Broad River

The Broad River fl ows along the eastern side of the Enoree District within the Sumter National Forest. Called the Broad River since 1745, the river once was a bound ary be tween the Cherokee and Catawba Indian tribes.

The river runs through a millrace at Lockhart leaving the riverbed virtually dry for more than a mile. The best points to get onto the river are fi ve miles down river at the Broad River boat ramp or Woods Ferry Recreation area. The 16.6 mile fl oat to Neal Shoals Dam is primarily fl at-water with a few riffl es. There is a small inlet to the river on the east bank where you can portage around the dam. Once around the dam the river passes under Highway 72/121 (no access).

The Sandy River fl ows into the Broad from the east, and there is an access point just around the bend of the confl uence. South of the Sandy River is the liveliest part of the trip. Riffl es and ledges are present but the paddling is not diffi cult. The next landmark is Shelton Island, stay to the right channel. Henderson Island is next, a nice place to stop to take a break. The unusual stand of hardwoods covers a steep cove on the west bank. Take the left channel. As you travel under the bridge for High way 34 you are leaving the forest.

Camping: Primitive camping is al lowed on National Forest land along the river by permit only. Group camping facilities are available upon request. Diffi culty level: moderate; novice paddler or better.

Length: Approximately 32 miles

Safety: Neal Shoals Dam is about 3 miles down stream. Watch for seasonal fl ooding and fallen trees. Check local weather forecast before your trip. Study maps of the area and learn the terrain. Know the access points as some are NOT visible from the river.

Season: Year-round; low water levels may make some ramps in ac ces si ble.

Trash: Pack it in, pack it out.

Travel Time:11 hours, depending on paddling speed and the number of stops along the river

Water type: reels and ledges south of Sandy River Boat Ramp.

Broad River Boat Ramp

From Lockhart travel west on State Highway 49 to State High way 86, about 3 miles. Turn left (south) and travel ap prox i mate ly 5 miles to the entrance road. There is a sign next to the highway indicating the en trance. The boat ramp and parking lot are at the end of the road next to the river.

From Lockhart take Highway 49 east to Forest Service Road 574, about 11 miles. Turn right onto 574 and travel 3.6 miles to the parking lot and boat ramp. There is a sign next to the highway at the entrance to the Woods Ferry Recreation Area.

From Whitmire take Highway 72/121 towards Chester. Ap prox i mate ly 1 mile after you cross the bridge over the Broad River on the right side of the highway is Forest Road 406. There is a sign indicating the boat ramp. Take road 406A and follow it until you come to the boat ramp. Forest Road 402

From Newberry take High way 34 to State Highway 55, about 7 miles. Turn left until you get to State Highway 45, about 4 miles. Turn left and drive until you see State Highway 54; this is about 4 miles. Turn right and look for the Broad River Scenic Area sign on the corner of State High way 702, about 1 mile. Turn right and look for Forest Road 402, about 1 mile. Road 402 is a graveled road, and the access to the river is at the end of the road, about 3 miles.

From Newberry take High way 34 and cross over the bridge on the Broad River, about 14 miles. Once you pass over the bridge the next road to the right goes down to the boat ramp. There is a sign on the highway for the boat ramp.