Pireway

Pireway is a boat ramp access point on the Waccamaw River in Brunswick County, North Carolina, near the small community of Ash. The Waccamaw River is a large river system with a total length of 145.64 miles, flowing through southeastern North Carolina toward the ocean. At this location, the river has a moderate gradient of 0.3 feet per mile and an average flow of about 1,970 cubic feet per second, making it suitable for various types of watercraft.

The Waccamaw River in this area has an average velocity of 2.31 feet per second, indicating a slow to moderate current that is generally manageable for paddlers with basic to intermediate skills. The river's large drainage area of 17,679 square miles means water levels can vary seasonally, with higher flows expected during wet periods. Boaters should be aware that as a seventh-order stream, the Waccamaw can be wide and deep in many sections, but local conditions at the Pireway access point should be verified before launching.

This access point provides an entry to a significant river corridor in southeastern North Carolina. Visitors should check current water conditions and local regulations before launching, as river conditions can change based on recent rainfall and seasonal patterns. The location's proximity to the coastal plain region means relatively flat terrain, though the river itself maintains sufficient depth and flow for recreational boating throughout most of the year.