A “Boating Guide To The Little Pee Dee” on the scenic river water trail in Dillon County has been released by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.

The 71-page full color guide has several photos and maps and is packed with page after page of valuable information.

The 48-mile portion of the Little Pee Dee River that flows through Dillon County was designated as a State Scenic River in 2005. The book features the 27-mile corridor that composes the Little Pee Dee Scenic River Water Trail.

The trail begins at the Moccasin Bluff Landing and then goes to Stafford Bridge, the S.C. Highway 9 Throw-in, the Dillon County Park Landing (Highway 57 South), the Floyd Dale Bridge Landing, Carmichael’s Bridge/Heritage Trust Landing and ends at Huggins Bridge on Highway 41. Detailed directions are given to each landing as well as the river time it takes to get from landing to landing. Streamflow information follows.

The guide then covers the trail’s “Natural History.” This includes the geology and fluvial geomorphology, flora species, aquatic invasive species, aquatic species, terrestrial species, avian species, and fauna species. There is a species checklist table that can be used to record what the boater encounters on the trip. It features the common and scientific names of the various species.

The “Human History” which follows includes the Pre-Colonial Period to the present day.

The guide then has detailed boating information and river safety tips. The boating information includes the laws, river etiquette, and river ethics.

The river safety section discusses the planning of the trip, proper equipment and clothing, safety concerns and suggested gear. It contains blank forms to write down float plans. An outfitter list, reading and reference list, and acknowledgements follow. A brief description of the Little Pee Dee River and the State Scenic River Program are also in the guide.

The guide concludes with a river miles coordinates table, several maps and descriptions of the area.

Beginning and experienced boaters can benefit from this comprehensive guide.

This free guide is available in hard copy while supplies last at all three libraries and the S.C. Welcome Center. It is also available online at www.dnr.sc.gov.