Looking for a way to connect with South Carolina’s natural beauty from a fresh perspective? GoPaddle SC is your gateway to paddling the Palmetto State’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters — whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler.
South Carolina’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters are some of our state’s greatest natural treasures — and Go Paddle SC makes it easier than ever to experience them.
Whether you’re gliding through a quiet blackwater swamp, paddling a mountain-fed river, or exploring tidal creeks along the coast, Go Paddle SC connects residents and visitors to more than 2,500 miles of mapped waterways across the Palmetto State.
What Is Go Paddle SC?
Go Paddle SC is a statewide partnership designed to increase public awareness and enjoyment of paddling recreation — including kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding — across South Carolina’s waterways.
At the heart of the program is a searchable, interactive online map that helps paddlers plan safe and enjoyable trips. The platform includes:
- Detailed waterway maps from the mountains to the coast
- Suggested routes with distances and trip descriptions
- Skill and flow ratings to match experience levels
- Put-in and take-out access points
- Water safety guidance and planning tools
- Opportunities to connect with paddling groups and clubs
Users can even create a free account to upload trip notes and photos, helping build a community-driven resource for paddlers statewide.
Who’s Behind It?
Go Paddle SC is built through collaboration between conservation organizations, state agencies, and community partners who care about safe, sustainable access to South Carolina’s waterways.
Partners include Upstate Forever, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor, Callie and John Rainey Foundation, and numerous paddling clubs and stakeholders across the state.
At the program’s launch in 2017, Heather Nix, Clean Water Director at Upstate Forever, shared:
Today, we’re delighted to unveil the statewide map and share some exciting accomplishments that we’ve achieved with the help of over 150 stakeholders.
That collaborative spirit ensures the platform stays current, accurate, and reflective of real paddler experiences.
Featured Waterways Across South Carolina
Go Paddle SC highlights routes for every skill level. A few standout waterways include:
Upstate
- Broad River Blueway – Gentle sections ideal for beginners and families
- Lower Saluda River – Accessible paddling near Columbia with calm flows
Midlands
- Congaree River Blue Trail – Scenic stretches winding through central South Carolina
Lowcountry
- Edisto River Canoe & Kayak Trail – One of the longest free-flowing blackwater rivers in North America
- Black River & Waccamaw River – Wildlife-rich paddling through cypress swamps and coastal ecosystems
From quiet lakes in the Sandhills to tidal estuaries near the coast, the diversity of waterways offers something for every adventurer.
Safety & Stewardship
Go Paddle SC emphasizes safe and responsible recreation. The website includes water safety guidance developed in collaboration with paddling experts, including recommendations to:
- Wear a properly fitted life jacket
- Check weather and water levels before launching
- Share your float plan with someone on land
- Practice Leave No Trace principles
By promoting informed recreation, the program helps protect both paddlers and the natural resources they explore.
Why Go Paddle SC Matters
Paddling offers a different way to experience South Carolina’s heritage. Rivers historically connected communities, powered mills, supported agriculture, and shaped settlement patterns along the SC7 corridor. Today, they continue to connect us — to wildlife, to history, and to one another.
Whether you’re planning a peaceful afternoon float or a multi-day water adventure, Go Paddle SC equips you with the tools, inspiration, and community to explore confidently.
Ready to see South Carolina from the water? Your next adventure starts with a paddle.