Chart Your Course
Sunscreen anyone? For a more social day, start at creek and paddle for a beach, burgers, & back day-trip. Or launch at any of the two Hwy 33 locations for a true lake culture experience.
Compass Coordinates
Stowe Creek 32.7178/92.4136
Hwy 33 South 32.7566/92.4175 (3)
Hwy 33 North 32.7584/92.4139 (3.25)
Marina 32.7596/92.4148 (3.35)
Prospecting Treasure
Treasure here is all a matter of curiosity. Paddlers can paddle into Cypress Creek where the trail becomes one-lane traffic only or into Stowe Creek under the Millard Hill Road bridge OR paddle toward the Lake and visit Rhett’s Shells and Tails or Bonnedocks Diner for lunch or the beach for an afternoon swim. You can also launch closer to both restaurant locations if you really want the lakelife experience. Either way, you can’t beat cheeseburgers (or seafood) in paradise! There is a sandbar volleyball court in the middle of the lake near the beach that is often a place to stop for fun. The beach shoreline itself is private land, but often people use this as a shallow location to sit and visit awhile.
Castaway Dangers
Recreational Jet skis and ski boats are common in the windy open water, so stick close to the shoreline here.
Scouting History
If you go toward the Southeast at the launch you will enter Cypress Creek to the left and Stowe Creek to the right. Both of these creeks travel a good ways through Downsville where they eventually end. These are true “creeks” which means portaging and travel becomes impossible at some point. If you are a true explorer though, these areas are very scenic and full of lush landscapes.
Lies and Legends
Back in the day, as they say, Folly Beach was the local hangout for beach parties. At one time there was a waterslide and notorious “concerts’ filled with resident homosapien wildlife known for their “yee-haw” call of the wild! You may spot some even today, although use your own judgment when approaching.
