Skinner's Shed Out-and-Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Spring · Wildlife

Head south around Old Levi Mill Lake for this easy stroll through the hills of Poinsett State Park. This out-and-back hike follows the western boundary of the park providing a great route by itself or an option to build off of, exploring more of the trails in the southern tip of the property.

Trails are open to mountain bikes and frequently maintained by the local MTB club, Midlands SORBA. Park hours: 9 am to dark. Visitor Office: 11 am - 12 pm, 4 pm - 5 pm. Admission: $3/adult, $1.50/senior, $1/children (6-15), free/5 and under.

For a good, shorter hike at Poinsett, head south following signs for Coquina Trail, Knot, and Palmetto Trail: Wateree Passage staying right at all trail intersections. This will follow the western boundary of the park with a couple moderate climbs but generally easier than some of the other steeper hills in this area. Views, if you can call them that, are improved in this section of the park as a large clearing lies to your right (west), providing opportunities for a longer line of sight.

Shade is abundant, which makes the heat and humidity more bearable, though wearing long sleeves and insect repellent can be helpful in the warmer, wetter months.

There are a couple options to switch up the return journey from Skinner's Shed. The first (heading back north) is at signpost #7, taking the Lo Knot West section which runs parallel to the Hi Knot West trail. Another option lies at signpost #5, where visitors can head right (north) toward Scout Trail and Lo Knot for a short loop back to signpost #18 or #4.

The last alternative route is at signpost #33, where visitors can head right (north) along the Palmetto Trail: Wateree Passage and Coquina Trail.

Longleaf pine, mountain laurel, frogs, woodpeckers, hawks, bats, snakes, and alligators at the lake.