Givhans Ferry State Park

Givhans Ferry State Park is a state park located near the town of Ridgeville in Dorchester County, South Carolina.

Givhans Ferry State Park
Edisto River in Givhans Ferry State Park
Map
Nearest cityRidgeville, SC
Coordinates33°01′56″N 80°22′38″W / 33.032125°N 80.377228°W / 33.032125; -80.377228
Area988 acres (4 km2)
Created1934
Camp sitestent and RV sites, primitive group camping area, cabins
Hiking trails1.5 mile long River Bluff Nature Trail

History

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The property used to create Givhans Ferry State Park was donated by the city of Charleston in 1934[1] and was one of the original built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in South Carolina. Its namesake, Phillip Givhan, was a ferry master on the Edisto River and operated Givhan's Ferry, which allowed access between Augusta and Charleston.

A cemetery is located on the grounds of the park. The only remaining tombstone belongs to Mary E Ford, granddaughter of Phillip Givhan.[2]

A series of copper marl limestone bluffs along the Edisto River in the park, formed by prehistoric ocean deposits, are protected as a Heritage Trust Site.[3]

Activities and amenities

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Activities available at the park include picnicking, fishing, bird watching, geocaching and camping. A boat drop off area allows small boats access to the Edisto River. The multi-purpose River Bluff Nature Trail is available for hiking and biking.

Amenities include a playground, picnic shelters, volleyball courts and a park store. Visitors can rent fishing rods and reels from the park office.[4]

Historic, fully furnished cabins built by the CCC are available for lodging. The Riverfront Hall is available for rental, with the ability to accommodate up to 100 people.

References

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  1. ^ "History & Interpretation". September 5, 2013.
  2. ^ "Givhans Ferry State Park Cemetery". September 5, 2013.
  3. ^ "Limestone bluffs along Edisto get protection from Trust Act". The News and Courier. Charleston. October 26, 1986. p. 15.
  4. ^ "Things to Do". September 5, 2013.
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