The Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto (ACE) Basin represents one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the east coast of the United States. The ACE Basin consists of approximately 1.1 million acres of diverse habitats including pine and hardwood uplands, forested wetlands, fresh, brackish and salt water tidal marshes, barrier islands and beaches. The basin's large estuarine system provides invaluable habitat for a rich diversity of finfish and shellfish resources. The area hosts a wealth of wildlife resources, including endangered and threatened species such as the bald eagle, woodstork, osprey, loggerhead sea turtle, and Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon.

The ACE Basin offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Paddling a canoe or kayak on one of the area's rivers and assorted tributaries offers one of the best ways to experience and enjoy the wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural heritage of this special place.

Links to more information: Discover the ACE Basin and ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Adjacent Waterways: upstream, Edisto River and Combahee River; coastal south, Beaufort and Hilton Head (Coastal); and coastal north, Charleston Area (Coastal).

Suggested Trips (2)

Featured trips for this waterway showing difficulty (circles) and current runnability status (squares). View key to icons.