The Ashley River, a South Carolina Scenic River, offers diverse opportunities for water recreation in Dorchester County. With numerous sites of historical significance and a relatively undisturbed tidal ecosystem, the Ashley is unique even among other Lowcountry rivers. 

The Ashley River Blue Trail is one of the best-kept secrets for paddling and wildlife watching. The serene beauty of the upper Ashley offers refuge to deer and a spectacular variety of birds of prey, such as swallowtail kites, bald eagle, and osprey can be found along the river corridor.

Tidally influenced throughout its length, the upper river provides paddlers sanctuary from large, motorized boats which frequent its lower reaches where it adjoins the harbor.

Email us (include a mailing address) to request a waterproof hard copy of the Ashley River Blue Trail map. 

Download the Blue Trail Map

Note: files are large

• Upper Ashley River Blue Trail
• Lower Ashley River Blue Trail

Ashley River Access Sites

Howard Bridgman River Access at Bacons Bridge

200 Renken Road
Summerville, SC 29485
32°57'30.6"N 80°12'01.9"W 

The Howard Bridgman River Access at Bacons Bridge is situated on an ideal stretch for paddling and is a “carry-down” facility for canoes, kayaks, SUPs, and small john boats. Overhanging limbs, partially submerged obstacles and a narrow twisting channel will be encountered both immediately upstream and downstream of the access. Easily located just outside of the Ashley River Park off of Bacons Bridge Road.

Herbert H. Jessen Boat Landing

4820 Ladson Road Extension
Summerville, SC 29485
32°56'53.7"N 80°09'53.6"W

At the Herbert H. Jessen Boat Landing, the river channel widens and becomes more suitable for average size motorboats. 

The Boat Landing is owned and operated by the Town of Summerville Parks and Recreation Department. The facility offers a public boat landing and fishing pier, a walking trail and boardwalk area overlooking the Ashley River, a picnic shelter with tables, and an oyster shell recycling site, as well as a separate canoe and kayak launch. 

Note: The above address is typically not recognized on navigational software. From the intersection of Ladson Road and Dorchester Road, take Ladson road south (behind Hardee’s) until you see the landing.

At the Swan Drive Kayak Launch, paddlers can access the uppermost section of the scenic Ashley River Blue Trail, offering a quiet, natural setting ideal for canoes and kayaks. This portion of the river features a narrower, more secluded channel with moderate currents and occasional natural obstacles—best suited for intermediate paddlers seeking a more adventurous route.

The launch is owned and operated by Dorchester County Parks and Recreation. The six-acre site includes a dedicated paddlecraft launch, a 20-space parking area with ADA-accessible spots, picnic tables, and a short trail leading to the river. Future improvements include a dock extension to improve access during low tide. The Swan Drive site is part of a broader county initiative to expand public access and recreational opportunities along the Ashley River.

Plan a Trip Off the Paddled Path

At normal water levels, tidal impacts are significant with the current completely reversing course twice daily.  Make sure to plan your trip on a falling tide when traveling from Bridgman Access to Jessen Landing, and a rising tide from Jessen Landing to Bridgman Access.  This will allow you to paddle with the current.  Out and back trips can be planned from either location by paddling through the tide change.

Helpful Links

NOAA Tide Prediction for Howard Bridgman Landing at Bacons Bridge

NOAA Tide Prediction for Greggs Landing (3-miles downriver of Jessen Landing)

American Canoe Association: Safety Tips