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PARKS
Tyger River Canoe Trail - Enoree Ranger District


Sumter NF Paddling
Paddling Intro
Chattooga River
Enoree River
Tyger River
Turkey/Stevens Creek

The Tyger River flows through a scenic piedmont section of South Carolina with bottomland forests and small marshy areas. The first 18 miles of the 24-mile canoe trail are in Union County. The last six-mile section forms the boundary between Union County and Newberry County. The river ranges from two to six feet deep and 40 to 70 feet wide. No whitewater exists from Highway 49 south, but fast-moving flatwater makes for an exciting trip. The recommended seasons for this river are late spring, summer, and fall.

Floaters have excellent opportunities to view various wildlife species and abundant plant life. A wide range of animal life can be observed by quiet floaters including raccoon, deer, turkey, hawks, furbearers, and waterfowl. Interesting plants include blood root, anemone, geranium, rattlesnake plantain, wild ginger, crane-fly orchid and partridgeberry.

Fishing opportunities exist for catfish, bream, and redeye bass. Expect to go about two to three miles per hour on the 24-mile Tyger River Canoe Trail. Time needed to complete a trip depends on water depth, how fast you paddle, how often you stop, and if logs must be portaged.

Primitive camping is allowed on National Forest land along the river by permit only in designated areas. Floaters desiring to camp outside designated sites must request a permit from the District Ranger's office. Due to the amount of private land along the river, care must be taken to ensure that your campsite is located on National Forest land. Group camping facilities are available upon request.

Check out these great
GORP Resources!
Guide to Paddling the Chattooga
Scenic Driving through Sumter NF
Francis Marion National Forest
GORP Paddling Forum
GORP Forum: Sumter NF

Rangers warn that the river water is not safe to drink. Also, be sure to study maps of the area and learn the terrain before setting out. Watch for fallen logs and fast water. Know the access points as some are not visible from the river.

The Tyger floods during the spring and inexperienced floaters, parents with children, and scout troops should check with the District Ranger's office before attempting a float. Heavy rains may cause a sudden rise in water and speed. The river usually floods several times in the spring, and floaters should check the local weather forecast prior to his trip.

Attractions nearby include Sedalia Camp and Rose Hill Plantation State Park.

Access: Cedar Bluff Bridge on Highway 49, Forest Service Road 323, Rose Hill Boat Ramp on State Road 16, Beatty's Bridge Boat Ramp on U.S. Highway 176. Seven miles south of hte confluence of the Tyger and Broad is the Srothers State Boat Ramp. Generally, the entry and exit at some of these points is difficult. You may expect to encounter steep banks, thick vegetation, and slippery footing.

Difficulty level: Moderate. Novice paddler or better.



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[from Outside magazine]