Hike the Capers Creek Trail

NPS/Elena De Marco

Walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr. and the students of the Penn School on the Capers Creek Trail. This 0.25 mile trail through the woods of Saint Helena Island leads to a sweeping view of the marshes and the Retreat House built by the Penn Center for Dr. King. The house was finished in 1968 just months after MLK Jr. was assassinated, so he was never able to stay in the house. Today, the Retreat House allows visiting scholars and artists to stay on site at the Penn Center.

Along the trail, learn and observe the natural habitat of Saint Helena Island. The waterway plays an important role in the Gullah Geechee culture and is a crucial source of seafood for the area.

The trail is out and back so the total distance is 0.5 miles. This is an easy, short hike that you can bring your dog on leash.

Details

Duration

30-60 Minutes

Activity

Hiking

Age(s)

0 and Older

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets must be on leash for the entire hike in accordance with the Superintendent's Compendium. There is a pet waste station at the beginning of the trail with a trash can and bags. Please pick up after your pet, pet waste is not a natural fertilizer and can lead to hazardous run off for the waterways.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Saint Helena Island, South Carolina

The trail is located behind Darrah Hall on the Penn Center Campus. There is parking available at Darrah Hall for this trail.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Bug repellent and sunscreen are recommended at all times of year on the Capers Creek Trail.

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

The Capers Creek trail is an easy 0.25 mile one way trail. The trail starts at the end of the grass field behind Darrah Hall. There is no wheelchair accessible path to the trail. There are roots on the path of the trail.