Sandy Beach Spur Trail is roughly 6 miles using the Spur Trail and the Lake Moultrie Dike. The trail is not heavily marked so the key is to always follow the main dirt road. After traveling about 4 miles on the Spur Trail you will emerge onto the dike. Travel left here for about 2 miles. This will bring you back to Sandy Beach Road. Turn left again and head back to the parking lot.<br />
On the other hand, If you budget plenty of time, there are plenty of diversions. Firebreaks and 2-track roads leave the main road in many places. You will definitely want to check out the primitive camping area on Lake Moultrie. Look for the trail sign with the campground sticker, and proceed 10 minutes to the area. A nice view of Lake Moultrie awaits. You can also see the huge Santee Cooper Cross Station Power Plant across the lake. Also, follow the short trail behind the water hand pump to a small backwater cove. Approach the water quietly and cautiously. This backwater is alligator territory. Another primitive campground is available off the dike.<br />
Overall, this is an easy hike made slightly difficult only during the hottest days of the year. The dirt road and dike are completely exposed. Water is available at both campgrounds, however. Lastly, the Spur Trail is only open from March 1st to November 1st.<br />
You can download a .PDF map at www.palmettoconservation.org.
From St. Stephen, take Highway 45 west for approximately 8.4 miles. Turn left onto Sandy Beach Road (dirt road across from the old Pineville fire tower) for about 2.2 miles until the road makes a Y. Bear to the right. Cross over the dike and continue until you come to the parking lot. No vehicular traffic is allowed beyond the gate, weather the gate is open or not.
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