Kayaking Blackwater Creek near Charleston: 1000-year-old Cypress

Paddle past thousand-year-old cypress into a swamp the Indians paddled for millennia

Kayak Blackwater Creek in the Francis Marion National Forest near Charleston for two hours, paddling a nationally recognized wilderness trail through flooded rice fields and cypress-gum swamp. An ACA-certified guide leads the paddle and provides the kayak, paddle and personal flotation device. Children from age 4 are welcome. The trip departs 50 minutes from downtown Charleston and 40 minutes from Mount Pleasant.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak through Wambaw Swamp Wilderness

• Arrive at Wambaw Swamp Wilderness
• Begin 2-hour kayak tour
• Observe wildlife and birds
• View ancient Bald Cypress trees
• Explore historical rice plantation dikes
• Complete kayak tour

The experience

Blackwater Creek is a tributary to the Santee River, and the Santee and Coastal Plain Indians paddled these waters for thousands of years. The creek winds through Wambaw Swamp Wilderness, a 4,815-acre untouched forest within the national forest where mature cypress and gum trees shade banks thick with wild orchids, pickerel weed and ferns. The upper section holds giant bald cypress trees over 1,000 years old, their trunks rising from black water so clear it reflects the sky. Banks of the river show the geological trace of the rice era: historical earthen dikes give way to flooded subtropical forest where abandoned rice fields once owned by prosperous plantations now belong to the swamp.

The paddle itself is relaxing, moving at a pace that lets you watch for wildlife. Prothonotary warblers, barred owls, yellow-crowned night herons and whitetail deer are common sightings. Alligators and turtles sun themselves on the banks, and the occasional river otter moves through the water. The wilderness is kayak and canoe access only, so the paddle keeps you away from motorboats and crowds. Your ACA-certified guide handles the route and points out what moves in the trees and water, leaving you to focus on the paddle and the moment.

What’s included

• Kayak, paddle and personal flotation device.
• professional ACA-certified guide leading the paddle in English.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:00

AgesAdult (12 to 54 years) · Senior (55 to 90 years) · Youth (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Nature Adventures Outfitters

Is this one for you?Small groups keep the paddle intimate and the guide's attention on the water and wildlife around you. This works best for paddlers with at least moderate fitness who want a relaxing morning or afternoon on the water without fighting crowds or motorboat traffic.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife might I see paddling Blackwater Creek?

Prothonotary warblers, barred owls, yellow-crowned night herons, alligators, turtles, whitetail deer and occasional river otters live in the swamp and along the banks. The creek is thick with birdlife and wildlife viewing is one of the main reasons people paddle this stretch.

How far is Blackwater Creek from Charleston?

The creek is 50 minutes from downtown Charleston and 40 minutes from Mount Pleasant. It sits in the Francis Marion National Forest, a protected wilderness area just outside the city.

What's included in the kayaking trip?

The kayak, paddle and personal flotation device are all provided. An ACA-certified guide leads the paddle and is with you the whole time. You bring nothing but yourself and a willingness to paddle.

What are the giant trees I'll see in the upper section of the creek?

Bald cypress trees over 1,000 years old stand in the upper section of Blackwater Creek. Water oak, ash, red maple and swamp dogwood also shade the banks, creating a canopy over the black water.