Woods Bay State Park offers a close-up look at one of the last remaining largeCarolina Bays on the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain. The 1,590-acre park, located in the coastal plains region, features a wide range of habitats including marsh, sandhills, oak-hickory forest and shrub bog.
The habitats of Woods Bay can be explored by taking the nature trail encircling the mill pond or by walking the length of the 1,150 foot boardwalk, which provides views of alligators in the cypress tupelo swamp. The best way to see the park is by following a canoe trail which takes paddlers past the Carolina Bays, elliptical depressions which appear swampy but remain dry
Fishing Information: Enjoy fishing off the boardwalk into a Carolina Bay. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required.
Fishing: Yes
Freshwater Fishing: Yes
Boating and Boat Access: The canoe trail at Woods Bay is subject to fluctuating water levels. At times the waters are too low for navigation. Please contact the park directly for current trail conditions. The one-mile canoe trail guides visitors through a portion of the Carolina Bay.
Private canoes and kayaks are allowed in the bay.
Paddling: Yes
Picnic Shelters: Yes
Bird Watching: Up to 81 bird species have been surveyed at Woods Bay State Park. The best places to bird watch are from the wetland boardwalk and around the Mill Pond Trail.
Birding: Yes
Walking/Nature Trails: The Mill Pond Nature Trail is an easy 3/4-mile loop. Guests will also have the opportunity to experience life in a Carolina Bay along the 500-foot boardwalk.
Hiking: Yes
