About: The Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge is a 11,815-acre portion of the larger ACE Basin area, and the only portions that are federally protected. ACE Basin NWR is drained by two significant river systems: the Combahee-Salkahatchie and the South Edisto. The wildlife refuge is divided into two units: the Edisto River and the Combahee River. A mosaic of lands and waters, the refuge harbors an abundance of migratory and resident birds, reptiles and amphibians, fish and other wildlife. These diverse habitats and wildlife offer a variety of outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, photography, birding, observing other wildlife, hunting, and fishing.
ACE Basin NWR works collectively with federal, state and local agencies, conservation organizations, private landowners and individuals to support conservation programs in keeping with the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and this refuge. At the ACE Basin NWR and the greater ACE Basin System, with its extensive wetland areas and a myriad of diverse wildlife and fish species, programs are undertaken to enhance and restore habitat and wildlife and fish populations, migratory birds, and preserve the historic and cultural sites at the refuge. The refuge does not charge an entrance fee.
The refuge is rich in cultural as well as natural history. Located within the Edisto Unit is the Grove Plantation. The refuge headquarters and visitor station is the Grove Plantation Manor, a former rice plantation manor built in 1828, and one of only three antebellum mansions in the area that survived the Civil War. The Grove Plantation Manor is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Location: To Refuge Headquarters, Edisto Unit - from Highway 17, take SC 174; stay on SC 174 through the town of Adams Run; at the intersection with flashing light, turn right onto Willtown Rd/State Rd S-10-55; in approximately 2 miles refuge entrance road/State Rd S-10-346 is on the left. Headquarters is in the Grove Plantation Manor House, about 2 miles down the gravel road (843-889-3084). To Refuge Headquarters, Combahee Unit - From Highway 17, take River Rd/State Rd S-7-33; travel 1.9 miles to 1180 River Rd, Yemassee, SC 29945.
Hours: Grounds and trails are open to pedestrian access during daylight hours after 4 pm, on weekends and when the front gate is closed. Visitors must park outside the front gate by 4 pm.
