Water Trail

Echaw Creek Canoe
(Charleston County)
TrailMap

Description: Starting from Pitch Landing, you will paddle downstream on Echaw Creek to the Santee River. You may see evidence of abandoned rice fields and a variety of fauna such as wild turkeys, owls, bobcats, or deer as you pass through magnificent oak­hickory stands and cypress­tupelo swamps. Be aware that downed trees, occasional logjams, and the water level caused by tidal changes (approximately 2.5 hours later than the times posted for Charleston Harbor) can make passage challenging at times. A good take out point is McConnel’s Boat Landing on the Santee River. If you plan to take out before, please do not take out on the right side of the creek, because the property is privately owned.

Length: 5.0 miles.

Fees: None.

Access Points:
Mileage and GPS coordinates are approximate and for reference only.

Mile 0 - (GPS N 33.2472 W 79.5772) - Pitch Landing - From McClellanville, drive west on French Santee Road (SC 45). Drive 12 miles and turn right onto Price Landing Road (FS 151). Drive 2.5 miles and turn right onto Pitch Landing Road (FS 192) and the landing is .7 mile.

Mile 2.7 - (GPS N 33.2558 W 79.5472) - Santee River

Mile 5.0- (GPS N 33.2457 W 79.5211) - McConnel's Landing - From McClellanville, drive north on US 17 for 6.5 miles, and turn left at the Hampton Plantation sign onto Charleston County S-10-857 (S-10-857 becomes FS 204 near the county line). Stay on FS 204 and turn right onto McConnel’s Landing Road (FS 204 F) and continue to the landing.

Hours: Dawn to dusk. Check with the Sewee Visitor Center for conditions.

Camping: Camping is available at McConnel’s Landing. Camping is also permitted in Francis Marion National Forest, but there are few suitable areas due to the swampy nature of the stream banks.

Information: Francis Marion National Forest, Sewee Visitor Center, 5821 Highway 17 North, Awendaw, SC, 29429 Telephone: 843-928-3368, Fax: 843-928-3828.