Celebrating World Rivers Day!
World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways!
It highlights the many values of our rivers, strives to increase public awareness, and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world. Rivers in virtually every country face an array of threats, and only through our active involvement can we ensure their health in the years ahead.
We have a number of beautiful rivers to celebrate during World Rivers Day. Here’s a few! But we invite you to explore everything our local rivers have to offer, this World Rivers Day and every day!
Outstandingly remarkable for its scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic and cultural values, the Lumber River is the only blackwater river in NC designated under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. It flows over 125 miles from its headwaters at Drowning Creek in North Carolina and joins with the Little Pee Dee River in South Carolina. All 115 miles in North Carolina is also designated a State Natural and Scenic River; 81 miles of which are also designated National Wild and Scenic. The Lumber River is home to the Lumbee Tribe with its rich historical and cultural heritage. Lumber River State Park is all about eastern North Carolina paddling, fishing and exquisite scenery which the Lumber River delivers.
This beautiful blackwater river serpents through extensive hardwood swamps and is considered a hot spot of biodiversity given its rich plant and animal life, many of which found nowhere else on earth. In 2012, the Waccamaw River Blue Trail was designated a keystone conservation and recreation project under the America’s Great Outdoors Program then subsequently 100 miles of the Waccamaw River became a federally designated National Water Trail, recognized as a national treasure that is vital to the health of natural and human communities in the Carolinas and beyond. Experience the Waccamaw River Blue Trail, over 140 miles from Lake Waccamaw in North Carolina to Winyah Bay in South Carolina.
The Black River begins its journey below the town of Bishopville in Lee County, flowing in a southeastern direction through the Coastal Plain region of South Carolina for 150 miles to its junction with the Great Pee Dee River near Georgetown. Along its course, the Black River travels through a rural landscape of mostly forests and farmlands, passing near to just a few towns, the largest being Kingstree and Andrews. A 75-mile segment of the Black River is designated a State Scenic River with a citizens’ advisory council working with state and local governments to promote responsible use and stewardship of the Black River. Boating, fishing and picnicking are popular activities on the Black River. Experience the Black River…you won’t be disappointed!