Moncks Corner/ Pinopolis Dam

A full day of history, adventure, and information awaits you in Berkeley County, South Carolina. Just 30 miles north of Charleston via I-26 and US 52, Moncks Corner, South Carolina is the setting for the most diverse eco-tour in the kayaking industry.

Your adventure begins on the vast, open waters of Lake Moultrie. Begun in 1939, the Santee Cooper Project dammed the Santee River, flooding nearly 175,000 acres. At the time, this was the largest earth-moving project ever undertaken. The Pinopolis Dam and Lock is the tallest single-step lock in North America (second tallest in the world).

Our lake crossing requires about 20 minutes, and we will promptly enter the hydraulic lock that separates the waters of Lake Moultrie from the Cooper River. After entering the lock, we will tether all boats to floating platforms within the chamber and begin our 75' drop to the Tailrace Canal. Approximately 6 million gallons of water is released in our descent. The "Big Drop" through the locks takes about 25 minutes, but gives a priceless lesson in engineering and hydrodynamics.

Our adventure continues downstream for about 2 miles to Gilligan’s Seafood Restaurant, a local favorite, for a casual lunch. Following lunch, we continue downstream to the headwaters of the Cooper River, and its ancient rice fields on Wadboo Creek. Your outing culminates at the Old Santee Canal Park and The Berkeley Museum. Please allow several hours between the offerings of the museum and the park's interpretive center.

Minimum - 5 paddlers
Maximum - 50 paddlers

This trip has 3 options from $45 - $65/ person. Call for more details.

Reservations required. Easy drive from most South Carolina beaches.