About
Little River, South Carolina — 1670s-1770s Settlement, 1850s Sawmill Lumber Shipping, 2010s Little River Water Trail 50-mi. Cherokee Lower Towns territory for centuries before European settlement, the Little River cuts 80 miles through Anderson and Laurens counties before joining the Saluda River. The upper 30 miles through Anderson County run narrow and quick through Piedmont forest, while the middle section opens into 30 miles of shoals and riffles that define the character of this Class I–II stream. At 560 CFS average flow with an optimal range of 200–1,200, the Little River holds water well through dry spells but can push hard after heavy rain. South Carolina designated the upper section as a State Scenic River in 2010, protecting the forested corridor that makes this stretch distinctive. The lower 20 miles widen considerably as the gradient flattens toward the Saluda confluence. Little River Paddle Rentals operates on the system for those without their own gear, and USGS gauge 02162500 provides current flow data for trip planning.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.