# 13 - Sandy Beach
Rated: Easy
3.2 miles, round-trip, out-and-back hike
Have lunch on a beach overlooking north Lake
Moultrie. This hike is entirely contained within
the Department of Natural Resources' Sandy Beach
Waterfowl Management Area (WMA). You are
guaranteed to see large waterfowl (egrets, great
blue herons, ibis), maybe a few birds of prey (osprey,
bald eagles), and the occasional alligator. Bring your
camera on this easy trek to the best hidden beach on the lake!
Allowed
certain times
CONTACT DNR
Difficulty: Easy.
Distance: 3.2 miles, round-trip.
Time: 3 hours.
Trail Surface: Wide dirt/sand service roads and double track.
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: Waterfront primitive camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the end of the hike at the namesake "Sandy Beach." This area can easily accommodate 20 campers.
Contacts: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Bonneau, SC Office 843-825-3387.
Santee Cooper 843-761-4068.
Weather on the Trail: Click HERE
