# 8 - Big Dam Paddle-
-Lake Murray-
Rated: Easy
2 miles, round-trip
Paddle to easily one of the most recognizable landmarks
on Lake Murray -- the dam's Intake Towers. This is a fun
place to snap a few pics (from a safe distance - SCE&G
requires that you stay 300-ft. away from the towers).
You can extend your roundtrip paddle by 1.6 miles if-
-you continue the entire length of the Lake Murray dam.
Difficulty: Easy.
Distance: 2 miles, round-trip to the Dam Intake Towers; can extend by paddling the entire length of dam.
Time: 1 - 1.5 hours.
Crowds: Light.
Put In / Take Out: Boat Ramp at Lake Murray Dam / Lake Murray Dam North Recreation Area, 2102 N.
Lake Drive, Columbia, SC 29212.
GPS: 34.065167, -81.222611 or 34°03’54.6”N, 81°13’21.4"W
GPS Coordinates for Dam Intake Towers: 34.052194, -81.220361 or 34°03’07.9”N, 81°13’13.3"W
Fees/Permits: None.
Current: Negligible, generally a southeast direction.
Precautions: Winds above 10 MPH can be tough for a paddler on Lake Murray. There is a lot of open
water for wind to intensify and cause waves/whitecaps. Be mindful of fast moving motorized boats and
use your paddle to signal your location.
Water Level: For this Blueway paddle trail, water level is not as much of a concern.
For Lake Murray Water Levels, click HERE.
Weather on the Trail: Click HERE
