(Laurens County)
 
TrailMap

Description: This popular, moderate 36-mile section of the Enoree River flows through South Carolina’s scenic Piedmont to its confluence with the Broad River. Although the Enoree is generally narrow and shallow (40 to 70 feet wide and just two to six feet deep), its banks range from steep hardwood bluffs and flood plain forests to small marshy areas. For Cherokee Indians, Enoree meant “river of muscadines” -- a wild, green grape vine you will see often on the river’s lower sections. But that’s not the only foliage you will notice: Ash, sycamore, and hickory trees form a dense canopy over the water. Most of the land along the Enoree is private; nevertheless, it’s a prime habitat for red-shouldered hawks, blue herons, barred owls, mink, muskrat, and otter. The Enoree is an ideal stomping ground for capable flatwater paddlers who like occasional sharp zigzag maneuvers and a brisk current. Sandbars are not unusual, so canoes and flat bottom boats less than 14 feet are a wise choice. The upper Enoree includes some Class III whitewater, but there is none below Laurens County Road S-98 and the Jones Bridge access point. Float time for this section of the Enoree is approximately 15 hours.

Length: The section through Sumter National Forest is approximately 39 miles one way, although it can be done in shorter sections. The full Enoree canoe trail is 61 miles one way.

Fees: None.

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

Mile 0 - Jones Bridge - (GPS N 34.5742 W 81.7886) - Throw-in, canoe only, on the right just below the bridge. From Exit 52 on I-26 west at Clinton, drive north on SC 56 for .6 mile and turn right onto Laurens County S-30-98. Continue to the bridge at the county line.  

Mile 17 - Highway 176 Bridge - (GPS N 34.5090 W 81.5985) -  Throw in, canoe only, on the left just beyond the bridge abutment. From Exit 72 on I-26 at Newberry, drive north on SC 121 to US 176. Continue on US 176 through Whitmire and the bridge is at the county line.  

Mile 19 - Duncan Creek - (GPS N 34.4909 W 81.5748)

Mile 26 - Indian Creek -(GPS N 34.4289 W 81.5280)

Mile 27 - Brazzelman’s Bridge - (GPS N 34.4222 W 81.5183) -This landing has a paved ramp and parking facilities. From Exit 72 on I-26 at Newberry, drive north on SC 121 for 5 miles and turn right onto Newberry County S-36-81. The bridge is approximately 7.5 miles. Canoe only.  

Mile 31 - Keitt’s Bridge - (GPS N 34.4234 W 81.4667) -Portage is about 100 ft. From Exit 74 on I-26 at Newberry, drive northeast on SC 34 for 5.5 miles and turn left onto Newberry County S-36-55. Drive for 3.6 miles and bear left onto S-36-45. The bridge is 5.4 miles.  

Mile 36 - Strother’s Landing - (GPS N 34.3944 W 81.3961) -This landing is on the left (east) side of the Broad River approximately 50 yards below the bridge, 4 miles from where the Enoree meets the Broad. From Exit 74 on I-26 at Newberry, drive northeast on SC 34 to the Jeff Suber Bridge at the county line, and the landing is across the bridge.

Hours: Open year-round

Camping: Contact the District Office for information and a permit to camp along the river. There are several hunt camps along the way, equipped with water, toilets and trash containers. Some are open during the fall hunting season, others are open for spring turkey season and a few are open year round.

Information: Sumter National Forest, Enoree Ranger District, Tyger Office 3557 Whitmire Highway, Union, SC 29379  Telephone: 864-427-9858.