Waccamaw River in South Carolina

Trip Overview

Expect black water river and creeks with little current. Cypress and white cedar draped with Spanish moss lined the banks. Flowering shrubs on the banks with yellow water lilies along with gators, osprey, turtles, egrets and blue heron were spotted. A few small sandbars on Cow Creek at the start of the trip were the only access to the bank as most were steep and muddy.

The trip circumnavigates Laurel Hill Island, which I think is owned by Brookgreen Gardens. If not too tired, I recommend Vaux Creek around Vaux Island to finish the trip. The total trip is around 4 hours.

Details:

The trick to this trip is in the details. I recommend a good topo (Brookgreen) gridded to match your GPS. I recommend UTM.

The 1st caveat is dont park at the marina. Parking is 200 yds back up Wachesaw Rd. Paddle west from the landing across the Waccamaw into Cow House Creek. In about a mile youll rejoin the Waccamaw. That was Richmond Island on your left and Laurel Hill on your right. Staying right next to Laurel Hill Island youll approach a lighted buoy, marking the cut over to Black Creek. (1.6mi.) (17 6 76 957 E, 37 13 265 N) The northbound creek at 1.9 mi is for exploring only. The entrance to Black creek is a hard right as you leave one arm of a Y up the other at 2.4 mi. (17 6 76 434 E, 37 13 111 N) At 2 3/4mi. go straight or right up White Creek. (17 6 76 491 E, 37 13 546 N) At 5mi youll return to the Waccamaw River and Vaux Creek. (17 6 76 760 E, 37 15 861) Vaux Creek is a mile long and returns you to the Waccamaw 1300ft upstream near the lighted buoy. From White Creek its a mi float down stream to the landing.

Accommodations:

Huntington Beach State Park

Fees:

no

Directions:

US 17 to Murrells Inlet. West on Wachesaw Rd.to Wacca Wache Landing.

Resources:

Topo: Brookgreen SC