South Carolina’s Sumter National Forest is a popular recreational area for hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities. The Enoree Ranger District is located in the central foothills area, just a short drive from the major population centers of Columbia and Greenville. Fishing is allowed in the three main rivers that run through the national forest, as well as several small lakes. Fishing areas are managed in cooperation with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required to fish on national forest lands.

A small fishing pond is located in the Molly’s Rock Picnic Area, which was once the site of a plantation. The one-acre pond was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It is managed by the Ranger District for catfish, and there is a limit of 5 fish. A fishing pier and restrooms are available on site. Swimming or boating is not allowed in the lake. Molly’s Rock is located north of Newberry along US Hwy 176 and Forest Service Road 387.

Canoes and flat bottom boats less than 14 feet in length are recommended on the Broad, Tyger and Enoree rivers that flow through the Sumter National Forest. Woods Ferry Recreation Area, near the city of Leeds, allows easy access for fishing and boating on the Broad River on the east side of the national forest. Restrooms, water, and picnic facilities are available in the day-use area. Camping is also allowed overnight. River access is also available on the Broad River Boat Ramp east of Monarch Mills. Anglers looking to launch small boats on the River Tyger can use the gravel boat ramp at Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site, located on SC Hwy 16. There is an easily accessible concrete boat ramp on Beatty’s Bridge next to US Hwy 176 south of Union. The Enoree River is accessible at various points in the national forest. The ramps are located at Jones Bridge on SC Hwy 98 and at Forest Service Roads 336A and 339.

Several small lakes in the Sumter National Forest are managed for a variety of fish, including channel catfish and largemouth bass. Only electric motors are allowed in these lakes. The Johns Creek Lake Complex is located near Cross Keys on SC Hwy 18 and Forest Service Road 347. Sedalia Lake is located near Johns Creek Lake on the same road. Wildcat Lake is also located off Forest Service Road 347. Macedonia Lake is located off Forest Service Road 444, approximately 12 miles west of Union. Pittman Lake is located northeast of Whitmire at Hwy 72 and Forest Service Road 434. Maps of the Sumter National Forest are available for purchase at district offices and online.

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