# 30 - The Outer Banks-
-at The Hatchery WMA-
Rated: Moderate to Strenuous
7.4 miles, round-trip
Circumnavigate Lake Moultrie's largest historical impoundment
project by paddling next to the remnants of decades-old barriers.
In this exciting blueway, you'll travel "The Outer Banks" of The
Hatchery Waterfowl Management Area. This fish hatchery was
contained by a series of old dikes, small islands, sandbars and
two enormous concrete gates (which still exist to this day!).
-Bring your sense of adventure for this longer and challenging
-paddling route. You're likely to see lots of wildlife, including-
-herons, egrets, anhingas, cormorants, and the occasional-
-bald eagle. PLEASE READ PRECAUTIONS BELOW !!-
Map
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous, due to distance and open water crossings. This is for stronger paddlers
only and you must have some on-the-water navigation skills.
Distance: 7.4 miles, round-trip.
Time: 3 - 4 hours.
Crowds: Very light this far out in The Hatchery. You're guaranteed to see boaters/anglers in the area.
Put In / Take Out: Hatchery Waterfowl Management Area, State Road S-8-802, Pinopolis, SC 29469.
GPS: 33.268503, -80.103042 or 33°16’06.6”N, 80°06’11.0”W. PHOTO of MAIN BOAT RAMP.
**The better place to launch a kayak is actually 450-ft. before (to the west) of the main boat ramp:
PHOTO of BETTER KAYAK LAUNCH. GPS: 33.268306, -80.104611 or 33°16'05.9"N 80°06'16.6"W.
Fees/Permits: None.
Current: Negligible, generally south direction.
Tidal Influence: None.
Trees Down or Other Obstructions? If you come across downed trees, limbs or other obstructions while paddling
this blueway, please let us know. We can often facilitate removing it. Contact us at 843-433-0361 or 843-719-4146.
Precautions: The biggest concern on this Blueway is wind. You’ll have protection from some winds with a few islands and dikes, however, there are plenty of open spaces at The Hatchery where winds can intensify resulting in waves. VERY IMPORTANT: Do not attempt this Blueway when winds are predicted above 5 MPH !!
Navigation skills are important for this route. It's highly recommended that you use a handheld GPS unit
(download the GPX file above) or a GPS app for your phone. You can do this route by sight-only navigation, but
you must study the map in the downloadable guide above.
Water Level: For this Blueway paddle trail, water level is not much of a concern because of open waters. Lake Moultrie Water Levels click HERE.
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
