Description: This pretty, easy paddling section ranges from 50 to 100 wide at various points. You may see an abundance of animals and birds including herons, eagles, and American egrets. Numerous sandbars and islands along the way provide an opportunity to stop for lunch, camping, or just to rest a bit. Although you will not see many signs of human habitation there is one landmark you may want to visit, Battery Warren. About a mile from the confluence of Echaw Creek, Battery Warren is located on a bluff, where it once protected a railroad bridge during the Civil War. This trip is best made during the spring or fall, because of the heat in this area.

NOTE: Before you go call Santee Cooper at 800­925­2537 about water release information. Water release from the St. Stephen Hydro plant can cause the water levels to vary considerably, so be aware if you plan to camp. Also, cell phone coverage in this area is very poor.

Length: 11.0 miles.

Fees: No fee.

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

Mile 0 (GPS N 33.3043 W 79.6782) ­ Highway 41 Landing ­ From Moncks Corner drive north on US 17A. At Jamestown turn left onto US 17A/SC41 and continue to the river.

Mile 2.7 (GPS N 33.3760 W 79.7842) ­ Dutart Creek

Mile 9.2 (GPS N 33.3353 W 79.7550) ­ Echaw Creek

Mile 10.3 (GPS 33.2477 W 79.5323) ­ Battery Warren

Mile 11.0 (GPS N 33.4045 W 79.8648) ­ McConnell’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

Camping: Primitive camping is allowed in the Francis Marion Forest on the right, on sandbars on the river, and at McConnell’s Landing.

Information: The Berkeley Conservation District, PO Box 6122, Moncks Corner, SC 29461 Telephone: 843-719-4049 or http://www.berkeleyblueways.com/about.htm. For water levels call Santee Cooper at 1­800­925­2537.

 South Carolina State Trails Program
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
1205 Pendleton Street :: Columbia, SC 29201 :: 803-734-0173 
Webmaster: bswanson@scprt.com
Updated: March 22, 2006
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