Flood on the L.F.

Gauge Information

Min Sug. Level:

6 cfs

Max Sug. Level:

20 cfs

River Description

The Lawsons Fork is a great whitewater resource for paddlers in the Greenville and Spartanburg area. This creek holds water longer than most, and the falls section in Glendale is very fun. Repeated runs of the falls are a good afternoon option.

The putin is below the old mill dam at Glendale, South Carolina. This is several miles east of Spartanburg. If you want to avoid a large rapid below the dam (IV), you need to go downstream about 50 yards or so. There is a place where several cars can park at the side of the road. There is a posted river guide sign.

In the first 2.5 miles or so there are some small rapids and generally swift moving water. The gradient reminds me of the lower Green, but without as many rapids. I would estimate the gradient in the first 2.5 miles as in the low to mid 20's. The first major rapid has an island that splits the river. The easy route is to right of the island. River left there is a pillow rock that could be a potential pinning spot.

A few hundred yards or so downstream, the rapids really begin. There is pretty much continous class III water for about .25 mile. None of the rapids would be terribly difficult if they were alone separated by long pools. They are, however, one right after the other.

The take out is at the bridge over Goldmine Rd. on river right about .25 mile downstream from the last rapid. Watch out for strainers and wood on this section. Lawson Fork is a fairly narrow river and it is heavily forested the entire run.

Don't miss the "Friends of the Lawson's Fork" page at http://www.lawsonsfork.org/.