Edisto River in South Carolina

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

We left Florence, SC with Boy Scout Troop 490 at about 10 am and reached the landing at 11:30. There was the usual chatter amongst the boys about "Bigfoot" as we passed his house right before the landing -- you have to see it for yourself, I can't do it justice. We unloaded the boats -- two canoes, two tandem kayaks and 5 solo kayaks -- and had a quick lunch before we shoved off. The water was a bit chilly, but didn't stop the kids from splashing around a bit as we got in. It was a quick paddle down the quiet waters of the narrow canal (not much more than a wide ditch) down to the river. The Edisto is one of the many small, black-water rivers that drain these swampy parts of SC so the water in the canal also had the characteristic coffee-like appearance. The river had a good steady flow that made paddling necessary only for navigating around the few cleaners and snags that are in the river for the first hour of the 3-hour paddle.

The banks are lined with river birch and cypress and has long shady sections that would be a relief on a hot day. Unfortunately, we were paddling under heavily cloudy skies and intermittent showers. There are also a few sandy beaches along the way that make nice break points or cookout sites. You'll know you're getting near the landing when you pass by the SCE&G power plant. There is only about 10 minutes left at this point. The takeout is on the left side of the river at a boat landing. The State Park is on the right side and you can take out there, but there isn't as good access to your car on that side. The landing is just a bit farther down Hwy 15 past the park. We had a few turn-overs and stopped to rotate boys from canoe to kayaks and back, so we didn't make good time. The whole trip took us about 3 hrs and 45 minutes. A smaller group, moving at a regular kayak pace, could easily make it in 2.5 hours.

Accommodations:

There are a variety of levels of camping at the State Park from primitive to RV hookups. There are a number of gas stations and such right off the Interstate. I have never been into Canadys, but I'm sure there's the normal variety of small-town conveniences there.

Directions:

Exit 68 off of I-95, just South of the I-26 junction. The state park is East off the highway, the put-in point is West. To the park: Left at top of exit onto Hwy 61. Go 3 miles and turn left onto Hwy 15 and go 0.5 miles. Park is on the left. To the put-in: Take a right at the top of the exit onto Hwy 61. Go 3 miles until you see Jct 217. Just past Jct 217 is a dirt road on the right. Turn right on the dirt road (AKA Salcro Rd.) Go down the dirt road 1 mile. This is known as Green Pond Landing and is nothing more than a muddy ramp into a "canal" that leads out to the river.

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location