See all 3 routes on Edisto River
South Carolina | Colleton County
Edisto RiverMars Oldfield Landing to T.W. Messervy Landing
A longer 9.5-mile Edisto itinerary from Mars Oldfield to T.W. Messervy; do not rely on Givhans as an intermediate bailout while park river access remains unresolved.
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Route location
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.
Waiting on forecast.
Waiting on forecast.
Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A combined Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail itinerary from Mars Oldfield Landing (public Colleton County ramp) to T.W. Messervy Landing (public SCDNR ramp).
Access map
Put-in
Mars Oldfield Landing (public Colleton County ramp)Coordinates are access-area anchors, not surveys of water entry.
Take-out
T.W. Messervy Landing (public SCDNR ramp)The current Givhans Ferry park notice says cabin-area stairs to the river remain closed; the park identifies a drop-off area and a separate boat ramp about three miles away. Do not rely on the stored park-area point as an open launch.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Coordinates are access-area anchors, not surveys of water entry.
- The current Givhans Ferry park notice says cabin-area stairs to the river remain closed; the park identifies a drop-off area and a separate boat ramp about three miles away. Do not rely on the stored park-area point as an open launch.
- Do not block ramps or assume a landing remains open during floods, construction or park closures.
- The lower Edisto becomes tidal downstream; these routes stay above the documented tidal sections.
Watch for
- Fallen trees, strainers and New Cut
- Rapid rises or low-water portages
- Cold water, storms and summer traffic
Plan this paddle
Choose your trip times
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
Check how the river is changing and what weather to expect.
USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Edisto River near Givhans, SC. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
Checking preferred range.
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Gauge source
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Hourly forecast
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Next 8 hours
Short-route forecast
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Route gallery
Photos
Check each caption: some photos show the surrounding area rather than this exact trip.
Score & sources
Why this score
See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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- Checking evidence cautions.
Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Edisto River near Givhans, SC |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| Discharge | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
| Water temp | Checking |
| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | 4.00 ft to 7.00 ft |
| Low threshold | 2.00 ft |
| High threshold | 10.00 ft |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Official data source |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | SCDNR Edisto River Basin Boating Guide |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Combined route and distanceMars Oldfield Landing to T.W. Messervy Landing; 9.5 miles
This combined itinerary follows multiple ERCK-listed sections; the listed distance is the total between its endpoints.
- Numeric scoring evidence2–10 ft at Givhans; 4–7 ft easier New Cut passage
SCDNR publishes the official 2–10 ft planning envelope; ERCK gives the narrower 4–7 ft passage cue.
- Direct telemetryUSGS 02175000
Direct Edisto River near Givhans stage station used for the scored profile.
- Public access reviewERCK access sites
ERCK lists the endpoint chain, but current park notices control access; Givhans drop-off and the separate boat ramp are distinct, and cabin-area stairs remain closed.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
See recent photos and notes from people on the route.
Share your trip
Keep exploring
More routes to check next
Compare another stretch on this river, or explore different rivers within 75 straight-line miles.
Quick answers
Edisto River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Mars Oldfield Landing to T.W. Messervy Landing route on the Edisto River?
Paddle Today watches Edisto River near Givhans, SC and treats 4.00 ft to 7.00 ft as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.
Where does the Mars Oldfield Landing to T.W. Messervy Landing route on the Edisto River start and end?
This route starts at Mars Oldfield Landing (public Colleton County ramp) and ends at T.W. Messervy Landing (public SCDNR ramp), about 9.5 river miles on the water.
Is the Mars Oldfield Landing to T.W. Messervy Landing route on the Edisto River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as a moderate route. Expect more planning than an easy float, and use the live score, route notes, and source links before committing.
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