The Black River is a 151-mile-long blackwater river known for its dark tea-colored water, scenic beauty and rich ecosystem. It flows through Lee, Sumter, Clarendon, Williamsburg and Georgetown counties before joining the Great Pee Dee River and flowing into Winyah Bay at Georgetown.
It was designated as a scenic river in 2001, whereby a 75-mile segment was set aside to protect its forested banks, cypress swamps and diverse wildlife. It’s also a popular spot for fishing, kayaking and nature viewing. If you have never been in the Black River swamp, it is worth a trip to experience the smells, sights and sounds that you sense once you have entered into the world of the river.
Now all this information I am giving you can be found if you Google it, but I have lived the “Black River” life and am proud to say I am a Black River boy.
I have witnessed the river’s ebb and flow, the wildlife in the form of cottonmouths, all sorts of ducks and huge deer, as well as cypress and tupelo gum trees that scrape the sky.
Its name originates from the dark water stained by tannins that come from decaying plants in the surrounding swamp.
It starts in the Sandhills of Lee County and eventually flows into the Great Pee Dee at Georgetown.
Its scenic designation is a 75-mile stretch that links a mix of open “lake-like” areas and narrow channels.
It features ancient cypress and tupelo trees, swamp forests and habitats for rare species like the swallowtail kite and the red-cockaded woodpecker.
It’s popular for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing.
If you ever get the chance, take your boat and travel down the Black River. Put your boat in at Brown’s Ferry down below Black Mingo. Once you put in at the landing and travel toward Winyah Bay, you will wind and twist along the scenic waterway scattered with lily pads and cattails.
Closer to the end of your trip, you will see, up on the high cliffs of the river, beautiful houses lazily spread out on the banks overlooking this beautiful river close to Plantersville.
As the river widens and flows into the Pee Dee and eventually into Winyah Bay, it opens up into a gorgeous little river town that is complete with wharves, shrimp boats tied up, sailboats moored out in the harbor and restaurants for the hungry traveler.
The Black River winds its way through the swamps of the Lowcountry and drains a little over 2,000 square miles, or 1.3 million acres.
Some of the major tributaries that empty into the Black River are the Pocataligo, Pudding Swamp and Black Mingo headed toward Georgetown.
There are so many things that we just pass by in our everyday lives that, if you just stop long enough to take them in, you will be amazed at the joy they may bring you.
I know that to be true about the Black River; our Black River.
May God bless you!
