Lower Saluda River in South Carolina

Trip Overview

Well the Lower Saluda is a very nice 3 or 4 mile short trip down the river. There are rocks so you need to be aware of the water level, and the kind of material that one's canoe or kayak is made of before going on a nice day trip. There are several types of birds such as great herrings and kingfishers that live on this river.

There is a reservoir (Lake Murray) with a hydro electrical plant that is located up the river. Too, there are markers that show the dangerous to safe levels of the water at the put-in. Overall, this makes a nice trip on the river for any age of paddlers.

Accommodations:

There are many motels and hotels that are located around Lexington and Irmo.

Fees:

On the Irmo side, the put-in requires a fee to park; however, the Lexington Side is free.

Launches:

Put-in: From I-20 take exit 61 towards Lexington, then follow Corley Mill Road for about 4 miles. Turning right on Hope Ferry follow the road down towards the landing.

Take-out: From I-20 Take the Bush River Exit Number 58, take the turn towards Irmo. Go for about 3 miles and take a left on Garden Valley Lane. Follow the road and take left into the Saluda Hydro Project. This is a Canoe/Kayak put-in or take-out only.