# 12 - Saluda Shoals Float-
-Saluda River-
Rated: Easy
2 - 7 miles, round-trip
The Saluda River accessible from the J.B. Barker
ramp offers a lot for kayakers! You can paddle upstream,
downstream, or a combo of the two to float anywhere
from 2 to 7+ miles; you decide! The water is mostly
calm, except after big storms or water releases. This-
-area is popular with paddlers of all ages and anglers,-
-so bring your pole. There are some epic, beautiful-
-places to snap family photos in this area!-
Difficulty: Easy.
Distance: 2 - 7+ miles, round-trip, you choose your distance!
Time: 2 - 4 hours.
Crowds: Light to moderate, can be busy on nice weekends.
Put In / Take Out: J.B. Barker Boat Landing, 8 Saluda River (also listed Hope Ferry Rd.),
Lexington, SC 29072. GPS: 34.045611, -81.191250 or 34°02’44.2”N, 81°11’28.5"W.
Alternatively, you can launch from Saluda Shoals Park, located directly across the Saluda River from
J.B. Barker Boat Landing. Address: 5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. 803-772-1228. Daily
park admission is $5/car, $7/12+ passenger van, $11/bus. For more information, CLICK HERE.
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Upper Boat Launch - GPS: 34.046750, -81.190611 or 34°02'48.3"N 81°11'26.2"W.
Lower Boat Launch - GPS: 34.043361, -81.163361 or 34°02'36.1"N 81°09'48.1"W.
Fees/Permits: None for J.B. Barker Boat Landing. See above for Saluda Shoals Park.
Current: Yes! There is always a current flowing down river, southeast. The flow can be strong after
storms or when there are water releases from Lake Murray. It is not advised to enter the river if the
cubic feet per second (CFS) is above 2,600. To find the water release, CLICK HERE.
Precautions: This is a river paddle. Be prepared for moving water and/or strong currents! Use common
sense. If you see fast moving water, stay out of the river.
Weather on the Trail: Click HERE
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