Discover the ACE Basin

Named for the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto rivers, the ACE Basin is one of South Carolina’s wildest and most beautiful escapes. Spanning more than 215,000 protected acres—79,000 of them open to the public—this sprawling estuary of rivers, marshes and woodlands is a haven for wildlife and for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Hunting Island State Park

Explore the Wild Heart of the Lowcountry

One of the state’s most diverse ecosystems, the ACE Basin protects habitats that support everything from songbirds and shorebirds to otters, alligators and loggerhead turtles. Glide past cypress trees in a kayak, hike forest trails or spot rare birds in wide-open marshes. However you like to explore, the ACE Basin is your chance to experience South Carolina’s natural side.

Discover the Ace Basin

One of the largest wetland ecosystems on the Atlantic coast, the ACE Basin is a hidden ecological gem in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

It’s All About the Ducks

What began with waterfowl management on former rice fields became a movement that saved more than 200,000 acres of wetlands, forests and tidal rivers in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

Visiting Hunting Island State Park

Whether you’re climbing lighthouse steps, strolling quiet beaches or spotting wildlife from the boardwalk, Hunting Island State Park combines recreation and history in one unforgettable Lowcountry escape.

Paddle Down Horseshoe Creek

Escape the crowds in Charleston with a guided paddling trip through Horseshoe Creek, where blackwater currents wind past cypress trees, wildflowers and remnants of historic rice fields.

A Journey as Rewarding as the Destination

The 17-mile Edisto Island National Scenic Byway winds through salt marshes, past historic churches and past sweeping Lowcountry vistas that make the drive as memorable as the destination.

Go Birdwatching at the Donnelley Wildlife Management Area

Explore one of South Carolina’s top birding destinations, where historic rice fields now serve as habitat for hundreds of species, including roseate spoonbills, wood storks and sandhill cranes.

14 Publicly Owned Lands in the ACE Basin to Explore

Whether it’s birding at Donnelley, camping at Edisto Beach State Park or paddling through Bear Island, the ACE Basin’s public lands offer adventures for everyone.

Spend a Weekend at Edisto Beach State Park

Edisto Beach State Park offers more than a place to camp—it’s your gateway to island museums, Gullah heritage, ecotours and the unspoiled beauty of the ACE Basin.

Go Boating in the ACE Basin

From guided eco-tours to self-led paddles, the ACE Basin’s three rivers welcome explorers with scenery that shifts from blackwater swamps to tidal creeks to wildlife-filled marshes.

Hunting and Fishing in the ACE Basin

Hunting, fishing and crabbing remain timeless traditions in the ACE Basin, where public lands and waterways offer access to deer, waterfowl, trout, blue crabs and more.

Hiking and Biking in the ACE Basin

Whether it’s a family stroll on the Edisto Nature Trail or a birding trek through Donnelley, the ACE Basin’s trails offer rich Lowcountry scenery at every turn.

5 of the Best Outdoor Adventures Near Hilton Head

Discover a different side of the Lowcountry with five outdoor adventures near Hilton Head, where rivers, refuges and historic waterways promise unforgettable encounters with nature.

Birdwatching in the ACE Basin

Whether it’s painted buntings at Beidler Forest or wood storks at Dungannon, the ACE Basin offers countless birding highlights across its preserves and refuges.

Walterboro: Your Gateway to the ACE Basin

Whether it’s a quick stroll on a cypress swamp trail or a weekend camping trip, Walterboro offers nature lovers endless ways to connect with the ACE Basin.

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