High Hills of Santee, Chain of hills in Sumter County, South Carolina.
High Hills of Santee is a chain of hills between the coastal plain and the Wateree River valley, stretching roughly 25 miles long and 5 miles wide in this region. Several protected areas here include Poinsett State Park and Manchester State Forest, which offer multiple trail systems for outdoor activities.
English naturalist John Lawson first documented the area in 1701, noting its remarkable landscape features in his travels. This early exploration provided the first recorded accounts of the region's distinctive character.
During the 1800s, wealthy planters made this area their permanent home, building cotton plantations and country estates that shaped how the land was used and inhabited.
Expect varied terrain and elevation changes when exploring the trails throughout the area. Visit during fall through spring for milder weather and better trail conditions.
The hills rise roughly 300 feet (90 meters) above the Wateree River and were shaped by an ancient seashore from millions of years ago. This geological formation offers visitors insight into the dramatic changes the region has undergone over deep time.
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