The Black River’s 70-miles of waterfront will soon become a state park. Announced on April 5, 2021, the linear park will be unlike any other experience currently offered in South Carolina’s 47 state parks. The Black River Water Trail & Park Network, connecting a network of properties owned by public and private partners, will include the newly acquired Black River Landing, located inland in Kingstree, and will end at Rocky Point Community Forest in Georgetown near the coast.
With various entry points, the trail and park network will make it easier for visitors to use and navigate each area, access the river and paddle from one point to the next.
The Black River is a free-flowing coastal plain body of water bordered by largely untouched natural landscapes of forests or farmlands. It meanders from large, open lake-like sections to narrow channels bordered by forests of cypress, swamp tupelo and loblolly pine. Deep in these forests find ancient cypress and other old growth trees that provide a glimpse of South Carolina’s past. Many plant and animal species call the river and surrounding swampland home, including migratory birds. The river is named after its dark tea-like color, stained by the natural tannins.
A year-long master planning process is underway. To learn more, click here. Each trail stop is expected to offer passive recreation activities and amenities. Depending on the location, these can likely include primitive campgrounds, picnic shelters, restrooms, hiking trails and parking.
The river park will be situated in Williamsburg and Georgetown counties, which lie west and southwest of Myrtle Beach.
Visit the SC Department of Natural Resources website to discover existing recreation access sites. To learn more about the Black Scenic River Management Plan, click here.