# 8 - Top of the Canal Ride
Rated: Moderate
7.1 miles, round-trip, out-and-back ride
Ride to one of the earliest canals built in the
United States. The Santee Canal dates to the
1790s. This delightful ride takes you through a
variety of habitats and trail types. You'll bike on
wide forest service roads, visit beautiful bottomland
floodplains, and cross many interesting raised
boardwalks. You're even likely to see great blue
herons, egrets and deer if you're quiet. This trek
is part of The Palmetto Trail's Lake Moultrie Passage.
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Difficulty: Moderate.
Distance: 7.1 miles, round-trip, out-and-back bike.
Time: 2 hours.
Surface: Dirt, gravel, forest service roads, raised boardwalks and bridges.
Trail Marker: Yellow blazes on trees, and good signage on the trail.
Trail Map (by Palmetto Trail): Click HERE (this route follows markers 24.5/Viper Rd. to 21).
Bike Type: Trail or "mountain" style bikes with tires over 2.0" inches.
Crowds: Very light. You're almost guaranteed to be alone. You may see others on the weekend.
Fees/Permits: None.
Precautions: Biting insects can be formidable in the warmer months. You may have to ride through shin-to-knee deep grass - ticks abound! Bring insect repellent. VERY IMPORTANT: If there is a train at the crossing, walk your bike around it on the gravel. Never attempt to pass through in-between the train cars. The train can start moving
at any time without warning.
Trailhead & Parking: Park off Viper Rd., Pineville, SC. GPS: 33.387071, -80.113609 or 33°23'13.5"N 80°06'49.0"W.
Contacts: Palmetto Trail 843-359-8775 or 803-771-0590, Cross Generating Station 843-351-4586.
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
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