In this note below, the crew of “Restless” is referring to the two potential anchorage, north and south of Elliott Cut’s westerly entrance. The AICW travels though this man-made canal on its way from Ashley River (Charleston) to the Stono River. I have anchored in both these spots myself over the years, and have seen many others do so, BUT these are very unsheltered waters, and “Restless” is quite correct in relating that there is PLENTY of current.
You might consider the recommended waters (see below), off the Stono’s western banks, north of St. Johns Yacht Harbor (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) and the Highway 701 bridge. I’ve never tried dropping the hook here, but it sounds as if “Restless” found a good overnight haven.

I would not anchor in either of these two locations shown by the western entrance to Elliott Cut. The current really rips through here because the river narrows down as it swings past the shoal. A better location to anchor is to the south-west, along the western shoreline just north of the St. John’s Yacht Harbor marina. Be aware that there can be a 5-6 ft. tide here when picking your spot to drop the hook. The current in that location is somewhat less, but be prepared to swing through 180 as the tides change. You can dinghy to the marina for ice, etc. Call them on VHF 16, they will shift you to VHF 71. Inquire about facilities use if you are anchored out. See the listing for this marina it is accurate.
S/V Restless

I [anchored] several miles from the spot in question (up the Ashley River) and have been anchoring near the more Southern of the two spots shown for several years, but as close to the point as possible considering the water depth. This is one place we go just to get away but not go far.
I will agree on the lack of shelter but we only go in fair weather. We anchor overnight and although there can be a strong current, we have never slipped anchor.
Moving down towards St. Johns Harbor, there is a large shoal where local go to beach and play. Also, there have been some sunken boats in that area.
Rod Widman

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Stono River – AICW Anchorges

This little anchorage is located behind (south of) a small marsh island, just west of the Highway 171 swing bridge. As Captain Thomason notes below, swing room is a bit limited, so take care when dropping the hook here.

Anchored here September 23 (and have before) just about at the large pole that says Freddy, Freddy, Good anchorage but always have the concern of being blown either towards the grass island or over toward the docks. There is a mooring buoy right in the middle of the curve that restricts where one can anchor.
Jean Thomason

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Wappoo Creek – Elliott Cut Anchorage

The confluence of Toogoodoo Creek and Wadmalaw River forms the North Edisto River. The AICW leaves the Wadmalaw and cuts down the North Edisto, before leaving this latter body of water via the Dawho River.
I have always loved anchoring on Toogoodoo Creek, but you do have to be careful of the shoals flanking this stream’s entrance. At high tide the mud flats cover completely, and the channel appears to the uninformed eye to be much wider than it actually is. Take great care when entering, but once the stream’s mouth is in your wake, you can choose from a wide variety of good spots to drop the hook!

We anchored in Toogoodoo Creek on the afternoon of June 11, 2009 at 1450 hours, after departing Beaufort, SC, at 0935 that morning. The shoal at the entrance wasn’t a problem – we just followed the electronic chart and stayed away from the shoal area on the north side of the entrance. We dropped the anchor in about 12 feet of water just past the stretch where the creek runs basically east-west and turns NW, more or less over the charted 11 foot depth. Good water all the way in, and the creek is wide enough for the small boat traffic to pass by without feeling too much of a wake. Holding is excellent (SuperMax with chain) and Sanderling stayed put during a severe thunderstorm that passed through about 2100 with winds we clocked at 56 knots at the height of the storm!
Bob McLeran and Judy Young

Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Toogoodoo Creek