From a put-in south of Union, the Middle Tyger River cleaves Sumter National Forest for 24 miles of moderate, swift-moving flatwater. According to local lore, this river earned its name either because of a French fur trader named Tygert or the “tygers” -- possibly Carolina panthers -- early explorers saw along its banks. But the water occasionally lives up to the label, too, especially during spring rains!

Like its sister, the Enoree River, the Tyger is generally shallow and narrow. Although there is some whitewater in the upper sections, the overwhelming majority is brisk flatwater. A pine-hardwood mix forest beyond sloping banks and some marshy bogs characterize the surrounding landscape. White-tailed deer, turkey, and great blue herons are common fauna here. Canoes and flat-bottom boats are the most suitable craft for the Tyger. Float time for this stretch is approximately 15 hours.

Difficulty: Easy to Advanced (depending on water levels)

Camping: Contact the District Office at (803) 276-4810 for information and a permit to camp along the river.

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

Mile 0 - Cedar Bluff Bridge - This is a canoe throw-in, approximately 50 yards upstream from the bridge on the north bank of the river. From Exit 52 on I-26 at Clinton, drive north on SC 56 for .6 mile and bear right onto Laurens County S-30-98 (Changes to S-44-22 in Union County). Drive 10.8 miles to the community of Cross Keys and continue north on SC 49. The bridge is 3.3 miles.  

Mile 3 - Minnows Bridge Road (FS Road 323) - Canoe only. From Exit 52 on I-26 at Clinton, drive north on SC 56 for .6 mile and bear right onto Laurens County S-30-98 (Changes to S-44-22 in Union County). Drive to the community of Cross Keys and turn right onto Union County Road S-44-18. Drive for 3.4 miles and turn left onto S-44-80. Drive .9 mile and turn left onto S-44-79 (Changes to FS 323 when the pavement ends) and continue to the river. Canoe only.  

Mile 7 - Rose Hill Landing (Gist Bridge) - This is a public landing with a concrete ramp. From Exit 52 on I-26 at Clinton, drive north on SC 56 for .6 mile and bear right onto Laurens County S-30-98. Drive to the community of Cross Keys and turn right onto S-44-18. Drive for 5.1 miles and turn left onto S-44-63. Drive 2.2 miles and turn left onto S-44-16. The bridge is approximately 1 mile. Canoes and john boats.  

Mile 13 - Beatty’s Bridge - This is a public landing with a concrete ramp. From Exit 72 on I-26 at Newberry, drive north on SC 121 to US 176. Continue on US 176 through Whitmire. The bridge and landing are approximately 4.5 miles. Canoes and john boats.  

Mile 18 - SC 121 Bridge - Throw-in and some portage is required. From Exit 72 on I-26 at Newberry, drive north on SC 121 to US 176. Continue on US 176 through Whitmire and turn right onto SC 72/121. The bridge is approximately 2 miles. Canoes and kayaks only.

Mile 24 - Gordon’s Bridge - This is the last take-out before the Broad River, and is on the right side just before the bridge. From Exit 74 on I-26 at Newberry, drive north on SC 34 for 5.5 miles and turn left onto Newberry County S-36-55. Drive 3.6 miles, and turn left onto S-36-45. Drive 5.4 miles and turn right onto S-36-54. The bridge is 3 miles.