Trails
The extensive diversity of plants and wildlife species brings wildlife observers, photographers, and hikers to the E.F.H. ACE Basin NWR. The refuge Edisto Unit has 3 designated hiking trails, the Goose Pond, Alexander Pond, and Perimeter Pond trails. Goose Pond and Perimeter Pond trails have photo blinds that offer excellent viewing of wildlife on the ponds. There are also open areas to observe wildlife along the impoundments and river banks. About 25 miles of unpaved service roads through rice field dikes, old fields, and upland forest areas are open for hiking and biking year-round.
Consider packing insect repellent throughout the year for protection from mosquitoes, flies, ticks and chiggers.
Perimeter Pond Trail is a loop trail that begins at the manor parking lot and follows along an old service road sheltered by tall pines and oak trees. This trail features agricultural fields, an old grain silo, and a perimeter pond full of lily pads. Bring your binoculars along to spot the birds you may see as you walk the trail and birds feeding and wading in the pond.
Trail Length (mi)
0.37
Trail Difficulty
Moderate
Estimated Time
1 Hour
Route Type
Loop
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
The Goose Pond Trail is a loop trail that starts to the right of the vistor parking sign and follows along the drive. You will see pine and oak forests, grassy meadows, and a pond with scattered bald cypress. This trail features a wildlife observation deck. Keep an eye out for animal tracks along the trail such as white tailed deer and raccoon.
Trail Length (mi)
0.73
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Time
30 Minutes
Route Type
Loop
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Alexander Pond Trail is a 1/2 mile loop that begins at the parking for the manor and follows a grassy road. The road is flanked by wildflowers and grasses with a pine and oak forest off to the right. This trail features rice trunks and a pond covered in marsh grass and bald cypress trees. The trail ends on a beautiful avenue of oaks that are covered with Spanish moss and leads to the manor parking lot.
Trail Length (mi)
1.26
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Time
45 Minutes
Route Type
Loop
Trail Activities
Suitability
Dog friendly
Kid friendly