One of South Carolina’s biggest and best kept secrets is 250 miles long and reaches from Edgefield and Saluda Counties all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. And even in spite of its enormous size, the Edisto River is still mostly untapped as a resource for recreation, for sightseeing, and for education. This incredible natural feature is wildly underutilized, which means you can enjoy it with almost no one else around. Remarkably, most people — even those who were born and raised in the Palmetto State — don’t realize it’s the longest free-flowing blackwater river in America. But it is. That’s a pretty spectacular legacy for South Carolina.
It's also the only river system that's fully contained within the borders of South Carolina. The state has total bragging rights over this beautiful, natural body of water and all the joy it brings to its residents and visitors.
Blackwater rivers are often described as "tea stained," however, tea has nothing to do with the dark colors found in blackwater rivers.
The dark color is derived more from the slow moving motion of the water through shady, forested swamps and wetlands - combined with decaying vegetation that releases dark tannins into the water... "staining" it dark brown. The effect is fascinating and beautiful in its own way. It's the dark and mysterious older sister to the clear blue waters of other United States lakes.
It's hard to say why the Edisto is so underrated and undiscovered.
Perhaps its the fear, as it nears the lowcountry, of alligators in the water? This is mere speculation, of course. Perhaps South Carolina residents are merely busy soaking up the other natural wonders of their state and haven't gotten around to giving the Edisto its due yet.
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A more likely reason is that the Edisto River really only runs through one city in South Carolina - and that is Orangeburg.
Edisto Memorial Gardens, 200 Riverside Dr SW, Orangeburg, SC 29115, USA
Even still, only a few hundred feet of the Edisto are in full view of the city's famous Edisto Memorial Gardens. This may be the oldest PR issue in the book: out of sight, out of mind. Without being able to visually identify the Edisto on a regular basis, locals and visitors don't think of it first for recreation.
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Kayak and canoe enthusiasts in the state may be among the most familiar with the river.
Several boat ramps perfect for launching either vessel type are located along the river's two forks, the Edisto and the North Fork Edisto Rivers. Because of its long length the river makes for a great paddle, you can spend a whole day taking in the sights if that's what appeals to you.
For swimming and more, Givhans Ferry State Park in Ridgeville offers a sandy beach along the banks of the Edisto. Although the park doesn't promote a bona fide swimming area, it's still a very popular swimming spot with the locals.
Givhans Ferry State Park, 746 County Rd S-18-30, Ridgeville, SC 29472, USA
The Edisto really does have it all to offer. Camping, swimming, sandy beaches, kayaking, and Instagrammable views.
Those wishing to make a weekend (or longer) of fun along the Edisto can rent one of the cabins at this state park, or reserve one of the 25 camping spots that can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. Ten walk-in tent sites are located only 200 feet from the parking area.
Because the river isn't mobbed with visitors, your stay will be pensive and quiet, allowing for lots of time to reconnect with nature and yourself.
Or, head upstream to Colleton State Park where a blue trail of 21 miles connects these two parks making a long, one-way paddle downstream a reality that's possible in the span of a single (long) day.
Colleton State Park, 147 Wayside Ln, Walterboro, SC 29488, USA
The rustic and isolated treehouses are a one-of-a-kind adventure you can only have on a kayaking trip booked through Carolina Heritage Outfitters. There are no facilities here. There's no running water. You're on your own, and you'll have the time of your life. If you're looking for a back-to-nature kind of experience, this is it. Just you and the land the way things originated.
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As the Edisto River nears closer and closer to the Atlantic, it broadens considerably. Gone are those low-hanging branches you'll paddle under in the first 230 miles of the river. That's right, 230 miles. Like we said, it's a long river.
But the adventure in these wide-open waters is still amazing. Several boat landings can be found farther east and near to where the Edisto enters the Ace Basin. Willtown Bluff Boat Landing in Adams Run is pictured. And there are at least a half dozen more just like it. Notice how empty it is in this photo? That's the story... the Edisto River is one of the best kept secrets in the whole state!
Are you eager to explore the longest free-flowing blackwater river in America? With 250 miles of water to discover, you’re sure to feel like you have it all to yourself, no matter how many residents and tourists decide to hop on – or in – the Edisto River. Rarely in the United States will you be able to enjoy such a spectacular slice of nature with next to no disturbances.
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More to Explore
Rivers in South Carolina
CC|December 01, 2022
What other rivers are there in South Carolina?
In addition to laying claim to the longest free-flowing blackwater river in America, South Carolina is also home to these beautiful rivers:
