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Bates Ferry Tract
November 19, 2016 @ 10:30 am - 4:00 pm
NOTE THAT OUR NOVEMBER TRIP IS ON THE THIRD SATURDAY – NOV 19.
When the US 601 bridge over the Congaree River was closed for repairs a few years ago, it was an incredibly long detour to the nearest alternative. But at least we have bridges. Our November trip is to a trail that commemorates the ferries that used to be the only way across – the Bates Ferry Trail in Congaree National Park. This trail starts at US 601 and takes you to the river in about a mile. Side trails and scrambles allow you to explore old bridges, giant cypresses, and large expanses of flood plain habitat.
Since the trail follows an old road, it is usually an easy walk to the river. However, a couple of the large trees that Matthew brought down fell on the trail. It is possible to walk around them; they are too large to push aside or climb over. Most SCAN people get off the trail anyway to explore! The park has a lot of trail work to do as a result of Matthew, and their emphasis is on the more highly visited trails near the Visitor Center. They do not expect to have these trees removed before our visit. Because it is important that the park keep close control of all major trail maintenance activities, we will NOT try to clear them ourselves.
There is an open area near the river with nice views of the river; this will probably be a good place for lunch for many of us. There is additional park access nearby for those who would like to explore a broader area. There are no rest rooms at the parking area or along the trail.
Our dinner will be at the Calhoun House of Pizza in St. Matthews. They have a reasonable
selection on the menu, and we’ve had good service from them in the past. The address is:
721 Harry C Raysor Dr [aka US 601]
St Matthews, SC 29135.
http://
Here is the official park description of the trail:
Bates Ferry Trail (#7)
Round Trip Distance: Approximately 2 miles
Starting from Route 601 in the eastern section of the park, this trail follows a 1920’s ferry road south to the Congaree and is a remnant of the areas rich history, which includes colonial era ferries which once crossed near here. While at the river, please be aware that the bank is steep and could potentially be slippery. It is best to stay on the marked path, as old side trails are neither cleared nor marked.
Cola Daily published a nice article about the new trail and the history of the ferries; a link is below.
ttp://www.coladaily.com/
Access to the Bates Ferry Trail is on US 601 approximately two miles north of the Congaree River. There is a small parking area. If we have the usual number of cars, we should all fit in the parking area without having to use the access road. There is a sign right by the turn.
Recommended approaches to this part of 601 include the following:
* From Interstate 26: Take Exit 145 to St. Matthews. This is the US 601 exit, so just stay on 601 north.
* From Interstate 77: Take Exit 5 for SC 48 [Bluff Road]. Take SC 48 south to 601. There will be a detour onto Old Bluff Road because of a road closure. Then turn south on 601.
* From Interstate 20 or US 278, take the US 601 exit south.
* From Interstate 95 from the north, turn onto US 278, then take the US 601 exit south.
* From Interstate 95 from the south, turn onto Interstate 26 and then take the US 601 exit [145] north.
If you live near the trailhead, you may have some additional favorite back roads.
If you use Google maps, the old ferry road is shown in white if you zoom in. It may also be shown on other map programs that I haven’t checked.
https://www.google.com/