Tyger River Canoe Trail

The Tyger River flows through the scenic piedmont section of the Sumter National Forest where visitors will find bottomland forests and small marshy areas. The river ranges from 2 to 6 feet deep and 40 to 70 feet wide.

Water levels fluctuate with rainfall. Paddlers may experience a variety of paddling experiences depending on the time of year and the amount of rainfall. Early spring brings heavy rains that cause the river to swell. At this flood stage, the river is unsafe to paddle. Late spring river conditions provide nice fastmoving flatwater for experienced paddler to enjoy.

The hot summer months coupled with a lack of rain bring the mighty Tyger down to a small creek that makes boating impossible. As fall draws near, the rains start again. River conditions once again provide nice fast-moving flat water.

Floaters have excellent opportunities to view many wildlife species and abundant plant life or to fish for catfish, bream, and redeye bass.

Camping: Primitive camping is allowed on National Forest land along the river by permit only.

Difficulty level: Ranges from beginner to novice paddlers depending on the seasonal water levels. Drinking water: Plan your water needs before your trip. River water is not safe to drink.

Length: 24 miles

Safety: Before your float, study maps of the area and learn the terrain. Flooding is common in spring. Watch for fallen logs and fast water. Know the access points as some are NOT visible from the river. Check local weather forecast before your trip.

Trash: Pack it in-pack it out.

Travel time: Expect to go about 2 to 3 miles per hour. Time needed to complete a trip depends on water depth, how fast you paddle, how often you stop, and if logs must be portaged.

Cedar Bluff Bridge on Highway 49: from Union, take State Highway 49 west to the Cedar Bluff Bridge, about 8 miles. This access point is on private property.

Forest Service Road 323: from Whitmire, take State Highway 176 north toward Union for about 3 miles. Turn left onto Highway 18 and travel 9 miles to Forest Service Road 323. Turn right, and take the road to the end. You will have to walk 50 feet to the river.

Rose Hill Boat Ramp: from Union, take State Road 16 southwest to the Tyger River. Cross over the river and turn right to boat ramp. Beatty’s Bridge Boat Ramp: from Union, take Highway 176 south to the Tyger River. Boat ramp is on the right before you cross the river.

Gordon’s Bridge: from Whitmire, take State Highway 72/121 for about 8 miles to Highway 35. Turn right and follow this road for about 5 miles until you come to Highway 54. the first bridge you come to is Gordon’s Bridge, about 1 miles. This access point is on private property.

Forest Service Road 402: from Newberry, take Highway 34 to State Road 55, about 7 miles. Turn right and look for the Broad River Scenic Area sign on the corner of State Road 703, about 1 mile. Turn right and look for Forest Road 402, about 1 mile, Road 402 is a gravel road, and the access to the river is at the end of the rod, about 3 miles.

Strothers State Boat Ramp is about 7 miles south after the Tyger River empties into the Broad