Paddling the Edisto River
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| photo: Peter Sage |
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Canoeing the Edisto
In South Carolina between Charleston and Columbia
The Edisto River is a free flowing blackwater river that has a fairly constant current between 2 and 4 mph. Bottomland hardwoods cover most of the banks so fallen trees are numerous. No rapids, white water, or dams are found anywhere on the Edisto.
The river twists and turns, and trees do fall on the outside bends. Knowledge of basic canoe handling is useful.
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Our most popular day trip is 10-miles long starting in a Cypress/Tupelo swamp on the Edisto River Refuge and ending at our Canadys Outpost on Highway 15. This can take anywhere from 3-4 hours, to all day if you have relaxation down to an art.
On the 23-mile overnight trip there is lodging available at our treehouses, sand bank camping along the river, and primitive woods camping on our refuge.
Please call ahead to reserve canoes to ensure that boats are available and that one of us is present at the outpost, not wandering around somewhere in the woods...
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| photo: Billy Crews |
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Your fully outfitted day trip includes:
- Canoe
- Paddles
- PFD (personal flotation device)
- Safety Orientation
- Transportation to the launch site
- Secure parking
All you provide is lunch and a sense of adventure.
Cost: $30/person/day in 2-person canoes (+SC sales tax)
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Q. Which is best for the Edisto: Canoes or Kayaks?
A. Canoes for our inland section; kayaks when you get closer to the coast.
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"The Edisto River Trail is 57 miles, from Highway 21 to Long Creek Landing. It is an easy to moderate trip on one of the state’s longest blackwater rivers, and certainly ranks among the prettiest anywhere. For much of its gentle and flat passage, the Edisto ambles along under huge live oaks draped in Spanish moss, stoic baldcypress, and water tupelo towering from the dark water. The Edisto is passable by canoes, but trees have a tendency to fall directly in the river’s main current. While volunteers do a fine job of keeping the trail clear, you should still approach all logjams with caution. For most of your trip, a steady current helps keep things moving and there are many places to relax along the way. The river is abundant with red breast sunfish and other fauna including water snakes, alligators, kingfishers, great blue heron and egret."
- S.C. State Trails Program, SCPRT --gps coordinates & landings--
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Q. Who is responsible for me if I am on an unguided trip and I capsize?
A. You are. An unguided trip puts you in charge of your trip.
As good neighbors, we recommend that you call us if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation. We will do what we can to assist. No river rescues of any sort are performed after dark by the S.C. Dept of Natural Resources, by the Sheriff's Department, or by Carolina Heritage Outfitters. Please be off the river by dark.
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Guided River Trips
Our sister company, Coastal Expeditions, offers naturalist-guided canoe and kayak trips on the Edisto for groups of 4
or more people. Guided trips offer the enjoyment of learning more
about the river ecology through the interpretive skills of professional
guides. Their guide staff is well versed in environmental aspects, safety, and
river rescue techniques. Cost varies: day trips and overnights
Other Recommended Outdoor Adventures
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Coastal Sea Kayaking in South Carolina
Coastal
Expeditions, offers naturalist led kayak tours through a variety of ecosystems from coastal barrier
islands and salt marsh creeks to historic rice fields.
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Ferry to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge - 45 minutes from
Charleston
For those that prefer an eco
experience without paddling, the
Bull
Island Ferry is a must. A 30-minute ferry ride with a naturalist winds through salt marsh
creeks. Once on Bull Island, stroll 16 miles of walking trails. This 64,000 acre
federal wildlife refuge is part of the longest stretch of protected coastline on the East coast
... great for birding, shelling and dolphin watching.
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