City: Charleston, SC

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (843) 764-7951

Description: In a city famous for its bittersweet history and sophisticated architecture, it’s easy to follow that same suit when you go afield in search of some Lowcountry day trip adventures. The previous sojourns (to the fishing village of McClellanville and the quaint towns of Georgetown and Summerville) basically offer more of the same with a country flavor. So, for the sake of variety and an adventure into another world, here’s a day trip expressly for nature lovers, serious birders, wildlife photographers, and anyone who wants an up-close and personal look at the Lowcountry’s true environment—the Carolina wetlands. Marrington Plantation is on land now owned by the Charleston Naval Weapons Station outside the town of Goose Creek. It was a typical working plantation during colonial times. In the late 1600s, when rice was introduced to this area and became a major cash crop, this was only one of hundreds of rice operations flourishing here. By the 1850s, more than 150,000 Lowcountry acres were under rice cultivation. Rice fields were man-made. They comprised an elaborate system of dikes and canals used to control different water levels needed for planting, growing, and harvesting the rice. Today, many of those agricultural fields—long since gone feral—have become natural wetlands, teeming with wildlife. Under the Navy’s Natural Resources Program and its local initiative dubbed “Watchable Wildlife,” some of Marrington Plantation’s former rice fields (not used for any military purposes) were developed in 1995 as a self-guided nature trail for the public. The mile-long trail opened in 1997 and includes more than 1,200 feet of boardwalk that winds its way around several ponds. Today, these ponds offer a natural habitat for wading birds, migratory waterfowl, alligators, eagles, hawks, wood ducks, snakes, turtles, frogs, and insects. White-tailed deer, river otters, gray squirrels, and other wildlife can sometimes be seen there too. Even winter visitors are treated to many of the Lowcountry’s natural delights. Look for egrets, herons, and ring-necked ducks. But lower temperatures usually drive the alligators and snakes out of view for the Lowcountry’s short cold season. (This may or may not come as welcome news to hard-core nature lovers.) Two observation towers offer a panoramic view of the 1,000-acre plantation, and 27 numbered stations serve as markers along the way—each with a corresponding paragraph in an accompanying brochure that explains the cultural and natural history of each feature. To find this nifty natural diversion, take I-26 to the Goose Creek/Moncks Corner exit (at Northwoods Mall) and follow US 52 about 2 miles, past a number of auto dealerships and commercial buildings. Turn right on Snake Road (which crosses the Goose Creek Reservoir), and turn right, again, onto Red-bank Road (CR 29). You’ll pass several signs announcing the Naval Weapons Station, and after 2 miles or so you’ll see a large green sign for Marrington Plantation. Follow the dirt road to the parking lot, where you’ll see the trail’s starting point and some accompanying brochures for interpretation. A tip to the wise: Pack plenty of insect repellent for this outing. Call the number above in advance to check fees and any additional security requirements for admission.