Lower Saluda River

Last weekend, with temperatures in the high 70s, we decided to head out to one of our favorite spots in South Carolina! Not far from our house, the Saluda River, is a great place to kayak, canoe, fish, and swim. The Saluda River begins in the upstate, not far from Greenville, SC, but travels throughout the state, until it merges with the Broad River in Columbia, SC to form the Congaree River.

Over favorite part of the river is just below the Lake Murray Dam. You can easily access this location from Saluda Shoals Park or Hope Ferry Landing. Water in this part of the river comes from the bottom of Lake Murray. As a result, the water temperature stay very cool throughout the year. Since we live in an area known for being "famously hot" in the summer, the cold water temperatures act as a natural air conditioner and are a refreshing way to stay cool on a hot summer day.

Last weekend was the first time since the end of the summer i've been on the Saluda. I was shocked at how much the scenery had changed since the major flood that came through the area in October. Islands and trees that once defined the area, were completely gone or had toppled over. The flood waters also moved hundreds of rocks completely blocking access to parts of the river where we so often stopped to picnic and fish.

Here are a few before and after pictures of the Saluda.

* Where I was sitting in the kayak, is now covered in rocks!

Fun Facts:
1. The Saluda River is home to many different species of fish including carp, trout, jackfish, and bass.
2. It's considered to be one of the only local places where during the summer, your feet are in the water turning purple, while your head is sweating, and you're catching trout!
3. If you're lucky, you might spot a bald eagle.
4. Some believe that the cold water in the Saluda has healing powers!

For more information about river conditions, check out Lower Saluda SCE&G.

Hope you all had a great weekend and found time to explore and live adventurously!