Wateree River Blue Trail

The Wateree River Blue Trail begins near Camden and winds 75 miles to meet the Congaree River Blue Trail at Congaree National Park. The initial 8-mile segment, dominated by rocky shoals, changes downstream with increasing sinuosity as it flows through floodplain forests. Its east bank is bordered by Manchester State Forest and Poinsett State Park for the lower third of the trail. The newest addition to Congaree National Park lies on the west side of the river for the trail's final 10 miles. Due to its extensive floodplain there is little development along the river. It is possible to paddle for days without seeing a soul.

In 2010, Kershaw County took bold steps to protect the blue trail and its clean water by unanimously passing a new package of zoning and land development regulations. An ordinance is included in the package that protects all rivers and streams by requiring a 100-foot strip of trees and plants along the riverbank to limit polluted runoff that flows into the county’s waters.

American Rivers worked closely with planners and others in the county to develop the Wateree River Blue Trail in an effort to reconnect communities to the recreational, economic, and cultural values of the Wateree River and to protect the river’s clean water. Together, the Congaree & Wateree River Blue Trails offer the best opportunities for multi-day river recreation and camping east of the Mississippi.

• Visit the Wateree River Blue Trail online interpretative guide
• Take a tour of the Wateree River Blue Trail
• Download the Wateree River Blue Trail map (Full PDF coming soon)
• Watch a video on the benefits of blue trails