Little Pee Dee River – Fork Retch, South Carolina

The Little Pee Dee River meanders through Marlboro, Marion, and Dillon Counties. This blackwater river is a tributary of the Great Pee Dee River, which starts in the North Carolina mountains and empties into Georgetown‘s Winyah Bay. These rivers and the entire Pee Dee region are named after the Pee Dee Indians, who were the original inhabitants of the area.

The part of the river shown above is called Fork Retch and is located near Mullins off SC 76.

There are many ways to enjoy the Little Pee Dee River. Many folks just grab a beer, hop on a float, and enjoy a lazy cruise downstream. Fishing, camping, canoeing, and kayaking are also great ways to experience this scenic river. Several parts of the Little Pee Dee have received State Scenic River designations, so make sure to take a moment to appreciate its quiet beauty while you’re traveling downstream!

If you aren’t interested in getting in the water, you can always visit Galivants Ferry – best known for its political rally the “Galivants Ferry Stump” – which is located along the river. For those seeking solitude, the Little Pee Dee has many retreats, like this beautiful old train trestle.

SCIWAY contributor Warren Bennett says in his opinion the Little Pee Dee River “not only exemplifies the beauty of the Pee Dee region, but offers a stark contrast to the economic hardships the area has faced in the past decade.”