office 843-825-3387. Santee Cooper 843-761-4068
So Much History Nearby: Did you know Berkeley County has more than 110 historical markers and historical points of interest? CLICK HERE to find your Adventures in History!
Weather on the Trail: Click HERE
