The Edisto River runs from Edgefield and Saluda counties in South Carolina to the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the longest free flowing black water rivers in the United States. It was used by colonialists as a waterway for the movement of people, lumber and rice. Today it remains largely undeveloped, particularly as you move inland from the coast. The water itself is a light tea color as a result of the rich organic swamps and forests through which it runs. Tupelo gum, cypress, pines and willows line its distance. The river courses through the relatively flat SC sand hills and coastal plain and it is a calm and easy river to paddle, not withstanding an occasional portage due to fallen trees. Its water level can vary greatly from 1 to 15 feet as measured at the Givhans Ferry water gauge and the river changes its nature with its level. I bought a small relatively high lot on the right bank of the river in Colleton County in 2000 and spend free weekends there when I can. It is among the most beautiful and peaceful places I have seen.



Edisto River Basin Project: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/water/envaff/river/edistoplan.htm

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edisto_River

Carolina Heritage Outfitters: http://www.canoesc.com

Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail: http://www.edistoriver.org/frames/edisto_river.htm

Friends of the Edisto (FRED): http://www.edistofriends.org/index.htm