Paddling The ACE Basin

Ashepoo River

The Ashepoo River is the smallest of the three rivers in the ACE. The upper reaches of the river flow through bottomland hardwoods which give way to small tidewater ricefields. As the river nears Highway 17, it widens into a classic meandering tidewater river. Bird life on the river is abundant and freshwater fishing excellent.

Trip: Highway 303 to Highway 17

Launch: Throw-in at Highway 303 bridge near Ritter in Colleton County. Property is privately owned and permit is required. 1-800-78kayak for permit. Parking is restricted to roadside near the bridge.
Land: Joe's Fish Camp east of Highway 17. Ample parking - $3.00 charge
Length: 4-5 hours by canoe.
Tide: This trip can be accomplished during any tide. However, putting in on a falling tide is recommended. The tide at hwy. 303 is 5-6 hours behind Charleston Harbor.
Highlights: The early stretches of paddle flow through dense canopied bottomland hardwoods. A late October, to mid-November trip can be highlighted by beautiful fall foliage. About three-quarters of the way through the trip take the large canal to the left which leads to historic Bonnie Doone Plantation. Now owned by the Charleston Baptist Assoc., the grounds and house may be viewed from the canal. Just below Bonnie Doone broken dike rice fields offer opportunities for exploring.

Trip: Highway 64 to Highway 17

Launch: Throw-in at Highway 64 bridge on Horseshoe Creek near Jacksonboro, Colleton County. Roadside parking only.
Land: Joe's Fish Camp just east of Highway 17. Ample parking - $3.00 charge.
Length 3 hours. Price's Bridge landing offers a convenient lunch ground as well as an opportunity for a shorter trip.
Tide: Tides do not affect the upper reaches of Horseshoe Creek but planning a trip to coincide with the falling tide in the Ashepoo may be advisable. High tide at the Hwy. 17 bridge is 4-5 hours after Charleston Harbor.
Highlights: The upper reaches flow through closed canopy bottomland hardwoods then open into old tidewater rice fields.

Trip: Feefarm Creek to Brickyard Landing

Launch: Throw-in at Feefarm Creek Bridge on Hwy 26 (Bennett's Point Road). Roadside parking only.
Land: Brickyard Bridge Landing on Hwy 26.
Length: 5-6 hours. Recommended for kayaks only.
Tide: It is important to travel on early falling tide. Tides at Feefarm are 4-5 hours after high tide in Charleston Harbor.
Highlights: Feefarm Creek was named because a lawyer in earlier days was given a farm bordering the creek as a fee for services rendered. This relatively deep creek offered schooner access for plantations bordering the creek. After entering the Ashepoo, notice the changes in vegetation as you pass from fresh into more saline environment. The old Seaboard Coast Line which crosses the river above Airy Hall Plantation marks the official fresh/salt dividing line. Airy Hall Plantation house is located on a bluff overlooking the river. In the lower reaches of the river, wind and currents can make paddling more difficult. Ashepoo Combahee Edisto

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