Edisto Nature Trail: ACE Basin

Boardwalk near the old phosphate mine

The Edisto Nature Trail is part of the ACE Basin preservation project. It is conveniently located off Hiway 17 South in Jacksonboro, South Carolina. The site has a fair amount of parking and is actively monitored. There is a small picnic area available beside the parking lot. It is open during daylight hours.

The Edisto Nature Trail combines boardwalks and naturally worn dirt trails. The trail itself is not difficult but can be challenging with the roots and the marshy conditions of the dirt trails.

Along the Edisto Nature Trail, wooden slab benches are sporadically placed for those needing a rest or simply a moment enjoying the diverse canopy of Laurel Oaks, Spruce Pines, Loblolly Pines and Cypress to name a few of the easily identifiable trees found in Lowcountry forest setting. (There are plaques identifying various trees along the trail for the curious.)

Spring awakenings in the Lowcountry Forests are breathtakingly beautiful and while they last for a moment, they can be quite memorable.

Groundsels are vibrant and plentiful along the trail.

Groundsels are quite prolific in natural and cultivated areas. Groundsels are members of the daisy family. They vary in stature from small to large. While the vibrant yellow is most easily visible, there other varieties growing among yellow clovers and blue violets that border the Edisto Nature Trail.

Native Azaleas, also known as Coastal Azaleas and Honeysuckle Azaleas, in shades of light pink stand tall among the dense foliage.

Interspersed among the wetland forest, the Coastal Azalea puts on displays of color ranging from soft pink to near white petals with deep pink throats. Coastal Azaleas are native to the region and survive in a variety of conditions ranging from standing marsh waters to loamy soil and are visible along the Edisto Nature Trail.

Atamasco Lilies, though short in stature, stand out with their vibrant white petals against the palms, muscadine grape vines and brown leaves.

The Atamasco Lily is prolific amid the Dwarf Palmetto trees and Saw Palmetto plants. They wither in the heat and bloom readily after the rains.

Decisions are sometimes not yours to make. Safety comes first.

The Edisto Nature Trail is a 1 mile loop. The short trail is approximately half a mile long. However, sometimes, you are not given a choice of trail as the marshes of the Edisto Nature Trail are tidal. For safety reasons the trail will be closed temporarily until conditions improve.

The Pon Pon Spur off the Edisto Nature Trail

Simple natural beauty with birds and small animals abounding.

The Pon Pon Spur branches off the main trail and takes you on a scenic stroll to a picturesque pond. The boardwalk bridges the marsh areas and provides a nice viewing area for wildlife.

This beautiful observation area is built around a beautiful Oak tree and provided an amazing opportunity for bird watching.

From the boardwalk deep in the Lowcountry forest, you can easily observe swimming waterfowl, a varied array of songbirds flitting through trees and larger birds of prey hunting.

The marsh-pond at the end of the spur

The beautiful marsh-pond puts on an amazing display of clear reflection. The peaceful moment is only disturbed with the sounds of nature - running water, the drone of insects and the calls of birds.

The spur is a dead end so enjoy the trek back to the main trail catching glimpses of the details you may have missed on the hike to the pond.

The Short Trail of the Edisto Nature Trail

X marks the spot.

X definitely marks the spot when discussing the Edisto Nature Trail. Walking among the roots of Oak and Cypress trees, nature definitely adds a few more memorable moments.

Woodpeckers are prevalent in the ACE Basin and very active in the forest of the Edisto Nature Trail.

Evidence of decay exists along the Edisto Nature Trail. Given the area, fallen trees are common due to the Lowcountry weather conditions. Dead Oak trees provide a food source for Woodpeckers hunting larvae in the decaying Oak trees.

Beautiful nature designing another master piece

Near the end of the Edisto Nature Trail, hallows, dens and odd tree formations are more visible as the foliage thins providing opportunities to see nature's beautiful artistry. Enjoy the views!

Just watch your steps as you exit the trail.

Boardwalk near the exit of the Edisto Nature Trail

All-in-all, the Edisto Nature Trail is definite must-see for those wishing to enjoy nature and wildlife of the ACE Basin without hiking long distances to and from parking areas.

*Marshes have a wide variety of flying insects, namely flies, gnats and mosquitoes, so plan accordingly. As with any adventure, make sure you wear comfortable shoes and have your cameras ready!