A black water tributary of the lower Savannah River, Ebenezer Creek boasts a rich history cast within a distinctly rare natural environment. This 13-mile run passes through ancient dwarf cypress and tupelo forests drowned in small shallow lakes that shelter a wide variety of bird and animal species. The sanctuary that the creek has historically provided is now reciprocated by the state of Georgia: it is one of only four waterways designed as a Georgia Scenic River and is a National Natural Landmark.

TRIP SUMMARY: This is a canoeing guide to 13.5-mile paddle on Ebenezer Creek in the Savannah River watershed.  Class, smooth; Length, 13.5 miles; Time, 7 hours; Level, unknown; Gradient, less than 2 foot per mile; Scenery, A-, B+. VIEW MAP

DESCRIPTION: When the water is high, trips can begin at the uppermost access just outside Springfield at Run's Creek. From there, less than a mile of paddling will bring you to Ebenezer Landing, potentially the site of the first settlement by the German Salzburgers in 1733. In Georgia, the Salzburgers found freedom to live according to their religious beliefs. Settling at the creek at the direction of Governor Oglethorpe, the Salzburgers befriended the Creek Indians of the area, but found that the swamp environment didn't agree with them. After two years of disease and struggle, they migrated down the creek to found New Ebenezer on higher ground at the confluence. The community thrived until the Revolutionary War, when it was mostly destroyed. The church, however, survived, and is the oldest public building standing in Georgia. Some visitors still see, in the bricks of the church, the fingerprints of the women and children who helpled build it.

Nearly100 years later, the creek was the site of a less-well-known documented tragic incident during the Civil War when hundreds (or thousands) of freed slaves became caught between opposing armies. Seeking protection from Union General Jefferson C. Davis, the refugees trailed his army to the creek; the army took the flooded creek as an opportunity to strand the refugees on the opposite shore. Panic rose as the Confederate Calvary closed in from the other direction, and countless refugees drowned or were killed as they tried to flee.

Today, the paddle down the creek is a profoundly peaceful one. Periodic high water flows of the Savannah River (modulated now, due to the influence of upstream dams) force water to flood in the creek, creating shallow lakes. The resulting ecosystem has been referred to as one of the best examples of backwater swamp in the state. The elongated lakes provide habitat for an unusual forest of virgin dwarfed bald cypress, located 0.5 mile above Long Bridge Road. Huge foundations support the comparatively small trunks of these trees, some estimated to be in excess of 1,000 years old. The swamp's low nutrient levels, partly responsible for this dwarfing, have facilitated the invasion of non-native plant species that threaten the natural diversity of the creek's native flora. One of the most scenic portions of the creek lies near its mouth, where a forest of swamp tupelos tower above the reflective blackwater. Their regular pattern and lack of intervening vegetation inspire comparisons to a temple or cathedral.

A wide variety of animals thrive within the creek's shelter, including elusive alligators. Birds flock to the area, making bird watching a major attraction for paddlers. The creek's waters provide spawning grounds for spotted bass.

The creek passes intermittently along flooded swamps and between banks. When the water is high, the creek flows out of its banks to thread through the swampland forest. You can too, but take care not to get lost, particularly below Long Bridge Road. Even in high water the current is imperceptibly slow. Dry landings are rare in the 3 miles below the Tommy Long boat ramp and at other spots when the water is up. The creek's path is obvious when the water is low; exposed strainers are present, but don't present a problem.

SHUTTLE: From Savannah go north on I-95, Exit 109 for GA 21 north, to a right-hand turn at GA 275. The boat ramp is at the end of the road. To get to the usual put-in, take GA 275 west to a right turn onto Long Bridge Road and continue to the creek. A bike trail can be used for a canoe-bicycle loop. Historical sites, including the church and a museum, are located at the confluence in New Ebenezer.

GAUGE: Consult the USG website for Ebenezer at Springfield. The creek is runable all year. Higher levels make side exploration of the swamps and sloughs possible.

MAPS: USGS maps: Hardeeville Northwest (GA/SC), Rincon (GA/SC), Springfield South

Tagged with: Ebenezer Creek Savannah River Watershed Paddling Guides