Water Trail

Hutchinson Island Boating

(Colleton County)

Description: Leave from the landing on the rising tide, paddle south in Mosquito Creek, and turn left into the Ashepoo River. At approximately 1.5 miles you will see the Ashepoo/Coosaw Cut, which divides Hutchinson Island, and Day Marker #166 on the right. Continue east and as you turn southward, on the left you will see the Fenwick Cut, which connects the Ashepoo to the Edisto River. At approximately 7.5 miles you will come to St. Helena Sound where you may be treated to a wide range of birds such as pelicans, terns, gulls, cormorants, and loons.

Keep Hutchinson Island to your right and pass Day Marker #1 to the narrow entrance to Rock Creek. The water can be rough in this area during bad weather. At approximately 10.5 miles you will pass the other end of the Ashepoo/Coosaw Cut on the right at Day Marker #173 and be in the Intercoastal Waterway until Day Marker #177. From here you need to be careful, because Rock Creek can be narrow and shallow until you reach the Ashepoo River. Athough, this section is teeming with wildlife, from wading birds to alligators.

Once you reach the Ashepoo River, paddle east and just past the dock and clubhouse of Hutchinson Island, turn north into Mosquito Creek and return to Bennett’s Landing.

This trail is not recommended for boats over 20 feet and a navigation chart and depth finder are a must. Insect repellent is also a must.

Length: Approximately 20.0 miles.

Fees: No fee.

Directions: From Green Pond drive east on US 17 for approximately 3.0 miles and turn right onto Bennett’s Point Road (S-15-26). Drive to the end of the road to Bennett’s Point Landing.

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Camping: No camping.

Information: Refuge Manager, ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 848, Hollywood SC, 29449. Telephone: 843-889-3084 (7:30 to 4:00 Monday thru Friday)