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Directions
Go straight through the light at the intersection of old Hwy. 52 and new Hwy. 52 in Moncks Corner. Proceed on old 52 until you see the yellow flashing light at Cypress Gardens road. Turn left at Cypress Gardens road. Follow Cypress Gardens road until you cross the bridge at Durham Creek & the landing will be on your left.
Description
Go to your left towards the bridge
as you launch from the landing. Follow Durham Creek approximately one and a quarter miles until the creek intersects with Back River. Turn right and you can paddle Back river for approximately two and one half to three miles until it eventually dead ends. Durham Creek is lined with marsh grasses that is home to many birds. This section of Back River is narrow and meandering with great opportunities to view wildlife and an abundance of wildflowers when in season.
Wildlife
You can expect to see alligators, fish, snakes, ducks, and many birds of prey on this trip.
History
The paddle on Back River will take you by historic Medway Plantation that was established in the late 1600's. Back River was once called Medway River for which the plantation was named. Rice and brick were produced on this plantation and much of the brick used to build Fort Sumter was produced at Medway.
Time
Your paddle to each take out will take four to five hours or more depending on exploration time and the tide flow. Discharge from the power plant can also affect the tides on this trip. Round trip is approximately eight miles.
Hazards
Boat traffic and strong currents. Do not swim on this trip due to strong currents.
Most danger can come from wasps or venomous snakes that might be encountered if you paddle into the bushes. Best time to avoid boat traffic will be during the work week.
Skill Level
Beginners accompanied by intermediates. Kayaks rather than canoes might be a better choice for this trip due to extremely tough currents during changing tides and water release from the power plant. |
