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South Carolina | Upstate to Columbia / Broad River

Broad RiverNinety-Nine Islands River Access to Lockhart above Dam #1

A full upper Broad River itinerary from the Ninety-Nine Islands tailrace access through Daltons Landing to the Lockhart take-out above Dam #1.

Route location

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Plan this route

DistanceAbout 20.4 map-derived paddle miles
DifficultyModerate
Typical timeNo verified duration for this combined itinerary. Plan separate day stages with scouting
ShuttleCar shuttle
The Saluda River moves through a wooded South Carolina corridor.
River contextSouth Carolina river corridor context; not this route or current conditions; route imagery unavailable — not necessarily this exact reach.Photo by Saluda River archive

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 20.4 map-derived paddle milesNinety-Nine Islands River Access to Lockhart above Dam #1
DifficultymoderateA longer moving-water day with shoals, current, limited bailout options and public-access logistics; paddle within the group’s ability.
ShuttleCar shuttleStage above Lockhart Dam #1, then drive to the Ninety-Nine Islands tailrace access. Confirm both dam boundaries and the Dalton landing before departure.
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 upper Broad River itinerary from the Ninety-Nine Islands tailrace access through Daltons Landing to the Lockhart take-out above Dam #1.

Access map

Skip map

Pulling access map tiles. Usually under 5 seconds.

End of map
Start

Put-in

Ninety-Nine Islands River Access and Parking Area
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

Lockhart Take Out above Lockhart Dam #1
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

Times use the selected time zone. Check it against the river’s location before saving or sharing.

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

Checking preferred range.

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 Saluda River moves through a wooded South Carolina corridor.
South Carolina river corridor context; not this route or current conditions; route imagery unavailable — not necessarily this exact reach.Photo by Saluda River archive
Attributed regional context image; exact reach and current conditions not claimed

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 20.4 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.

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Quick answers

Broad River paddling FAQ

What water level is best for the Ninety-Nine Islands River Access to Lockhart above Dam #1 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 Ninety-Nine Islands River Access to Lockhart above Dam #1 route on the Broad River start and end?

This route starts at Ninety-Nine Islands River Access and Parking Area and ends at Lockhart Take Out above Lockhart Dam #1, about 20.4 map-derived paddle miles on the water.

Is the Ninety-Nine Islands River Access to Lockhart above Dam #1 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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