Like an intricate web, the Santee River system weaves through the state of South Carolina.

It's a vital network of waterways encompassing major rivers such as the Catawba, Saluda and Broad.

These rivers provide diverse habitats, form geological landscapes and regulate the local climate.

The cultural significance of South Carolina's rivers is deeply ingrained in the state's heritage and makeup.

Now it's time to explore the wonders of these rivers from the sky.

The Catawba River extending 220 miles enters South Carolina near Rock Hill and transforms into the Wateree as it progresses southward, ultimately forming Lake Wateree.

Named after the Catawba tribe, who were known as the people of the river, this once wild waterway hosts a spectacular natural phenomenon.

During the early summer months, the emergence of the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily transforms the area into a mesmerizing sea of white.

This rare aquatic plant found only in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina, relies on specific environmental conditions to thrive, including direct sunlight and shallow, swift water currents.

Its delicate tendrils extending beyond white petals give it a spider like appearance symbolizing the intricate web of life within its ecosystem.

The Saluda River, another integral component of the Santee River system, originates near Greenville, South Carolina, and flows southeasterly for 170 miles through the Piedmont.

The river holds historical significance as the Native Cherokees, who primarily settled along its banks, named it the river of corn.

The Saluda River is also the site of the Drear Shoals Dam, which forms Lake Murray, a popular recreational destination.

Originating from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the Broad River contributes to the complexity of the Santee River System.

As it flows towards the capital city of Columbia, it converges with the Saluda River to form the Congaree River.

The Congaree River later merges with the Wateree River from the Catawba just north of Lake Marion.

This confluence marks the formation of the Santee River, which eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean, creating the Santee Delta South of Georgetown.

As arteries of life, these waterways not only sustain diverse ecosystems, but also serve as channels for human activity, shaping the region's history and identity., best seen from the sky.