The Black River Experience
A Vision for South Carolina’s Black River Initiative
INTRODUCTION
The Black River Initiative is a community-inspired vision to establish a new recreational water trail connecting a growing network of public lands, along 70 miles of a beloved South Carolina river.
This collaborative effort — involving the creation of the first new state park in almost 20 years — will protect the wilderness areas of the river; provide equitable access; support the rural economy; and safeguard mature forests for wildlife, water quality, flood retention, and so much more.
The Black River Initiative will create new recreational experiences for local residents and visitors, as well as spaces to gather and celebrate the Black River. Sign up below to receive updates around the initiative, and read on to learn more about the results of a community-driven master plan and vision for the project.
A Vision for South Carolina's Black River
The Black River Initiative is a project of South Carolina State Parks , the Open Space Institute , The Nature Conservancy , & Winyah Rivers Alliance .
To learn more about the history, culture, and wildlife of the Black River, and the early master planning process for the initiative, please revisit, ‘ Connecting to South Carolina's Black River .'
VALUES
Several core values have shaped the development of the Black River Initiative. These values, which stem from safeguarding natural resources and providing recreational access to them, would improve lives and livelihoods within local communities, for current residents and future generations alike.
We support the Black River Initiative to realize the significant economic, quality of life, and flood abatement benefits that it will bring locally and to South Carolina. - Resolutions passed by Georgetown County, Williamsburg County, the Town of Kingstree, & the Town of Andrews
Scroll down for some of the values that have guided creation and development of the initiative.
Enhancing Equity and Inclusion by Creating Public Access and Recreational Opportunities
The Black River offers refuge, rest, and recreation. Yet, for many residents who do not own property along the river, access to this beautiful resource has been limited, or even nonexistent.
The Black River Initiative will transform the region, creating a premier recreational destination within a 100-mile-or-less day trip for 40 percent of South Carolina residents. In the process, the initiative will provide fun and rewarding recreational opportunities — such as hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, and camping — to improve physical and mental health, support and empower young people, or simply create the opportunity to go to the water's edge for restoration and relaxation.
This is an opportunity to protect the river while creating more access for the surrounding communities and the wider region. - Comment from public survey
Protecting and Interpreting Cultural History
For countless centuries, the Black River has been a silent witness to the lives lived upon its banks. Once, Indigenous peoples who called the Black River their home slipped silently through its waters in dugout canoes. Later, large-scale rice cultivation was made possible by the tragic usage of enslaved Africans, some of whose descendants still live along the river today.
While population trends, modern-day transportation, and other factors have affected residents’ connections to the Black River, an appreciation for the river’s recreational and scenic offerings persists to this day. By securing the river's cultural and historical legacy, the Black River Initiative will protect this invaluable inheritance from being lost to development.
The Black River has historical significance for those that were born in the area. These areas are where African Americans were able to live and start a life. - Comment from public survey
Conserving Natural Resources and Wilderness
By protecting habitat for parks along the river, the Black River Initiative will conserve natural resources and wilderness so that future generations can benefit from them, too.
A majority of the water trail will meander through a 40-mile stretch of the Black Scenic River, officially recognized by the state for its extraordinary values. On its banks, amphibians emerge from the inky waters to lay their eggs in damp hardwood forests. Upland native longleaf pine forests are home to colonies of endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers and flatwoods salamanders.
The Black River is an awesome natural resource. While improving access, I would like to make sure we preserve the beauty of the area as well. - Comment from public survey
Enhancing Flood Protection Resiliency
The Black River has experienced unprecedented rainfall in recent years. In 2015, the river rose nearly twice its average flow and stayed flooded for two weeks.
As demonstrated in a recent analysis by researchers at Clemson University, floodplain storage in intact forested river systems is critically important. Studying flooding in the nearby Pee Dee River, the researchers found that undisturbed riverbank vegetation and forests act as a sponge, significantly lessening the impact of floods.
If we can preserve these beautiful natural areas along the Black River, then floodwaters are going to flow in and out of forest where they are supposed to go, protecting (nearby) homes and streets and communities. - Dale Threat-Taylor, The Nature Conservancy
Boosting the Rural Economy Through Eco-Tourism
Through the decades, recreational trails have had a proven economic impact on counties and regions throughout the Southeast and beyond.
Where communities have developed trails of a similar length to the Black River Initiative in Southwest Virginia and Knoxville, for instance, the resulting nature-based tourism has infused tens of millions of dollars annually into the local economy.
And in a state where outdoor recreation generates more than 72,000 direct jobs and $2.9 billion in wages and salaries, it stands to reason that the network will bring exciting new economic opportunities to this rural part of South Carolina.
In a state where most of the financial benefits of tourism flow to coastal resort towns, the prospect of this recreational network could be a complete economic gamechanger by bringing a spotlight and funding to these small, rural, inland communities." - Tripp Muldrow, fellow of the American Institute for Certified Planners
COMMUNITY INPUT
The community-driven outreach effort for the Black River Initiative began in 2021. The effort included:
- Three community meetings;
- A public survey that garnered almost 1,500 responses;
- A focus group of paddlers;
- A 30-member steering committee that provided consistent feedback;
- Additional working groups that sought the perspectives of South Carolina Tribal members, historians, and other local experts.
Staff of Williamsburg County and the Open Space Institute meet along the Black River for a day of planning and paddling. (Photo by Justin Park, Open Space Institute)
Who We Heard From & What We Heard
An online survey conducted from April to September of 2021 garnered nearly 1,500 responses. Read on to learn about the results of the survey.
Question: Where do you live?
Residents of Kingstree, Andrews, and Georgetown represented nearly half of the survey respondents.
Question: Within the Black River corridor, what priorities are most important to you?
In their responses to the survey, many people left comments and feedback about what they see are the goals of the Black River Initiative.
Question: What amenities would you like to see in the Black River Initiative?
Respondents were enthusiastic about creating amenities along the trail such as camping, hiking, picnicking, and fishing.
This “word cloud” represents the amenities that were most frequently selected by the survey respondents; the bigger and bolder the word, the more often it was mentioned.
Creating the Parks
With a better understanding of what the public wanted, the partners convened a two-day charrette with experts from:
- South Carolina Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects;
- Landscape architecture students from Clemson University;
- National Park Service Recreation, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program;
- Public and private partners on the Black River Steering Committee.
State parks play an important role in communities, so we are thrilled to see strong local participation in the planning process. - South Carolina State Parks Director Paul McCormack
More than 30 seasoned and aspiring landscape architects spent hours on the properties, poring over survey results and site maps to create the site design visions for each property.
A planning charrette in October 2021 convened more than 30 seasoned and aspiring landscape architects. (Image by Maria Whitehead, Open Space Institute)
Protecting & Interpreting Cultural History
Through the centuries, many peoples have called the Black River their home, and used its waters for foraging, hunting, travel, and commerce. An important component of the Black River Initiative will be protecting and interpreting this history from Colonial times until the present — including the legacy of the Revolutionary and Civil War wars.
Under a special working group, members of South Carolina’s Indigenous Tribes will also work with a South Carolina State Parks archeologist as well as conservation organizations and university partners, to identify pre-Colonial cultural sites along the river that should be protected, and represent the interest of local Tribes in stewarding park properties and contributing to their interpretation.
With at least ten thousand years of history in the Black River corridor, South Carolina's tribes have an important story to share about their experiences and knowledge, which in turn will help guide and inform future conservation, stewardship, and interpretation. - Dr. Maria Whitehead, the Open Space Institute
VISION
Created with input from the public, local leaders, landscape architects, Indigenous Tribes, and many others, the Black River Initiative Master Plan would create a host of exciting new amenities as well as a series of brand-new parks and public land.
Planned Amenities & Resources
Along the 70-mile network, several new amenities — including a new visitor center, cabins, and picnic shelters — would be available to satisfy outdoors adventurers of all ages and skill levels.
Renderings of planned amenities, from top to bottom: (1) Visitor Center; (2) Cabin; (3) Picnic shelter at paddle launch and bank fishing. (Renderings by Craig Gaulden Davis Architects)
Alongside these amenities, visitors would find offerings such as public campgrounds, raised "chickee" campsites, kayak landings, boardwalks, hiking paths, and cycling trails.
Representative examples of proposed offerings for the water trail, to accommodate paddlers, hikers, campers, and more. (Photos from Earth Design)
Parks Along the Black River
In addition, the Black River Initiative would consist of a combination of newly conserved or soon-to-be-conserved state properties, as well as existing parks or preserved areas.
All properties would also be complemented by more than 25,000 acres of already-privately protected lands within the region, which play a critical role in preserving scenic views, culture, and wildlife; and storing and slowing floodwaters.
Below, take a tour of each of the 12 properties along the Black River Initiative, each of which is already, or will be soon, open to the public!
The proposed 70-mile Black River Initiative aims to guide paddlers through Williamsburg and Georgetown counties and past historic communities including Kingstree, Andrews, and Choppee.
Most of the trail would meander through a 40-mile stretch of the Black Scenic River, officially recognized by the state for its extraordinary values.
Town of Kingstree's Black River Landing
The first stop along the trail would be the 18-acre Kingstree's Black River Landing, which would provide a walkable link to Kingstree’s downtown businesses and restaurants, and host a weekend farmer's market.
Amenities: Waterfront park, kayak launch
SCDOT Addition Tract
This 408-acre property, located just across the river from Kingstree's Black River Landing, is primarily comprised of forested wetlands. It will play an important role in protecting views along the river, as well as providing flood mitigation benefits and wildlife habitat.
Currently owned by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the property is to be transferred to South Carolina State Parks. A site concept is underway for the land that may include hiking, primitive camping, and other exciting recreational opportunities.
Amenities: Potential amenities may include hiking, primitive camping, and more
Black River State Park: New Unit #1
The next stop on the Black River Initiative would be South Carolina’s first new state park in almost 20 years, located on land protected by the Open Space Institute and donated to the state.
Although the park would include amenities including a kayak launch and camping, most of the land would stay natural for exploring, birdwatching, hiking, and fishing. Boardwalks would be used to guide visitors through the wetland areas. Shuttles or private outfitter services could facilitate connections from Kingstree to Black River State Park Unit One.
Amenities: Outfitters center, paddler pull-off and boardwalk, boat launch, camping, trails, pond fishing, and kayaking
Black River State Park: New Unit #2
Barely a half-mile downriver would be the next unit, the state park system's largest property located on land protected by the Open Space Institute. The land is to become the network's central hub, and could provide a much-needed overnight stop for long-distance and multi-day paddlers. A small part of the land would be devoted to a visitor’s center and shuttle stop. Nearby, paddlers would encounter sandy beaches, high bluffs, cypress and tupelo alleys, and beautiful wildlife. The park could accommodate multiple paddle launch access points; paddle-in camping would be available on elevated platforms, while a paddle launch would have permanent parking and a picnic area. Amenities: Visitors center, picnic shelters, camping, RV camping, trails, four miles of river frontage, hiking, biking, picnicking, camping, and fishing
Colonial Tract
The next park along the water trail would feature striking old cypress trees and span some 140 acres. The land is situated near the bridge on Sims Reach Road, making it easily accessible from the north or south.
Featuring almost a mile of river footage, the land is also ideal for a future canoe and kayak launch, and its high riverbank is prime for bankside fishing. The property on the east side of the road was also conserved, creating the opportunity for future camping and parking in the sandy uplands.
Amenities: Canoe and kayak launch, camping, parking
Black River State Park: New Unit #3
The next unit, also located on land protected by the Open Space Institute, would offer more opportunities for camping and recreation for paddlers of all skill levels. It would feature overnight accommodations with amenities including RV spots, hike-in group camping, showers and restrooms, treehouses, and cabins available for rental, as well as day-use facilities such as fishing piers and picnic shelters. A trail system with over eight miles of pathways would access beautiful landscapes including forested wetlands; elevated boardwalks would be located strategically to prevent damaging sensitive ecosystems in these wetland areas. Elsewhere, a sandy point bar beach would provide a natural, accessible area along the banks of the river for beaching a kayak, having a picnic lunch, or a refreshing swim. Amenities: Information center, picnic shelters, camping, cabins, trails, two miles of river frontage
Ben Ervin Park Boat Landing
Ben Ervin Boat Park Landing is a treasured county park and boat landing in the Bloomingvale community. Although the master plan calls for some enhancements to the landing site, it is already fully operational and home to picnic shelters, ample parking, and a landing that can accommodate small boats and paddle craft.
Amenities: Picnic shelters, parking, and a landing for small boats and paddle craft
Peninsula Campus
The next stop in the network would be the Peninsula Campus, a primitive, 200-acre property with two miles of Black River frontage.
The land includes an amazing oxbow, a riverside bluff trail, and an area for tent camping. The property is owned by the Butler Conservation Fund.
Amenities: Tent camping, riverside bluff trail
Black River Cypress Preserve
Next on the water trail is the Black River Cypress Preserve, a 1,000-acre nature preserve flanked by majestic, centuries-old cypress trees. It features both a two-mile, out-and-back crushed granite trail, and several canoe and kayak trails.
Originally protected by The Nature Conservancy and the Open Space Institute, the Black River Cypress Preserve is now owned and managed by the Butler Conservation Fund.
Amenities: Hiking and cycling trails, canoe and kayak access
Black River Preserve
The Nature Conservancy's Black River Preserve is home to ancient bald cypress and offers some of the most scenic and pristine blackwater experiences in South Carolina for paddlers, bird watchers, photographers, and adventurers.
The 2,300-acre Black River Preserve stores carbon and floodwaters during heavy rains and is home to swamp-loving plants and animals.
Amenities: Paddle-in platform camping, fishing, birding
Park Ranger Tract (Prospective Property)
The 160-acre Park Ranger Tract is strategically positioned roughly halfway between the Black River Cypress Preserve / Black River Preserve, and Rocky Point Community Forest. This makes it an ideal stopover location for paddlers along this section of the lower Black River.
The property consists of uplands, high river bluffs, and bottomland hardwood swamp.
Amenities: Paddler stopover
Rocky Point Community Forest
The Rocky Point Community Forest property would be the last stop on the Black River Initiative.
The land is already home to a boat ramp, kayak launch, dock, picnic area, and a small network of hiking trails. Plans for the park include raised boardwalks where trails cross wetlands; and elevated platforms for camping. With overnight accommodations, a trip to the Atlantic Ocean is not out of reach for the most ambitious paddlers. Amenities: Cultural center, kayak launch, boat landing, trails, pond fishing
To view an online copy of the entire Black River Initiative, click on the button below.
VISIT
Creating the new park spaces will take some time but the river awaits you today! Use the resources below to launch your own excursion on the Black River. Before you go, visit each website to learn about hours of operation and other important details.
- Williamsburg County’s Ben Ervin Landing (Williamsburg County), as mentioned above, is a treasured county park and boat landing in the Bloomingvale community. Although the master plan calls for some enhancements to the landing site, it is already fully operational and home to picnic shelters, ample parking, and a landing that can accommodate small boats and paddle craft. Visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website for more information.
- The Black River Cypress Preserve (Andrews) is accessible via the Black River and features abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, education, and research, in naturally beautiful and diverse ecosystems. The property is owned and managed by the Butler Conservation Fund. Visit the Cypress Preserve website for more information.
- The Black River Preserve (Georgetown County) features 1,000-year-old bald cypress trees and breathtaking Black River scenery. The preserve is owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy. Visit the Black River Preserve website for more information.
- Rocky Point Community Forest (Georgetown County) features a boat landing, hiking trails, and an adjacent motorboat and kayak launch. Visit this Facebook page to learn about the latest events at Rocky Point Community Forest.
Paddling Maps
Access printable versions of maps for three premier paddling locations (Mingo Landing, Rocky Point Community Forest, Pine Tree Landing) by clicking on the icons within the map below.
