The Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail is a unique paddling experience along the longest free-flowing blackwater river in North America. The Edisto is a quintessential blackwater river, and this paddle lets you take it all in over multiple days, with opportunities to camp at two of South Carolina's State Parks. 

Completing the entire Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail at once time requires a multi-day paddle. This is a great opportunity to give canoe or kayak camping a try, because two State Parks (Colleton State Park and Givhans Ferry State Park) offer developed and guaranteed camp sites. Other options for overnight paddling include Edisto River Treehouses and a back-country campsite provided by a private timber company (see the map for those locations). 

Some trees may be blocking the main channel, so depending on the flow, there may be portages required. This is a rural paddle on a beautiful flat stretch of blackwater. The banks are covered with oak, bald cypress and water tupelo, among other trees. There are opportunities to explore oxbow lakes and swampy areas when the water is higher. 

On 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