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# 33 - The Night Heron Loop
Wambaw Creek - Hamptom Creek - Santee River
Rated: Moderate to Strenuous
7.5 - 8 miles
Paddle three distinct waterways on this exciting blueway
that begins and ends on Wambaw Creek. This area is
known as a yellow-crowned heron sanctuary, which gives the
route its fun name; you're nearly guaranteed to see dozens
-of these large, usually elusive birds year-round. You'll-
-paddle a tidal blackwater creek lined with stunning cypress-
-trees (on Wambaw Creek), see Hampton Plantation State-
-Historic Site (from Hampton Creek), and adventure on the-
-wide and impressive Santee River. This route is easy to-
-follow but can be challenging due to tides and winds; plan-
-carefully and you can ride the tides for the entire loop!-
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IMPORTANT: This paddling route begins and ends in Berkeley County. It crosses over into Charleston County, however, the majority of the route is in Berkeley County on the well-established Berkeley Blueway
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Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, due to tidal influence and potential for winds.
Distance: 7.5 - 8 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours.
Crowds: Very light. You probably won't see any other kayakers, but could encounter motorized boats in the
Santee River section of the route.
Put In / Take Out: Wambaw Creek Boat Ramp (near Elmwood Recreation Area), Echaw Road / US Forest Service Road 204, McClellanville, SC 29458. GPS: 33.207819, -79.468563 or 33°12’28.2”N, 79°28’06.8”W.
Naming: We chose to call this blueway "The Night Heron Loop" because this larger area of eastern Wambaw Creek, Hampton Creek and the lower Santee River has an abundance of yellow-crowned night herons. On most of our research trips, we spotted a couple dozen of these large birds. This is a little unusual because they are normally elusive. You're nearly guaranteed to see this unique bird!
Fees/Permits: None.
What to Bring With You / Gear Checklist: CLICK HERE.
Current: The current is largely determined by the rising and falling tide. Warning: You'll only be 10 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. The tides can be very strong!
Tidal Influence: Yes, heavy tidal influence. CLICK HERE.
Pro Tip: Leave the boat ramp approximately 30 minutes before the low tide at the HWY-17/South Santee tide chart. This will allow you to ride the end of the low tide to about halfway through Hampton Creek, experience easy going "slack" tide for 30 - 45 minutes, and by the time you leave the Santee River, you should have an incoming tide to push you back up Wambaw Creek. This makes the trip very enjoyable.
Precautions: Motorized boats go up and down the Santee River.
Nearby Amenities: The town of McClellanville is approximately 12 miles away (15 minutes) and has a couple gas stations and restaurants. Georgetown is 21 miles away (27 minutes). The large commerce area of HWY-17 in Mount Pleasant is 40 miles away (45 minutes).
Sunrise / Sunset Times: Click HERE.
10 Day Weather Forecast: Click HERE.
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-Easy Paddling ROUTE for The Night Heron Loop-
1. Leave the boat ramp and paddle to the left (east, away from the bridge).
2. At 1.9 miles, turn right onto Hampton Creek. CLICK HERE.
3. Paddle 1.8 miles on Hampton Creek and when you reach the wide Santee River at a total of 3.7 miles, turn left, heading north. CLICK HERE.
4. Paddle 1.7 miles up the Santee River and and when you reach the entrance to Wambaw Creek at a total of 5.4 miles, turn right. CLICK HERE.
5. Continue back on Wambaw Creek for another 2.2 miles and you'll reach the boat ramp.
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