Heading South: Colleton State Park, South Carolina

Edisto River at Colleton State Park
the longest Black Water River in North America -250 miles

Colleton State Park, one of the original wayside parks built in the 1930s by the CCC boys.  Ah, you know the Civilian Conservation Corp.  Their work is fascinating but that will require a separate post.  

Proudly displayed
on the CCC built cabin

CCC built cabin
well preserved and still operational

The park is near I-95 which makes it ideal for an overnight stop but if you stop overnight this section of the Edisto River is left unexplored.  As it happens the Edisto River is the longest Black Water river in North America at 250 miles and there is a nice 21 mile paddle from Colleton SP to Givhans Ferry SP.  Unfortunately, we were on a mission 'return to Florida' and could not spare the day for a canoe trip.  With the park ranger helpful details about the river route, put-in and take-out points, and tips we added this part of the Edisto River to our 'paddle list'.  

The delightful nature trail

This was not my first visit or overnight at Colleton, many years ago it was a car-camp location when traveling I-95.  The river was the same but the park was greatly improved over the years with a spacious and welcoming campground, a camp store, an official nature trail, and several short trails.  

Current campground
much improved from the 1980s

 The entire area is know as lowcountry which implies the South Carolina coastal area once known for it's agricultural prowess and later for the abundant fresh sea food and shell fish.  These days it is better know for the draping Spanish moss, heritage homes, and small towns that time has left untouched.  The days are lazy and the scenery memorable.   Think I will plan an early spring paddle on the Edisto River!

A lazy river for paddling or tubing