The South Carolina Low Country is known for its beauty stemming from its islands, marshes, and rivers. One area in particular is known as the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Basin (ACE Basin). With 1.6 million acres the ACE Basin is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast and is where three rivers come together before draining into St. Helena Sound. This area is located between Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina and has become an outdoor enthusiast paradise for hunting, fishing, and even motorcycling.
In a somewhat mysterious way, the ACE Basin is piece of South Carolina that time forgot. While some of the bigger towns such as Beaufort and Walterboro have expanded and become developed, most of the towns in the area still retain their small quiet southern charm. One thing that I personally enjoy about the area is the large number of unpaved roads. These roads meander through dense wooded areas and marshes providing a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Charleston.
Another interesting part of the ACE Basin is its history. From a historical standpoint the ACE Basin played significant roles in the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War. It was a place where Francis Marion would launch his guerrilla campaign against British troops and would go on to defeat them at the Battle of Parkers Ferry. Fast forward several decades later and the ACE Basin would see action again in the Civil War between the Union and the Confederacy. It was here that the Union would fight several battles such as the amphibious assault at the Battle of Port Royal and the Harriet Tubman Raid, which freed over 700 slaves.
As for motorcycling the ACE Basin has something for everyone. For those who like to ride on paved back roads to Edisto Beach or to the tiny fishing towns such as Bennett’s Point, the ACE Basin offers some quiet backroads that are free of traffic. If getting off the beaten path is more your style, then the area is great for adventure and dual sport riding. As far as technical riding goes the area doesn’t offer a lot however, the South Carolina Adventure Route’s main loop does go through the area and actually offers some of the best-off pavement riding in the Low Country…at least in my opinion. Wrapping up, if you’re looking for a nice day trip where you can escape the traffic and gridlock of Charleston and Savannah then a ride into the ACE Basin might be for you.
Stryker ADV 