--The BEST Outdoor INFORMATION in the Southeast!--
Land of the Giants Paddle
Tributary of the Santee River, in the Wee Tee State Forest
Rated: Moderate to Strenuous
7 - 8 miles +
This route is only accessible via Berkeley Blueway # 12, the Santee River
access near Jamestown. It's treated as a tributary kayaking trail. This
paddle explores the Wee Tee State Forest. It's named the "Land of the
Giants" because at lower water levels, you'll paddle by thousand year
-old cypress trees with buttresses that are wider than your boat is long!-
-Float under stunning willow trees with eerie moss and see an abundance-
-of wildlife including ibis, yellow crowned night herons, anhingas, alligators-
-river otters and wild boar. Further, you'll cross through 3 small lakes that-
-offer some of the best fishing around. Bring your camera and a big sense-
-sense of adventure for this paddler favorite, but only known by a few.-
-PLEASE READ PRECAUTIONS BELOW !!!-
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CLICK HERE for a Downloadable Kayaking MAP
Wee Tee State Forest MAP (from SC Forestry Commission)
IMPORTANT: This paddling route is not endorsed nor managed by the Berkeley Soil & Water Conservation District or Berkeley County Government. It is not an official Berkeley Blueways kayaking trail, however, you access the route's namesake ("Land of the Giants") by launching in Berkeley County and paddling nearly a mile on Berkeley Blueway # 12. Once you paddle off the Santee River, into the Wittee Branch, you officially cross into Williamsburg County, SC.
Always paddle and adventure at your own risk !!
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Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, due to distance, navigation, and obstacles/portages at low water levels.
Distance: 7 - 8 miles +
Time: 4 - 5 hours +
Crowds: Very light. You will see motorized boaters in the area, but once you turn off the Santee River into the Wittee Branch, you won't see anyone else.
Put In: Jamestown Landing, US-17/41 ALT, Jamestown, SC 29453. Mapping programs recognize the following for driving directions: "Lenud's Ferry Public Boat Landing, Santee River." GPS: 33.303510, -79.679659 or
33°18’12.6”N, 79°40’46.8”W.
Naming: In this guide and on maps, you'll see "Wee Tee" State Forest and "Wittee" Branch (the "branch" is the creek you'll paddle for this route). Neither is a typo. The state forest and creek are spelled differently but pronounced exactly the same.
Fees/Permits: None
Current: The current is largely determined by the rising and falling tide. It can also be affected by water releases at the Lake Marion dam after major storms.
Tidal Influence: Yes, tide is approximately 2.75 hours behind Charleston Harbor tide table. CLICK HERE.
Precautions: Motorized boats go up and down the river near the landing. Be on the lookout for wasp and hornet nests in low lying branches. MOST IMPORTANT: Pay attention to water levels (read below).
Water Level: It's tricky! For this paddling route, the Jamestown Santee water level should be between 5.5 - 8 ft. For Santee River Water Levels, click HERE. If you go below 5.5 ft., you will have to drag and portage your boat around obstacles. If you go over 8 - 9 ft., you risk faster moving currents in the Wittee Branch. Also, be mindful of rising and lowering water levels due to the tidal influence.
Nearby Amenities: Jamestown is 1.2 miles south on HWY-17 with a large gas station and Dollar General. Andrews is 13 miles north on HWY-17 with many gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants. Moncks Corners is 22 miles south on HWY-17/52. Georgetown is 28 miles north on HWY-17.
10 Day Weather Forecast: Click HERE
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-Easy Paddling ROUTE to the Land of the Giants-
1. Leave the boat ramp and cross the 500-ft. wide river. Begin paddling up river (northwest direction), staying close to the banks/tree line.
2. At nearly three-quarters of a mile up river, reach the 40-ft. wide entrance to the Wittee Branch - GPS here (GPS: 33.311028, -79.689167 or 33°18'39.7"N 79°41'21.0"W). Paddle into this wide creek.
3. Welcome to the "Land of the Giants." From here, paddle as far into this waterway that you can, depending on water level and effort. Return the same way you came.
Created 09/2025, Published 06/29/26.
