We'll meet at Sparkleberry Landing at 9:30 a.m. and plan to be on the water paddling no later than 10:00 a.m. From Sparkleberry Landing we'll paddle through Sparkleberry Flats to Mill Creek and head South to Sparkleberry Lake and into the southern end of the swamp. The entire trip will be anywhere from 9 to 10 miles and we will plan on being back at the landing around 4:00 pm. This trip is suitable for sea kayaks and longer recreational kayaks. Due to the distance and lack of current canoes and shorter kayaks are not recommended.

Equipment: Lunch, water, sun-screen, two way radios and GPS units if you have them. You will be required to wear a pfd on this trip.

Directions: From Columbia, take Highway 378 east over the Wateree River to Highway 261. There is a red at the intersection of highway 378 and 61. Veer to the right before the red light and take 261 through the town of Wedgefield (speed limit 35) to Camp Mac Boykin Road. You'll see a small brown sign "Public Lake Access" just before the turn. You veer right on Camp Mac Boykin Road (it is SR 51 if you are looking at a map), follow it to the until you see a sign that says Lake Marion Access on your right, turn right and follow the dirt road until you come to the landing. It is a little over 12 miles from highway 378 to Camp Mac Boykin Road and another 4 or so miles to dirt road that will take you to the landing.