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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.
843-844-2514
info@theacebasin.com |
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