Turkey/Stevens Creek - Long Cane Ranger District - Canoe Trail

This 12-mile managed canoe trail winds through the southeast central portion of the Long Cane Ranger District. It begins at the junctions of Turkey Creek and SC Route 283. It ends at Modoc Bridge on SC Route 23. This is a steep portage but can easily be recognized as a take-out point. There are other points of take out that cannot be seen from the trail. Contact the District Ranger's Office for the location of these points.

Generally, Turkey and Stevens Creeks range from 20 to 30 feet wide and one to six feet deep. Occasional holes are up to 15 feet deep. No whitewater exists except during times of flooding. Since fallen trees are a common occurrence, canoes are the most suitable craft. Flat-bottomed boats less than 14 feet long are recommended.

Turkey and Stevens Creeks may fluctuate 10 to 20 vertical feet during flood conditions and inexperienced floaters, parents with children, and scout troops should check with the District Ranger's office before attempting a float. The creek also becomes very shallow in places during dry conditions, which may necessitate carrying your craft. Rock outcrops in the stream bottom pose a hazard to canoes in shallow areas.

Floaters desiring to camp outside designated sites must request a permit from the District Ranger's office.

Steep hardwood bluffs, flood plain forest, and small marshy areas border the creek. Wildlife watchers might see deer, turkeys, raccoons, hawks and waterfowl. Plants such as bloodroot, anemone, geranium, wild ginger, cranefly orchid and partridgeberry are present.

Nearby points of interest include the town of Edgefield, Lick Fork Recreation Area, Cyper Creek Hunt Camp, Beaverdam Rifle Range, Hamilton Branch State Park and McCormick, South Carolina.

Access: From Edgefield, take SC Route 23 south for 1.9 miles. Turn right onto Route S1935 (Walker Road). Drive 5 miles, turn left onto SC 283. Drive 4.9 miles to entrance on left.

Difficulty level: Moderately easy to difficult depending upon water level.