Discover the ACE Basin

Explore miles and miles of undisturbed beaches, watch peregrine falcons glide effortlessly over a vast expanse of marsh grass or experience the serenity of floating along a blackwater river as it twists through a bottomland forest under a canopy of ancient cypress.

Canoeing through the ACE Basin

The ACE Basin: A Gem of the Lowcountry

With more than 215,000 acres of protected habitat, 79,000 of which are open to the public, the ACE Basin is one of South Carolina’s most significant habitations. Pine and hardwood uplands, forested wetlands, tidal marshes and creeks, barrier islands and beaches can all be found throughout it – making the ACE Basin one of the state’s most diverse habitats.

The Ace Basin

Located between Hilton Head Island and Charleston, South Carolina, the ACE Basin is home to numerous species of wildlife.

ACE Basin Offers Stunning Backdrop for Eco-inspired Outdoor Fun

One of the largest wetland ecosystems on the Atlantic coast, the ACE Basin is a hidden ecological gem that can be found in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

Go Birdwatching in the ACE Basin

Discover some of the best places to go birdwatching in the ACE Basin. With all of the various habitats that can be found throughout the Basin, you’re sure to see some unique wildlife.

14 Publicly Owned Lands to Experience the ACE Basin

From wildlife refuges and state parks to heritage preserves and wildlife sanctuaries, these 14 publically owned lands around the ACE Basin are home to many different species of wildlife.

Go Hunting and Fishing in the ACE Basin

Although more than half of the ACE Basin’s protected lands are privately owned, the public can hunt and fish on hundreds of acres of wildlife-managed properties. Just be sure you have your hunting and/or fishing license!

Go Hiking and Biking in the ACE Basin

Looking for a scenic place to go for a hike or bike ride? Look no further than South Carolina’s ACE Basin. Enjoy beautiful scenery of the Lowcountry and an abundance of wildlife.

Go Boating in the ACE Basin

Enjoy a day on the water as you paddle through the ACE Basin. Take in the beauty of South Carolina’s Lowcountry and see some of the area’s wildlife in their natural habitat.

Paddle Down Horseshoe Creek

Located just 30 minutes outside of Charleston, Horseshoe Creek is a slow-moving Blackwater creek that can be found in the heart of the ACE Basin.

Driving Tour of the Lowcountry’s Donnelley Wildlife Management Area

Located in Green Pond, on land once used for rice cultivation, Donnelley Wildlife Management Area is an ideal destination for bird watchers. The 11-mile driving tour takes you to some of the best spots to view birds and other wildlife.

Enjoy a Day at Edisto Beach State Park

Located on the edge of the ACE Basin, Edisto Beach State Park is home to some of the state’s largest palmetto trees and salt marshes. With hiking and biking trails, and plenty of camp sites, this is the perfect place for your next outdoor adventure.

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