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
Nearest cityRidgeville, SC
Coordinates33°01′56″N 80°22′38″W
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

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

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

  1. "History & Interpretation". 2013-09-05.
  2. "Givhans Ferry State Park Cemetery". 2013-09-05.
  3. "Limestone bluffs along Edisto get protection from Trust Act". The News and Courier. Charleston. 26 October 1986. p. 15.
  4. "Things to Do". 2013-09-05.
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