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 city | Ridgeville, SC |
| Coordinates | 33°01′56″N 80°22′38″W |
| Area | 988 acres (4 km2) |
| Created | 1934 |
| Camp sites | tent and RV sites, primitive group camping area, cabins |
| Hiking trails | 1.5 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
- "History & Interpretation". September 5, 2013.
- "Givhans Ferry State Park Cemetery". September 5, 2013.
- "Limestone bluffs along Edisto get protection from Trust Act". The News and Courier. Charleston. October 26, 1986. p. 15.
- "Things to Do". September 5, 2013.