Low-Tide Hike

Sunset Bay and Gregory Point. Photo by Alex Derr.

The Southcoast Striders hiking group is taking advantage of a minus tide on Saturday, April 29, to sponsor an exploration of the coastline in the vicinity of Sunset Bay State Park (2.5 miles south of Charleston.

Led by local naturalists, the hikers will visit both rocky intertidal and sandy beach areas, discussing the organisms they find and such phenomena as changes in the ocean (“the Blob,” El Nino, sea level rise and climate change), sea star wasting syndrome, algal blooms, and more.

Meet at the day use parking lot at Sunset Bay at 8:30 a.m, near the volleyball courts and restrooms at the south end. The trip will go from 8:45 a.m. to late morning. Be prepared for all weather conditions with layered synthetic or wool clothing, full rain gear, sun screen and shades, and plenty of water and food.  Wear footwear with good traction soles on the rocks — these are very slippery. There is some low-key bouldering. Walking sticks or hiking poles may be helpful.  Bring rubber knee boots or waders, or an old pair of sneakers if you have them, but be prepared to get wet up to your knees. Cameras and binoculars suggested.  The hike is rated “difficult,” due not to distance—about two miles—but to the difficulty of walking on slippery rocks.