FOLLOW THE TRAIL
Please use these trail section descriptions as one tool for planning your outing. Note that all distances provided are close approximations of river mileage and rounded to the closest half mile. On river paddling time for any given section can vary significantly depending upon water levels, obstacles, stoppage time, group pace, and other factors. Typical speeds for the ERCK Trail range between 1.5 and 3.5 MPH at typical water levels. Additional information the access sites listed below can be found on the Access Sites page.
While considerable effort has been made to provide accurate information, we take no responsibility for any errors or omissions. There is some risk involved in water activities, and ultimate responsibility for safety lies solely with the individual participant. Educate yourself, and make decisions that avoid unnecessary risk.
GREEN POND CHURCH LANDING (Private, must have permission from ERCK to access)
GREEN POND CHURCH LANDING TO SIMMONS LANDING (3 MILES)
The uppermost stretch of the ERCK Trail begins at Green Pond Church Landing and winds approximately 3 miles to Simmon’s Landing. This stretch of river features one of the narrowest average channels on the ERCK Trail, resulting in somewhat swifter currents under normal conditions. Green Pond Church Landing is situated a considerable distance from the main channel, may not be passable even for paddle craft at water levels below 3’ on the Givhans Gauge. Please note that Simmons Landing is a private, fee-based access point. Please visit the Access Sites page for additional information on this access site.
SIMMONS LANDING TO T. COKE WEEKS LANDING (6 MILES)
This 6-mile river section is generally where the river channel begins to widen, though tighter hairpin turns exist along the entire ERCK Trail. Paddlers will cross under Interstate I-95 approximately 2 miles from the put in. Experienced ERCK paddlers have noted several locations along this route that boast an abundance of fossils lying atop the river bed. A South Carolina Hobby License is required in order to remove submerged fossils from the river and rules and regulations apply. For the last mile of the route paddlers will encounter infrastructure from SCE&G’s now shuttered Canadys Station Power Plant. Colleton State Park is located directly across the river from Weeks Landing on river right. Colleton State Park has river access as well, although it is for paddle craft only. Please note that Simmons Landing is a private, fee-based access point. Visit the Access Sites page for additional information on this access site.
(Rumph Landing AKA “Stokes Bridge” is CLOSED to the public at this time, please contact ERCK for inquiries on alternate access sites)
T. COKE WEEKS LANDING TO MINNIE GRUBER RUMPH LANDING (9 MILES)
This 9-mile stretch is perfectly suited for a long, lazy day of paddling and is a great stretch for float-fishing. Boat ramps at each access and a steady stream of river cabins make it a popular fishing destination for john boats. At about 3.5 miles in, the river splits briefly into two channels with the river right passage picking up a considerable amount of velocity. Be wary of being pushed into the river bank here! The takeout is located just before the bridge on river right.
(Rumph Landing AKA “Stokes Bridge” is CLOSED to the public at this time, please contact ERCK for inquiries on alternate access sites)
MINNIE GRUBER RUMPH LANDING TO MARS OLDFIELD LANDING (8.5 MILES)
The paddler begins this 8-mile stretch with steady signs of civilization, but the feeling of solitude increases over the last two-thirds of the paddle. At normal to lower water levels, the paddler will see a small “rock” island in the middle of the river channel less than a mile after putting in. In days of yore, stagecoaches used this feature to ford the river during lower water levels! The takeout is located on river right and is identifiable by a long concrete ramp.
MARS OLDFIELD LANDING TO GIVHANS FERRY STATE PARK (6.5 MILES)
This 6.5 mile ERCK Trail segment is noted for the drastic change in overall direction of the river. During the last mile or so of this route, paddlers will encounter amazing bluffs on river left. This topography, formed from geologic processes millions of years in the making, forces the river to make a ninety degree turn from due east to due south. Givhans Ferry State Park is located high on these bluffs on river left at the take out. The river’s confluence with Four Holes Swamp at a little over 4 miles along this route provides a side trip for those with energy remaining to paddle upstream! During summer weekends especially, tubers may be encountered floating this stretch of the river.
GIVHANS FERRY STATE PARK TO MESSERVY LANDING (3 MILES)
These 3 miles of the ERCK Trail are considerably wider and relatively straighter than other sections and offers many signs of riverside civilization. After only 0.25 miles after launching, river-goers pass under the Highway 61 Bridge. Due to its proximity to Givhans Ferry State Park’s full-service facilities and the greater Charleston metro area, this is one of the most highly used parts of the ERCK Trail. It is well known for being the primary tuber/floater route during the summer months. During summer weekends, it is rare to visit anywhere on this stretch of river without seeing a high number of floaters drifting in flotillas on a variety of flotation devices. Motorized watercraft also frequent this section. Those seeking a more natural experience should avoid this run, especially on weekends during the warmest months.
MESSERVY LANDING TO GOOD HOPE LANDING (4 MILES)
Past Messervy Landing, the river returns to a narrower, more meandering course, and signs of development gradually fade along this four-mile stretch, although paddlers may notice a modest increase in anglers operating small motorboats as public boat ramps become more common downstream. Near the halfway point, around Norman Landing, the river leaves its former channel and cuts through the woods at what locals call the “New Cut,” a relatively recent addition that reflects the constantly changing geology of this blackwater river system. Here, the river drops slightly in elevation, forming a challenging “rapid” that can be especially difficult for novice paddlers due to fallen trees, strainers, tight turns and strong currents! River levels between 4-7ft, as measured from the Givhans Gauge upstream, appear to be the sweet spot for an “easier” passage through the cut.
If you’re not up for the challenge, take the “Old Cut” on river left (all the way around the horseshoe bend), towards Norman Landing, but be prepared to portage across a few sandbars during low water conditions. This old section of the river channel features a beautiful unnamed cypress swamp right before Norman Landing on river left.
Beyond the New Cut, the river becomes somewhat calmer and offers several opportunities to explore side creeks and oxbow swamps within the beautiful Edisto Wildlife Management Area (WMA), which features stands of old-growth cypress and impressive gum tupelo, before continuing toward the take-out at Good Hope Landing.
GOOD HOPE LANDING TO LONG CREEK LANDING (4 MILES)
From Good Hope Landing, paddlers will enter another gentle four-mile stretch of the Edisto characterized by a winding blackwater channel, broad floodplain forests, and occasional signs of riverside homes along the banks. This section is generally considered an easy paddle with no significant rapids or portages, making it suitable for most experience levels.
Numerous small side draws and sloughs branch from the main channel along this reach, offering quiet pockets of backwater habitat frequently used by wading birds, turtles, and fish species typical of the lower Edisto system. Like much of the river, the surrounding floodplain is dominated by bottomland hardwoods, baldcypress, and water tupelo, part of the expansive blackwater swamp ecosystem that defines the Edisto River basin.
As the paddle approaches Long Creek Landing, boat traffic may gradually increase due to nearby road access points. The take-out itself is located slightly off the main river channel and is reached by paddling approximately 0.2 miles up a side draw on river right shortly after passing the second cluster of river homes on river left.
This reach serves as a transitional segment of the river corridor—retaining much of the scenic, undeveloped character of the upstream wilderness sections while providing convenient access to downstream landings and communities along the Edisto River.
LONG CREEK LANDING TO SULLIVAN’S FERRY LANDING (2 MILES)
The river abandons its meandering course for a more due south course for this short 2-mile paddle. The primary landmark along this stretch is the Highway 17A Bridge, which is about ¾ of a mile after departing the put in. This section is extremely popular in the summer for motorized boats, jet skis and swimming! Expect heavier than normal river traffic during this time of year.
SULLIVAN’S FERRY LANDING TO LOWNDES LANDING (5.5 MILES)
Once a paddler leaves the immediate put in for this 5.5 mile stretch of the ERCK Trail, they will encounter few signs of modern civilization. The only landmark of note is Leveston Bluff, an abrupt wall of sandy limestone located roughly 3 miles in on river left where Parkers Ferry Road runs along the river’s edge. Sand bars are prevalent along this stretch when the Givhans Gauge reads under 3.2 feet, offering some of the more secluded breaking and camping options along the ERCK Trail. Lowndes Landing is located on river right and features a concrete ramp with gravel lot.
LOWNDES LANDING TO MARTIN’S LANDING (2.4 MILES)
This stretch of the river is broad and scenic, with abundant wildlife frequently visible along the way. For history enthusiasts, it’s a “must-see” portion of the trail, passing near the site of the Battle of Parker’s Ferry—a Revolutionary War engagement that took place on August 30, 1781, involving Brigadier General Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion and his Patriot militia. Anglers will also find this area rewarding, with opportunities to catch redbreast sunfish, largemouth bass, and several species of catfish. Martin’s Landing is located on river left, just beyond a series of graceful bends in the river.
Precaution: This section of the river is influenced by tidal changes. Paddlers should plan their trip according to the tide schedule to ensure safe and efficient travel.
Info on Battle of Parker’s Ferry:
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/battle-parkers-ferry
MARTIN’S LANDING TO WESTBANK LANDING (10 MILES)
The final section of the ERCK Trail is distinguished by a dynamic stretch of the river marked by notable changes in its character. Paddlers will encounter a mix of broad, open reaches interspersed with tight bends, oxbow lakes, and remnants of old river channels—many of which make for excellent side excursions when the tide permits. Around the halfway point, subtle signs of the Edisto’s transition into an estuarine environment begin to appear. In the final miles, the route passes beneath U.S. Highway 17 and a CSX rail line as the scenery shifts to stands of cordgrass, signaling the river’s gradual change from fresh to brackish water. The West Bank Landing, located on river right, features a large concrete ramp and a convenient boat dock.
Precaution: This section of the river is influenced by tidal changes. Paddlers should plan their trip according to the tide schedule to ensure safe and efficient travel.
WESTBANK LANDING TO WILLTOWN BLUFF LANDING (6.5 MILES)
Although not technically part of the official Edisto River Canoe & Kayak Trail, this “Bonus Trip” offers one of the most spectacular paddling experiences on the lower Edisto. Beginning at West Bank Landing, paddlers are greeted by a broad, scenic stretch of river where the tree line gradually fades into open vistas of historic rice fields and vast stands of cordgrass.
As you journey downstream, the river tells its story—old rice chimneys and remnants of centuries-old canals stand as quiet witnesses to the Edisto’s past as a bustling corridor of agriculture and trade. The area teems with coastal wildlife: herons, egrets, ospreys, and occasionally even dolphins or sport fish moving inland with the tides.
This paddle offers several opportunities to explore side creeks, coves, and the remnants of early rice canals branching off the mainstem. With each bend, the landscape opens wider and salt air begins to mingle with the tannin-stained freshwater—an unmistakable sign you’re nearing the coast.
The trip concludes at the historic Willtown Bluff, perched high on river left. Once one of the region’s earliest colonial settlements, the bluff still holds traces of its plantation past beneath moss-draped oaks. The Willtown Bluff Landing sits just beyond the bluff, providing a scenic and satisfying end to this half-day paddle through history, nature, and the quiet beauty of the lower Edisto River!
Precaution: This section of the river is influenced by tidal changes. Paddlers should plan their trip according to the tide schedule to ensure safe and efficient travel.
Willtown Bluff Tide Chart
Did you know?
There are approximately 310 unobstructed river miles from the headwaters in Edgefield and Saluda counties to the Atlantic Ocean.