Did this trip on June 11th with the CFS between 3000-4000. We tried to fish this trip, but this trip is just too long to take time to fish. You can check out my overview of this trip with more details on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rrTfOLYSswg The Alston trailhead landing was great but the take out spot at Harbison was not so great. It was not marked at all! I used the mapping software on my phone to track where I was in relation to my parked truck to find the creek that took you to the landing spot. The canoe launch area there was not great. They have some railroad tie steps going down to the water, except they don't make it to the water.. about 2 feet high. Nothing but steep slick mud bank. I slipped in the mud and the only thing I could grab was more mud and into the creek I slid. I guess what I am saying is this take out spot could use a little work and it really should be marked where the creek comes out on the river. The river run itself is nice with a lot of scenery and wildlife. We saw plenty of eagles, some ospreys, hawks, herons, otters, etc.. on this trip. We got to watch one eagle take a straight down dive to the river to catch a fish. That was pretty cool! The folks at Harbison State Forest were good to work with on getting details of how things work there with filing a float trip and getting access to the canoe launch area. Check out the video I mentioned to get an idea of what this trip is like.

Did you see any spots that would be suitable for overnight camping. Also considering the nightly rising water? Thanks.

Completed this trip on June 14th with two other paddlers. The CFS was between 2000-3000 while we were on the water. We were paddling into the wind and it took us 8.5 hrs of water time and an additional 30 minutes for stops. We chose the boat access at hwy 213 which added 1.5 miles to the trip. In hindsight, the Palmetto Trail landing listed in the description might have been a better option. We had hoped for more "beachy" areas around the islands. There are plenty of opportunities to take a break on rocks in the river (lots), but we didn't really see many opportunities on the banks or otherwise that weren't private property. Overall it was a great trip. We saw bald eagles, otters, heron, etc. The several small areas of rapids were just enough to be fun. The access at 213 is under the bridge but getting your boat into the water is a rather steep shot down a sandy embankment. When we took out at Harbison we had to walk in mud up to our calves to reach the steps and then it was ok. That sinking feeling is never comfortable! :-) If you're looking for an all day adventure this is a good one but I think it would be better enjoyed as an overnight. To access Harbison, you have to contact the State Forest their and submit a float trip plan prior to your trip for approval. They'll give you a code for the gates so you can have flexibility in your times. Overall it was a great trip. If I did it again, I'd want to find a place to camp along the way and spend the night.