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South Carolina | Upstate to Columbia / Broad River

Broad RiverLockhart below Dam #2 to Shelton Ferry Landing

A full-day 24.3-mile Broad River reach from below Lockhart Dam #2 through the documented lower access chain to Shelton Ferry.

Route location

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Plan this route

DistanceAbout 24.3 map-derived paddle miles
DifficultyModerate
Typical timeNo verified duration for this combined itinerary. Plan separate day stages with scouting
ShuttleCar shuttle
The Broad River near Blacksburg, South Carolina.
Route photoBroad River near Blacksburg; Lockhart to Shelton contextPhoto by NOAA via Wikimedia Commons

Need to know

Why this call
This route is documented for planning, but does not receive a Paddle Today score.
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Route overview

Trip details

Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.

Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
On-water distanceAbout 24.3 map-derived paddle milesLockhart below Dam #2 to Shelton Ferry Landing
DifficultymoderateA longer moving-water day with shoals, current, limited bailout options and public-access logistics; paddle within the group’s ability.
ShuttleCar shuttleStage at Shelton Ferry Landing, then drive to the Lockhart below-Dam #2 access. Carry around Neal Shoals and keep a conservative daylight margin.
PermitsCheck posted rulesConfirm current county, SCDNR, state-forest, parking and landowner rules at both endpoints. A public map listing does not guarantee open gates or a maintained ramp.
CampingDay tripNo on-route camping is documented; use nearby established campgrounds or lodging.
SeasonJan-DecSpring through fall is the practical day-paddling window, but Broad River levels can change quickly after rain and dam operations. Check the live gauge trend and weather before departure.

Plan ahead

Tomorrow and the weekend

Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.

TomorrowChecking

Waiting on forecast.

WeekendChecking

Waiting on forecast.

Plan

Plan your trip

Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.

Route logistics

Access and shuttle

A full-day 24.3-mile Broad River reach from below Lockhart Dam #2 through the documented lower access chain to Shelton Ferry.

Access map

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Start

Put-in

Lockhart Put In below Lockhart Dam #2
Open mapDirections to put-in

Coordinates are map-level launch anchors from Paddle SC access data, not a survey of the water-entry edge.

Finish

Take-out

Shelton Ferry Landing
Open mapDirections to take-out

Private banks and dam facilities are not assumed legal bailout or camping sites.

Road shuttle

Driving shuttle routeShuttle in Apple MapsOpenStreetMap
Access notes and hazards

Access caveats

  • Coordinates are map-level launch anchors from Paddle SC access data, not a survey of the water-entry edge.
  • Private banks and dam facilities are not assumed legal bailout or camping sites.
  • Recheck access status, gauge trend, weather and recent storm debris on launch day.

Watch for

  • USGS trend and rapidly rising water
  • Strainers, shoals, dams and portage decisions
  • Private frontage, wind and limited legal exits

Plan this paddle

Choose your trip times

No account needed. Check the selected access points above, then choose both dates and times. For an overnight paddle, set take-out to the following date.

Trip schedule

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Browser plans

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Download GPX Route geometry only; no schedule required.

Conditions

Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast

Check the forecast and local water levels before launching.

Gauge detail

Water-level history and forecastDetailed view

Gauge

Recent trend

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Checking trend.

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Weather

Hourly forecast

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Next 8 hours

Short-route forecast

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Route gallery

Photos

Check each caption: some photos show the surrounding area rather than this exact trip.

The Broad River near Blacksburg, South Carolina.
Broad River near Blacksburg; Lockhart to Shelton contextPhoto by NOAA via Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons: Public domain

Sources

Data and sources

Read the access and hazard notes and check the linked guides. We do not issue a daily score for this trip.

NotesWhat to know before you go

These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.

  • Access coordinate review2026-09-12

    Endpoint coordinates are taken from Paddle SC’s downloadable Broad River access-point KML and should be rechecked against current ramp conditions.

    Source

  • Direct telemetryUSGS 02156500

    Direct Broad River telemetry for the Broad River near Carlisle, SC corridor.

    Source

  • Map-derived itineraryAbout 24.3 paddle miles

    Calculated from the KML river-mile positions; the impassable 1.4-mile Lockhart dam/canal span is excluded from paddle mileage. This is not a source-published combined trip distance.

    Source

  • Flow guidance scopePlanning only; no numeric range verified for this composite

    Published limits for shorter named trips are not transferred to this combined reach.

    Source

Verify it yourselfCheck the source links

Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.

Reports

Paddler reports

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Photos

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Keep exploring

More routes to check next

Compare another stretch on this river, or explore different rivers within 75 straight-line miles.

More in South Carolina

All 36 routes
South Carolina route guideBrowse every tracked South Carolina route.Upstate to Columbia / Broad RiverJump to routes in this region.

More on Broad River

All 19
Broad River Landing to Neal Shoals Dam accessUpstate to Columbia / Broad RiverEasy · About 3.2 river milesBroad River Landing to Sandy River LandingUpstate to Columbia / Broad RiverEasy · About 10.7 map-derived paddle milesBroad River Landing to Shelton Ferry LandingUpstate to Columbia / Broad RiverModerate · About 16.9 map-derived paddle milesBroad River Landing to Strother LandingUpstate to Columbia / Broad RiverModerate · About 24.1 map-derived paddle miles

Nearby routes within 75 miles

Catawba RiverFort Mill River Access to Rock Hill River Park · about 31 straight-line mi awayEasy · About 7 river milesCatawba RiverFort Mill River Access to Landsford Canal State Park · about 31 straight-line mi awayModerate · About 24 river milesCatawba RiverFort Mill River Access to SC 9 Landing · about 31 straight-line mi awayModerate · About 30.3 river milesCatawba RiverRock Hill River Park to Landsford Canal State Park · about 31 straight-line mi awayModerate · About 17 river miles

Quick answers

Broad River paddling FAQ

What water level is best for the Lockhart below Dam #2 to Shelton Ferry Landing route on the Broad River?

This planning route has no live Paddle Today score. Review the linked water-level sources, current access notices and route-specific hazards before travel.

Where does the Lockhart below Dam #2 to Shelton Ferry Landing route on the Broad River start and end?

This route starts at Lockhart Put In below Lockhart Dam #2 and ends at Shelton Ferry Landing, about 24.3 map-derived paddle miles on the water.

Is the Lockhart below Dam #2 to Shelton Ferry Landing route on the Broad River suitable for beginners?

This is listed as a moderate route. Review the difficulty notes, hazards and current access conditions against your group's skills. No live score assesses this trip.

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