In the 18th and 19th centuries, and its banks are protected as a
this scenic area was also an impor- Heritage Trust site because of the
tant ferry crossing for travelers. presence of several species of rare
In the 1930s, it was developed plants. Boating access is available at
as a state park by the Civilian a drop-off area, and there is a boat
Conservation Corps and has been ramp approximately three miles
a popular destination for nature outside the park.
lovers ever since. Many canoe and kayak enthusiasts
The 998-acre park is operated enjoy a 23-mile-long canoe trail
by the South Carolina Department from Colleton to Givhans Ferry
of Parks, Recreation and Tourism State Park, and a stretch of the
and offers fishing, picnicking, Edisto at the park takes waterborne
hiking and other outdoor activities. adventurers on a black-water
Overnight stays are common, and journey into a captivating realm of
visitors can choose among a limited wildlife and natural beauty.
number of cabins and campsites, Anglers will find a wide range of
including some sites capable of indigenous fish, from channel, blue
handling recreational vehicles up to and flathead catfish to redbreast,
40 feet in length. Most accommo- largemouth and striped bass, shell-
dations are on a first-come, first- crackers and eels.
served basis, but two sites are set On land, hiking is one of the most
aside to accommodate handicapped popular activities at the park. There
visitors. Pets are not allowed in the is a 1.5-mile nature trail as well as an
camping area but are permitted if excellent mountain bike trail.
they are leashed in all other parts of Additional information on
the park. admission fees, hours and special
The Edisto River itself is the most events may be obtained at www.
prominent attraction at the park, SouthCarolinaParks.com.
OLD SANTEE
CANAL STATE PARK
Natural beauty and history come to-
gether at Old Santee Canal Park, lo-
cated 30 minutes from Summerville
in Moncks Corner, at Stony Landing
Road just off Highway 52.
The Santee Canal is considered
to be the first true canal in the
United States. Initially proposed
in 1770, it was commissioned after
the Revolutionary War and served
A boardwalk is part
the River Bluff Trail
as a major commercial route from
that wends through
the Santee to the Cooper and on
Givhans Ferry State
Park. Photo courtesy
to Charleston from 1800 until the
of S.C. Department of
1840s, when the introduction of
Parks, Recreation &
Tourism. a railroad line from Columbia to
Charleston stole much of its traffic.
The canal ended its illustrious
career in 1850.
14 ILoveSummerville.com | SummervilleBuilders.com | SummervilleNeighborhoods.com
SND_12_Recreation.indd 14 3/20/08 9:52:40 AM
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