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South Carolina offers some of the most scenic and inviting rivers in the United States. Its 11,000 miles of rivers, lakes and coastal waters include whitewater rivers, tranquil swamps, black rivers, salt marshes and more. For more details on outdoor adventures in South Carolina, visit Discover South Carolina.
South Carolina River Highlights
Broad River: 15 miles of riparian forest and breathtaking spring wildflower displays
Little Pee Dee: 14 miles of blackwater swamps, white sandy beaches, cypress trees and wilderness
Lower Saluda: flowing waters in the urban environment of metropolitan Columbia
Lynches River: 7.5 miles that wind along small islands, bottomland hardwood wetlands and artesian wells
Catawba River: known for one of the largest colonies of Rocky Shoals spider lilies in the Southeast
Enoree River: 30 miles of narrow and shallow water surrounded by steep hardwood bluffs, forest and small wetland areas
Thompson River: a mountain stream in Oconee County dropping in a series of dramatic waterfalls into Lake Jocassee
Turkey & Stevens River: 12 miles of narrow and shallow water surrounded by steep hardwood bluffs, forest and small wetland areas
Tyger River: a 24-mile narrow and shallow riverbed surrounded by floodplain forest and wetland areas
Mountain Rivers
Chattooga River: designated a national wild and scenic river with gentle water to progressively more challenging rapids
Chauga River: described as a mini version of the Chattooga River, the tributary of the Savannah River flows through the Sumter National Forest and is a great whitewater destination for an experienced paddler
Blackwater Rivers
Edisto River: the longest undammed blackwater river with dark waters flowing for 300-plus miles
Ace Basin: named for the three rivers that drain into the basin — the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto
For additional information regarding South Carolina's vast array of unique opportunities for enrichment, excitement and escape, as well as a free copy of our special downloadable/printable South Carolina Barbecue Trail Map, featuring more than 200 barbecue restaurants, please visit DiscoverSouthCarolina.com or SouthCarolinaParks.com.
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