Even if its name isn’t a total giveaway, you can count on the 23-mile Black River trail near Andrews to be a genuine Lowcountry stream. It’s easy paddling on inky-colored water amid a forest of loblolly pine and water oak. And from the initial put-in at Pump House Landing, you will get a fine taste of the black water experience. You float beneath canopies of black willow, 20-foot tall limestone bluffs and nesting areas of turkey, hawk, and wood duck. There’s a chance you may see snowy egrets as well. Wildlife is diverse here, since otters live in the waters as far down as SC 41. It’s important to note that the river pinches down to amazingly narrow channels at times. After the first mile of this passage, for instance, a section called “The Narrows” will take you through a maze of brush. 

A brochure on the entire Black River Water Trail by the Sea Grant Consortium is available from the Georgetown Visitor Center.

Camping: Primitive camping and fresh artesian well water available at Pine Tree Landing. Find additional camping at Pea House Landing and Brown’s Ferry Landing. Contact Georgetown Chamber of Commerce for additional information.

Access Points (mileage and GPS coordinates are approximate and for reference only):

Mile 0 - (GPS N 33.4897 W 79.5455) - Pump House Landing - This is a public landing with a concrete ramp. From Andrews, drive north on SC 41 and at the railroad tracks turn right onto Williamsburg County S-45-303, then left onto Georgetown County S-22-699. The landing is at the end.

Mile 5 - (GPS N 33.4728 W 79.4990) - Pine Tree Landing - This is a public landing with a concrete ramp on the left side of the river. From Andrews, drive north on SC 41 and cross the railroad tracks. Turn right onto Big Dam Swamp Road (Georgetown County S-22-38), drive about two miles, turn right and go to the landing. Camping and fresh water.

Mile 10 - (GPS N 33.4824 W 79. 4566) - Pea House Landing - This is a public landing with a concrete ramp on the left side of the river. From Andrews, drive north on SC 41 and cross the railroad tracks. Turn right onto Big Dam Swamp Road (Georgetown County S-22-38) and go to the end. Camping.

Mile 22 - (GPS N 33.5469 W 79.4006) - Brown’s Ferry Landing - This is a public landing with a concrete ramp on the left side of the river. From Andrews, drive north on SC 41 and turn right onto SC 51. Follow signs to the landing. Camping.

Mile 28 - (GPS N 33.5447 W 79.3552) - Rocky Point Landing - This is a public landing with a concrete ramp on the left side of the river. From Andrews, drive north on SC 41 and turn right onto SC 51. Drive to the community of Oatland and turn left onto Georgetown County S-22-179. When S-22-179 ends, turn right onto S-22-6, drive 1.2 miles and turn right onto S-22-4. Drive approximately .5 mile, turn right on a dirt road and follow the signs to Rocky Point Park. Camping

Mile 36 - (GPS N 33.5056 W 79. 2962) - Peter’s Creek - This is a public landing on the left side of the river. From Andrews, drive north on SC 41 and turn right onto SC 51. Drive to the community of Oatland and turn left onto Georgetown County S-22-179. When S-22-179 ends, turn right onto S-22-6, drive 1.2 miles and turn right onto S-22-4. Drive approximately 5 miles and turn right onto Georgtown County S-22-574. Watch for signs to the landing.

Mile 40 - (GPS N 33.4806 W 79.2715) - US 701 Bridge - The last take-out point at the Georgetown Shrine Club Landing and donations are accepted for its use. From Andrews, drive north on SC 41 and turn right onto SC 51. Drive to the community of Oatland and turn left onto Georgetown County S-22-179. When S-22-179 ends, turn right onto S-22-6, drive 1.2 miles and turn right onto S-22-4. Drive approximately 7 miles and turn right onto US 701. The landing is at the bridge.