General Description & Characteristics -- The Edisto River flows
freely, entirely within the state of South Carolina. From its source just above the fall
line (which marks the transition from the Piedmont to the low country) the Edisto flows
about 250 miles to the Atlantic Ocean. Starting out in the area just south of Columbia,
the middle and lower sections of the Edisto and several of its tributaries present great
opportunities for canoe camping adventures. The upper section of the canoeable part of the
Edisto is one of the most popular black water canoe streams in the region. Its transition
to a meandering coastal river can be experienced by canoe in a trip of 10 days or so. A
long section of the Edisto has been designated as a canoe trail by the state of South
Carolina.
Location & Canoeable Mileage -- To fully experience the Edisto
River, we recommend a launch on the North Fork of the Edisto, which is a very narrow and
winding stream. While there will be many downed trees which may pose hazards or
difficulties, most of these have been rendered passable by a few strategic cuts with a
chainsaw. From Rowes Bridge (just west of Rowesville on highway 39) to West Bank
Landing (near US 17) is a distance of about 98 miles, ideal for a week-long trip.
You can go farther downstream, all the way to the mouth of the Edisto at Edisto Beach or
to the Intracoastal Waterway (Dawhoo Landing); however near the ocean the river becomes
very wide and significantly affected by tides. Camping may be more difficult in this
region. There are many public access points along the Edisto, allowing a trip of any
length you might desire.
The Edisto is a year round canoe stream, but the long summer is hot and
humid. Fall, winter, and spring would be the preferred seasons. Check the tropical storm
forecast in the fall. There is nearly always enough water for floating, and when the
weather has been particularly wet, the river may be more hazardous (and confusing) as
water flows into the many sloughs, side channels, swamps, and lakes that adjoin the main
channel.
Interesting Features -- The "black" water of the Edisto and
other rivers of this region is actually the color of tea, the result of pigments imparted
from the vegetation found in the area. The water is generally crystal clear,
allowing one to see the sandy bottom almost continuously.
Canoeing is quite popular on the Edisto, and on seasonal weekends you
will likely encounter other floaters, particularly in the area around Canadys and between
the two state parks. You will also see many small solo fishing boats and other
motorboats when there is adequate water. In areas where roads come near the river,
you will find many houses, most of which are rather attractive, some luxurious.
Baldcypress trees and their kindred water loving plants are found in
abundance along the river and in adjacent swamp land. There are some ridges with pine
stands. After the confluence of the North Fork and South Fork, the main stem of the Edisto
becomes more open with a few sand bars. Regrettably, many of the nice sandbars which would
otherwise be good campsites are quite near riverside settlements of houses.
Gradually, the Edisto widens and moves more slowly as it plies its course to the ocean. In
the lower sections, shore birds are seen in abundance. This river is prime habitat for
wood stork and American alligators.
A section between the two state parks has some wonderful rock banks and
outcrops with ferns and small springs, which are in stark contrast to the sandy banks and
swamp land seen on most of the Edisto.
Camping -- You can freely camp on sand bars or other low ground below
the high bank. There are a few public and private parks along the way that offer some
amenities, if you prefer such luxury. In areas where there are no roads or houses, good
campsites in the woods can be found, some of these being on timber company land.
Should you camp on private land be sure to respect the rights of land owners by asking
their permission.
Additional Information --
