# 13 - Santee River 4
Jamestown to McConnell's
Rated: Moderate
11 miles
This is a pretty section of the Santee River. It
ranges from 50 yards in width to a little over 100
yards, and is bordered by uninhabited high bluffs
and cypress swamps. Much of it is bordered on the
right side by the Francis Marion National Forest,
and you'll have the opportunity to visit the Battery
-Warren, a Civil War-era fort built to protect the railroad.
Difficulty: Moderate, due to distance.
Distance: 11 miles.
Time: 4 - 5 hours.
Crowds: Heavy. The Jamestown Landing and this section of the river is used heavily by motorized boats; however, the river is wide enough where you shouldn’t be affected. You’re likely not to see many other paddlers on this trip.
IMPORTANT: Requires staging 2 vehicles or arranging pickup.
Put In: Jamestown Landing, US-17/41 ALT, Jamestown, SC 29453. GPS: 33.303510, -79.679659 or 33°18’12.6”N, 79°40’46.8”W. PHOTO of BOAT RAMP.
Take Out: McConnell’s Landing (note: some mapping/GPS applications call this “Pleasant Hill Landing), Forest Service Road 204-F, Jamestown, SC 29453. GPS: 33.244908, -79.520938 or 33°14’41.7”N, 79°31’15.4”W.
Fees/Permits: None
Current: Flows downriver in an southeast direction.
Tidal Influence: Yes, tide is approximately 3 hours behind Charleston Harbor tide table.
Precautions: Motorized boats go up and down the river near the two landings. While normally not a problem for paddlers, dam water releases could inundate sandbars. Call 800-925-2537 for scheduled releases. It’s advisable to wear bright orange during hunting season in the Francis Marion National Forest.
Water Level: For this Blueway paddle trail, the Jamestown Santee water level should be between 5-10 ft. For Santee River Water Levels, click HERE. Further, the Lake Marion Tailrace gauge height should be less than 32.00 with a discharge rate of less than 2,000 cubic feet per second. For gauge height, click HERE. For discharge rate, click HERE.
So Much History Nearby: Did you know Berkeley County has more than 110 historical markers and historical points of interest? CLICK HERE to find your Adventures in History!
Weather on the Trail: Click HERE
