The surface is mainly dirt except for a section of boardwalk and an arched bridge over a creek.
Primitive camping is available in four areas around the lake.
When US 17A and US 52 split, stay on US 52. The trailhead is 3.6 miles on the left at the US Forest Service Canal Recreation Area. The trailhead is on the right just after you cross the diversion canal. Supervisor-Forestry and Undeveloped Lands, Santee Cooper Land Division, One Riverwood Drive, Moncks Corner, SC, 29461. Lincoln St., Suite 213, Columbia, SC 29201-3154.