Back River flows through the southeastern portion of Berkeley County, South Carolina, forming part of the Cooper River system in the South Carolina Lowcountry. This tidal blackwater river meanders through freshwater wetlands, cypress swamps, and brackish marshlands before connecting to the Cooper River, creating a distinctive ecosystem where freshwater and saltwater environments intermingle.

The river offers two established paddling routes that showcase different aspects of this coastal waterway. The Durham Creek to Back River route begins at Durham Creek Landing on Cypress Gardens Road in Moncks Corner and extends approximately 6.5 miles downstream to Bushy Park Landing, or can be paddled as a round trip. This difficult-rated journey passes historic Medway Plantation, where Carolina Gray bricks used in Fort Sumter's construction were manufactured. Paddlers navigate under highway bridges and railroad trestles while observing remnants of antebellum rice field dikes and gates along the banks. The second route, from Bushy Park Landing through Foster Creek, provides moderate paddling through the Naval Weapons Station property, where shoreline access is prohibited but wildlife viewing remains exceptional.

Back River's tidal nature requires careful trip planning, as water levels fluctuate approximately 2 hours behind Charleston's tide table. The current flows southward, and paddlers must account for tidal influence when calculating effort and timing.

The waterway supports diverse wildlife including wood ducks, blue herons, American egrets, osprey, and white-tailed deer in upper reaches. Small alligators inhabit the entire Back River section, and the waters provide excellent fishing for largemouth bass and bluegills. The river corridor features mixed forestation of pine, cypress, sweet gum, hardwoods, red cedar, and river birch. During summer months, flowering water lilies and aquatic plants line the banks, creating vibrant displays against the dark tannin-stained water. The relatively undeveloped shoreline maintains much of its natural character, offering paddlers a sense of remoteness despite proximity to developed areas.

Access points include Durham Creek Landing near the US-52 and Cypress Gardens Road intersection, and Bushy Park Landing on Bushy Park Road in Goose Creek. Both facilities provide boat ramps and parking, with Bushy Park serving as a popular launch for motorized boats as well as paddlers.

Paddlers should exercise caution around motorized boat traffic, particularly near Bushy Park Landing. The combination of narrow channels, overhanging vegetation, and tidal currents requires intermediate to advanced paddling skills for the longer routes. Bright clothing is advisable during hunting season in adjacent Francis Marion National Forest lands. The river's protected status as part of Berkeley County's Blueways system helps preserve its ecological and recreational value for future generations.