Little Pee Dee River in South Carolina

Trip Overview

Members of the Lumber River Canoe Club put in at the river bridge over Hwy 301 North. There were 15 of us; some in canoes some in kayaks. Some novice paddlers and some very experienced paddlers.

This river had something to offer us all. It is a very scenic river, lots of birds, lots of cypress trees. We saw about 20 geese nesting, a female hawk on her nest, a huge cypress tree with an oak tree growing out of it, a couple of otters and several mallards. We did not see any snakes.

This river has several switch backs some with challenging swift water(no white water). There were a few places where we had to sit in the bottom of our canoe and bend down with our heads on our knees to pass under fallen trees. We had a few submerged trees that we had to scoot over. The big obstacles were huge fallen trees across the river. All of these had the tops cut out of them leaving about 3 feet open to paddle through. Given the fact that on several of these there were immediate cut backs that prevented us from paddling through these fast. Needless to say there were a few paddlers that were baptized in the Little Pee Dee River at that location that Saturday.

All in all we paddled 4 hours down to the landing at hwy 57 and the old state park. Everyone had a great day even those that flipped their canoe.

Take along some sunscreen broad-brimmed hats, snacks and water for a break or a lunch. I suggest taking a camera and maybe a pair of binoculars. Of course a safety or first aid kit and a whistle. We saw no snakes at all, however I am certain they are there.

Accommodations:

Motels and restaurants as you come off I-95 on to Hwy #9.

The river has no accommodations or facilities. On the right side of the river you can stop at the police hut and use their picnic table under a covering for taking out to enjoy a break or lunch. This also a half way point on this paddle.

Fees:

No Fees or Permits required.

Directions:

I 95 North from Florence, SC to exit 191 (Burger King)on to Hwy #9. Drive straight ahead 3 miles take a left on to Hwy 301 North. Drive 5 miles to first bridge and put in below the bridge. Directions to the take out. Get back on 301 South to Hwy #9. Take Hwy #9 through town to Hwy #57 take this about 10 miles you will see a sign on your right direction you to the landing where you will take out.