Active Trails- Phase 1
To download a map of the current trails go here.

Hundred Oaks Trail - This was the original ingress/ egress for the Ponds during the 1700’s. This trail meandered to the Ponds Cut Through. Trails heading south provided access to the rice fields located at the basin of the Black Lake bluffs. To the north were agricultural fields that lined the route to the original Plantation. 1 mile distance.

Schulz Trail - This was the oak lined entrance to the Ponds Plantation.  The other side was comprised of large agricultural fields. Schulz Trail terminated at Schulz Lake Point and was important for the transport of rice and timber from the land west of the lake. 1.5 mile distance.

Donning Trail - The trail was used for access to the agricultural fields. 1 mile distance.

Village Pond Trail - This trail circles the Village Pond. You will see all the beautiful natural vegitation surrounding this pond as well as enjoy a special walk-out island in the middle of the pond. 1 mile distance

Farmhouse Walk - This trail circles the entire farmhouse area. You can take in the beautiful views of the farmhouse and all of it's surrounding amenities. 0.5 mile distance.

Future Planned Trails

Schulz Lake Trail - This location was significant as it provided access to the west.  Rice was harvested and loaded and transported by river or over land.  In the later 1800’s it was the focal decking site for the timber harvest from the swamp for transportation to town or the mill.

Bluffs Point Trail - An original settlement site for Native Americans and later for white settlers adventuring westward from Charles Towne.

Ponds Cut Through - At the intersection of the Ponds Cut Through and Schulz Trail was the grand entrance to the Plantation. Turning west took you the original colonial house and facilities. Also at this location was the last outbound trading post.

Settlement Field Pass - This was the original location of the colonial house and slave quarters.

Percival Trail - This site was also used in rice production.

Drayton Trail, Doyley Bend, and Glaze Trail - These trails were utilized for timber access during the Great Depression. The Simmons Family would allow furniture and cabinetmakers to harvest select Oaks, Hickory and Black Walnut trees free. Many of the homes in Charleston and Summerville still have wood furnishings harvested from the property.

Simmons Trails - These locations have no significant background other than cultural operations when many of the large fields were reforested in the mid 1970’s.

Schulz Cut Through - This is the location of the only natural spring pond on the property. The pond was tilled in the 1930’s as it interfered with the production of sweet potatoes.

Lotz Trail and Lotz Loop - This location was used to transport timber from the east side of the Great Cypress Swamp to the on-site mill.

Canoe Dock and Lookout Tower - This site was the primary loading area for rice onto boats for transport to the colonial site.  Later it was used as a decking area to float timber to the Point for loading and transport to the mill.  This location was also the site of the only bridge to span Schulz Lake.  A small cypress bridge was used for workers and equipment but was not large enough to transport heavy loads.

Conservation Trail - This location meandered through the highland of the west property when rains prohibited mule teams from maneuvering to the lake.

Big and Little Island - These island sites provided most of the Cypress production.  It is unknown of the historical significance of the islands but it was reported that Francis Marion utilized these as a refuge and to stealth travel to Charleston.

Other Future Trails:
Old Road Trail
James Trail
Ralph's Branch
Maria's Cutback
Cattle Pass
Ponds Pass
Dove Run
Turkey Run
Indigo Run