Bannister Bridge Canoe Landing

Bannister Bridge Canoe Landing is the vehicle access for the west end of Congaree's Cedar Creek Canoe Trail. The small gravel lot is off Old Bluff Road; the creek is reached by carrying your boat about 130 yards along a long, narrow dirt path with root obstructions. There is no restroom, and the long, rooty approach means you should not assume the launch is accessible. For the 6.2-mile trip to Cedar Creek Landing, allow four to six hours and arrange transport at the takeout before you launch.

The creek starts narrow near the Cedar and Myers creeks confluence, then gradually widens downstream. Water levels can swing by as much as 10 feet; the park sets flood stage at 8 feet and advises against paddling above it. At some levels, route markers are hard to see. Downed trees and logjams are common and portages can eat into your time, so check current water levels and trail conditions before leaving. Bring a PFD, whistle, drinking water, food, and a map and compass.

Large oaks and loblolly pines crowd the banks, with bald cypress knees rising from the dark water along the paddle. Fallen logs can give turtles and snakes a place to bask in spring and summer, though sightings are never guaranteed. At higher water, Wise Lake—a former channel of the Congaree River—is reachable from the creek.