Epic Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin Refuge: A Lowcountry Adventure Best Saved for Fall, SC

Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge was the destination for a mother-son adventure on July 18, 2020. Unfortunately, with temperatures soaring to 91°F, the wildlife seemed to have wisely decided to stay hidden—and the mosquitoes had clearly decided to take over!

From the moment we arrived, I realized this was probably a destination better explored during the cooler months. Despite coating myself in DEET, the mosquitoes were completely unfazed. They seemed determined to make sure I remembered this visit!

Our first stop was near the Combahee Unit off River Road, a location I had found through SCTrails. We hiked the loop around the pond, hoping to spot some wildlife. The heat, however, made it difficult to enjoy the trail for very long.

We then drove about a mile farther down the road to the official Combahee Unit entrance. That’s when we discovered that although the trails remained open, the gates were closed on weekends. We ventured in briefly, but the landscape felt very flat and exposed, with little shade and very little wildlife activity. Given the heat, we decided it wasn’t worth pushing ourselves and headed toward the Edisto Unit.

The drive to Edisto took about 40 minutes. Unfortunately, we arrived to find that the gate was closed there as well. We parked and walked the approximately quarter-mile entrance toward the historic plantation house.

Although our hiking plans weren’t working out, the scenery immediately improved. The entrance was lined with magnificent moss-draped live oaks, the kind of trees that make the South Carolina Lowcountry so distinctive. Their enormous branches created a beautiful canopy and provided some of the best photographic opportunities of the day.

I had hoped to hike farther toward the Edisto River, but that plan didn’t last long. As soon as we started down the trail, the mosquitoes launched another full-scale attack. They swarmed around us so aggressively that I could barely stop long enough to take a photograph. Even worse, they seemed perfectly capable of biting through my pants!

At that point, we admitted defeat and turned around.

While the visit didn’t go quite as planned, I still managed to capture a few photographs and, more importantly, learned something valuable: summer is probably not the best time for me to explore the ACE Basin!

The ACE Basin is known for its extraordinary Lowcountry landscapes, wetlands, forests, rivers, and abundant wildlife. I’m sure that on a cooler fall day, the experience would be completely different. Wildlife should be more active, the temperatures more comfortable, and the mosquitoes hopefully less enthusiastic.

So, despite the heat, closed gates, and relentless mosquitoes, I don’t consider the trip a failure. Sometimes a disappointing visit simply gives you a reason to return—and I’m definitely planning to give this beautiful refuge another chance.

If You Go

Location: South Carolina Lowcountry, near Edisto Island and the Combahee River
Visited: July 18, 2020
Best season: Fall and winter, when temperatures are cooler and outdoor exploration is more comfortable.
Highlights: Lowcountry scenery, historic sites, live oaks, wetlands, ponds, rivers, and wildlife
Wildlife: The refuge provides habitat for a wide variety of birds and other wildlife, although we saw very little during our hot summer visit.
Mosquito warning: Bring plenty of insect repellent, especially during warm months. Long pants and long sleeves can also help.
Summer tip: Be prepared for extreme heat, humidity, insects, and limited shade.
Access: Gate and road access can vary by unit and day of the week. Check current conditions before visiting.
What to bring: Plenty of water, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable hiking shoes, binoculars, and your camera.
Photography tip: The moss-covered live oaks around the Edisto Unit are especially photogenic.
Wildlife viewing: Visit during cooler hours and seasons when wildlife is more likely to be active.
Plan ahead: Because the refuge includes multiple units spread across the ACE Basin, allow extra driving time between locations.
Important: Check current refuge rules, gate closures, road conditions, and access restrictions before your trip.