From the Highway 303 Bridge, the Ashepoo River is narrow for
approximately 0.6 mile with a canopy of trees that provide shade and a
habitat for wildlife. This area is especially beautiful in the fall when
the trees are in color. As the river widens you will start to see old
rice fields and plantations such as historic Bonnie Doone, now owned by
the Charleston Baptist Association. By paddling up a canal to the left,
you can see the house and grounds of Bonnie Doone. Nesting Osprey and
Eagles may be seen throughout the area.
This trip can be done at any tide, but
it’s recommended that you make it on the falling tide, which is about 5
hours behind Charleston Harbor. Insect repellent is recommended during
the warm months.
Length: Approximately 6.0 miles.
Fees: A $3.00 fee is charged at Joe’s
Fish Camp.
Access Points:
Mileage is approximate and for reference
only.
Mile 0 - Highway 303 Bridge - From
Walterboro drive south on SC Highway 303. The bridge is 1.9 miles
beyond Ritter Crossroad. Canoe put-in at the bridge. Parking is limited
to the roadside.
Mile 6 - Joe’s Fish Camp - From the SC
Highway 303 Bridge, drive south on SC Highway 303 to Green Pond and turn
left onto Wood Road (S-15-14). Turn left again at US Highway 17 and
drive 2.0 miles to the Ashepoo River.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Camping: No camping.
Information:
ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 848,
Hollywood, SC 29449. Telephone: 843-889-3084. M-F 7:30 am to 4 pm.