Santee National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Marion, South Carolina · 78 ft
Mixed hardwood and pine along the north shore of Lake Marion, three thousand feet below the escarpment overlooks that were the state's only entries. Loblolly holds green through the season, so the hardwood turn reads as patches against it rather than a full canopy.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Nov 1 – Nov 9
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Crowds
low
Usually quieter, especially around dawn.
Getting there
Off US 15/301 at Summerton, with the visitor center on the Bluff Unit. Refuge roads, a wildlife drive and short trails reach the lakeshore and impoundments.
What turns here
- loblolly pine
- oak
- hickory
Color progression
Typical peak Nov 5Typical color progression for Santee National Wildlife Refuge. No change from Sep 28 to Oct 15. First color from Oct 15 to Oct 24. Approaching peak from Oct 24 to Nov 1. Peak from Nov 1 to Nov 9. Past peak from Nov 9 to Nov 19. Bare from Nov 19 to Dec 3.
Color starts around Oct 15.
Light at peak
Santee National Wildlife Refuge on November 5, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:18 AM |
| Sunrise Rises ESE · 108° | 6:44 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 7:19 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:05 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 4:51 PM |
| Sunset Sets WSW · 252° | 5:26 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 5:52 PM |
Times in America/New York · day length 10h 43m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises ESE, sets WSW.
Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.
Location pages name the light directly.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.