# 19 Chicken Creek — Rated: Moderate, 9.1 Miles

Click Here for Downloadable Chicken Creek Trail Guide

Click Here for COMPLETE Downloadable Berkeley Blueways Guidebook

Summary: Get ready for variety with this paddle! You’ll spend time on the Santee River, meander two wilderness bottomland creeks that rarely see visitors, paddle through the Francis Marion National Forest, and experience the same forests that Revolutionary soldiers traversed over two centuries ago. Besides all this, you’re likely to see herons, egrets, bald eagles and so much more!

Difficulty: Moderate, only due to distance

Distance: 9.1 miles

Time: 4 – 5 hours

Crowds: Light. You could see motorized boat traffic on the Santee River sections, but the creeks rarely see boats or paddlers.

Boat Type: Kayaks or canoes 12-feet or longer. Paddle boards are not recommended.

NOTE: Requires staging 2 vehicles or arranging pickup!

Put In: McConnell’s Landing (note: some mapping/GPS applications call this “Pleasant Hill Landing”), Forest Service Road 204-F, Jamestown, SC 29453. GPS: 33.244908, -79.520938 or 33°14’41.7”N, 79°31’15.4”W

Take Out: Elmwood Recreation Area, Echaw Road, Jamestown, SC 29453. GPS: 33.207819, -79.468563 or 33°12’28.2”N, 79°28’06.8”W

Fees/Permits: None

Current: Flows downriver in a southeast direction.

Tidal Influence: Yes, tide is approximately 2 – 2.5 hours behind Charleston Harbor tide table.

Precautions: It’s advisable to wear bright orange during hunting season in the Francis Marion National Forest.

Water Level: This Blueway paddle trail is approximately 2 hours behind the Charleston tide. This can affect your effort paddling the creek. Charleston Tide Chart, click HERE.