South Fork Edisto River in South Carolina

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Temp 70 F - sunny, Kayak trip - Garth and Tom

11:30 am - Put In @ Ness Bridge landing - Hwy 70

6:00 pm - Take Out @ Cannon Bridge on Rd # 20

Trip distance approximately 15 miles

The South Fork is a scenic, black water river. The river twists and turns through a remote swamp wilderness. The water level was high with a helpful steady current. Thick stands of cypress and wetlands flank both sides of the river. For emergency purposes, the only effective way to exit the river is via the boat landings. The river is a pristine wetland with few topo features. A map is handy to estimate distances to the next landing. Fishermen will enjoy this river. Many strainers and sweepers were negotiated. A few of them were challenging to negotiate. Tom took a chilly plunge into the river at one particularly nasty log jam. The water was too deep for him to stand in the river. Because of the warm air temperature, he quickly warmed up. Sacrificed to the River God, was a cell phone, digital camera, and lost paddles. Came across a couple john boats during the trip, but basically a remote a section of black water river.

Accommodations:

No facilties at Put In or Take Out

Directions:

From Columbia, SC : Take I-26 East to Orangeburg. Take Hwy 301/601 to Bamberg, SC

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location