Parks Department “Fall Forty-Eight” on Saluda River Oct. 14-16
Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 9:56PM On October 14-16, Anderson County, in partnership with Grady’s Great Outdoors, will present a 48-mile challenge paddle, the ‘Fall Forty-Eight’. During the 2 ½ day course, representatives from Anderson County, Northbrook Carolina Hydro, Save Our Saluda and area residents will explore the waterway through 5 of the 6 Upstate counties bounded by the Saluda River and will portage around 6 historic dam sites.
“For far too long the Saluda River has been a diamond in the rough,” said Anderson County Councilman Ken Waters. “A significant effort is being made by Anderson County to coordinate formal access improvements along 48-miles of the 128 mile Saluda River Corridor that flow through Upstate South Carolina Counties. In a few short years, we’ve come a long way toward unlocking the potential of the Saluda. The Fall Forty-Eight offers an opportunity for enthusiastic proponents of the Saluda River Corridor development to paddle the length of the 48-mile improvement area, document the journey and generate recommendations for formal access points, as well as phasing for the project. This is the perfect chance to showcase a rare ‘viewshed’ of Abbeville, Anderson, Greenville, Pickens, and Laurens Counties and our historic dams, while promoting river recreation, and increasing awareness of this ‘paddle-friendly’ river.”
“Grady's Great Outdoors is honored to continue our partnership with Anderson County to promote awareness of the Saluda River as a paddle sports corridor,” said Grady’s Great Outdoors owner John Phillips. “Hundreds of area residents have discovered the enjoyment of paddle sports and Grady's is happy to do anything possible to expose more people to the sport. Participants in this event will have the opportunity to paddle the new Old Town Tetra kayak as well as the high performance Necky Rip kayak, both provided by Grady's. We will also be providing transport to and from the launch and take-out.”
The 48-mile corridor is bordered by the Saluda Lake Dam and the Ware Shoals Dam. Laurens and Greenwood counties are currently implementing access and portage points along their shorelines. Once completed, these two corridors will collectively offer 81 miles for paddling recreation in the upstate, leaving 47 miles of headwaters to formally address. Save our Saluda has diligently worked to champion access on the Saluda River in this northern Upstate region and is hopeful that the current multi-county effort will aid in their success.
Kevin Grogan, Supervisor for Northbrook Carolina Hydro commented, “I have always wanted to paddle the stretch from Saluda Lake to Ware Shoals personally, and look forward to Northbrook Carolina Hydro’s partnership with Anderson County in this corridor development.”
“Duke Energy is pleased to support Anderson County’s Saluda River Corridor Development,” said Duke Energy’s General Manager for the Lee Steam Station, Terry Taylor. “We look forward to partnering with the County Parks Department to raise awareness and promote recreation on this beautiful segment of the Saluda River”
“Anderson County’s current focus is on 9.2-mile stretch between the Powdersville area and the Town of Piedmont for initial development,” said Parks Manager Matt Schell. “The three river-based power companies along the 48-mile stretch play a key role in the overall success of the corridor and have each entered into early discussions with Anderson County for potential access, portage, and ramp opportunities”. Partnerships for expansion potential include the Saluda River Grill, Duke Energy, Enel Green Power, and Northbrook Carolina Hydro to name a few. Partnering with these entities will allow paddlers to experience six historic dams that dot the landscape along the Saluda River. One of which, the Lower Pelzer Mills Dam, is the oldest dam site east of the Mississippi, and possibly the United States.”
Schell continues, “At the present time, Anderson County is evaluating qualifications from area firms to design the first ADA accessible kayak launch on the Saluda River in Upstate South Carolina. “The launch site will be located within the Dolly Cooper Sports Complex and offer river access to individuals with all levels of ability.”
June 2nd, 2012, the date of the 3rd Annual Saluda River Rally is also the anticipated completion date of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) kayak launch. Grady’s Great Outdoors is already making plans to raise the bar on sponsorship for the June 2012 rally event with additional kayaks and staff.
‘Fall Forty-Eight’ Itinerary
Friday, October 14, 2 pm: (6.5-mile paddle)
Launch from the Saluda Lake Dam in Pickens County, paddle 6.5 miles and camp for the night.
Saturday, October 15, 7 am: (21-mile paddle)
Launch at 7:00 am, paddle to the Saluda River Grill
Lunch at the Saluda River Grill, a new restaurant located in Piedmont, SC will open their doors early to allow adventurers to enjoy a hot meal before they depart on the remainder of the day trip. The Grill has recently secured permits and plans to develop a kayak access and winch system in order to better accommodate their river paddling patrons.
Camp for the night
Sunday, October 16, 7 am: (20.5-mile paddle)
Launch at 7:00 am, paddle 20.5 miles and take-out at Pitts Park in Laurens County
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