Key attractions along a 15-mile section of the Broad River in South Carolina’s Olde English District include Gaston Shoals Lake and Ninety-Nine Islands Lake. Flowing out of North Carolina below Lake Lure Dam, the Broad River is a major tributary of the Congaree River. Five dams along the Broad River generate hydropower between the North Carolina-South Carolina border and Ninety-Nine Islands Lake. Gaston Shoals Lake, created by three dams built around 1927, provides drinking water to the City of Gaffney and other local communities.
Ninety-Nine Islands Dam, constructed in 1910, and Gaston Shoals’ dams create reservoirs that are not typical large bodies of water but are expanded river sections designed to store enough water for hydroelectric generation. Gaston Shoals Lake covers 251 acres at a full pool elevation of 605.2 feet, while Ninety-Nine Islands Lake spans 388 acres at 511.1 feet. These reservoirs have undeveloped, mostly wooded and privately owned shorelines, with few houses visible from the river. Despite the lack of large housing developments or recreational parks, these lakes offer rich opportunities for fishing and paddling.
Fishing access at Gaston Shoals Lake includes a concrete boat ramp at the Big Bay Access Area, bank fishing areas, and a canoe portage around the dams. The lake is popular for smallmouth bass, catfish, and other common species. Rocky shores and varying water levels add to the challenge and excitement for anglers. Ninety-Nine Islands Lake, also known as Cedar Creek Reservoir or Stumpy Pond, features numerous narrow arms and islands. It offers bank fishing, boat access at Pick Hill fishing site, and a canoe portage trail around the dam. The scenic and rugged terrain around the lakes provides a habitat for wildlife, including osprey, bald eagles, songbirds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Although there are no lodgings directly on Gaston Shoals Lake or Ninety-Nine Islands Lake, nearby towns like Gaffney and Blacksburg offer a variety of accommodations, ensuring that every traveler, from those seeking a rustic experience to those preferring the comfort of a commercial hotel, can find their perfect stay. Gaffney features local attractions such as the Gaffney Visitors Center and Art Gallery, the Gaffney Little Theatre, and the Farmers Market. The area is rich in Revolutionary War history, with three national parks: Kings Mountain National Military Park, Cowpens National Battlefield, and the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Gaston Shoals Lake and Ninety-Nine Islands Lake offer a unique blend of wilderness adventure, scenic beauty, and historical significance. The area’s rich history, serene and unspoiled environment, and diverse range of activities, from fishing and paddling to hiking and wildlife observation, make it a must-visit for those seeking a memorable outdoor experience. Whether exploring the fast waters of the rapids or the tranquil stretches of the lake, these reservoirs provide a unique and exciting adventure for all who venture here.
