Givhans Ferry State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Givhans Ferry State Park |
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Edisto River in Givhans Ferry State Park
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| Nearest city | Ridgeville, SC |
| 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 |
Givhans Ferry State Park is a wonderful place to explore nature in South Carolina. It's located near the town of Ridgeville in Dorchester County, South Carolina. This park is famous for its beautiful location right on the Edisto River.
Park History and Natural Wonders
Givhans Ferry State Park has a rich history! The land for the park was given by the city of Charleston in 1934. It was one of the very first parks built in South Carolina by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This group, often called the CCC, helped put many Americans to work during the Great Depression. They built parks and other important projects across the country.
The park is named after Phillip Givhan. He was a ferry master who operated Givhan's Ferry on the Edisto River. This ferry helped people travel between Augusta and Charleston a long time ago.
There's even a historic cemetery inside the park. You can find the tombstone of Mary E Ford there. She was Phillip Givhan's granddaughter.
One of the coolest natural features of the park is its series of copper marl limestone bluffs. These bluffs are along the Edisto River. They were formed by ancient ocean deposits from millions of years ago! Because they are so special, these bluffs are protected as a Heritage Trust Site. This means they are preserved for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
Fun Activities and Park Features
Givhans Ferry State Park offers lots of fun things to do outdoors! You can enjoy a picnic with your family and friends. It's also a great spot for fishing in the Edisto River. If you love animals, you can go bird watching and spot many different kinds of birds.
For those who like a treasure hunt, geocaching is available. This is where you use GPS coordinates to find hidden containers. If you want to stay overnight, there are places for camping. You can bring a tent or an RV. There's even a special area for primitive group camping.
The park has a boat drop-off area. This lets small boats get into the Edisto River easily. You can also explore the River Bluff Nature Trail. This trail is about 1.5 miles long. It's perfect for hiking and biking.
When you visit, you'll find many helpful features. There's a playground for younger kids to enjoy. You can also use the picnic shelters for your meals. The park has volleyball courts if you want to play a game. There's also a park store where you can buy snacks or forgotten items. If you want to try fishing but don't have a rod, you can rent fishing rods and reels from the park office!
You can even stay in historic cabins built by the CCC. These cabins are fully furnished and offer a unique lodging experience. For larger groups or events, the Riverfront Hall is available to rent. It can hold up to 100 people.
