Francis Marion National Forest offers many opportunities to explore the woods and marshes on foot. In addition to the Swamp Fox National Recreation Trail and several interpretive trails, the two-mile Huger Loop Trail offers a short introduction to the beauty of the Forest. The trailhead is just outside the Huger Recreation Area near Moncks Corner, South Carolina.

Hiking can be strenuous in summer months because of the heat, humidity and biting insects. Be prepared with plenty of drinking water and insect repellent, or plan a visit during cooler months. Be advised of big game hunting seasons. Avoid using the trails during excessively wet periods.

Steed Creek Bridge Swamp Fox National Recreation Trail

Swamp Fox National Recreation Trail

This hiking and mountain biking trail runs along old railroad logging trams for much of its length. It traverses a wide array of habitats, from mature longleaf pine stands to bottomland hardwood drains and evergreen shub bogs. Hikers and mountain hikers may encounter carnivorous pitcher plants, meadow beauty flowers and orange millwort. Visitors may also spot white-tailed deer, red-cockaded woodpeckers and wild turkeys along its course.

The trail, built in 1968 by Boy Scouts, was named for Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War general. He was nicknamed the Swamp Fox because he would harass British troops and then disappear into the swamp like a fox. The Swamp Fox Trail is now part of the cross-state Palmetto Trail. When completed, the Palmetto Trail will stretch through the Lowcountry, from near McClellanville to Oconee State Park in the Upcountry. To learn more contact Palmetto Trails. See Resources page for contact information.

Halfway Creek Trail Campground is located 6 miles from US Highway 17. Visitors may camp in open grassy fields or shady wooded area. Handpump drinking water is available to trail users. There are two primitive campsites along the trail for tent camping. No water available. Buck Hall Recreation Area is located off U.S. Highway 17.

Directions: There are two trailheads. To reach the eastern trailhead, from Charleston, take U.S. Highway 17 north to Steed Creek Road (SC Route 133S) in Awendaw. Just beyond Steed Creek Road, the trailhead will be on the left.

The western trailhead is located at the Witherbee Ranger District Office. From Charleston, take U.S. Highway 17 north to SC 41, and turn left. At Huger bear left on SC 402. Travel three miles to Copperhead Road. Turn right and travel two miles to Witherbee Road. Turn right and travel two miles to District Office and parking on the right. Or from Moncks Corner, take US Highway 52 north to SC 402. Turn right and travel three miles to Witherbee Road. Turn left and travel 7 miles to the District Office parking on the right.

To reach Halfway Creek Trail Campground from Charleston, take U.S. Highway 17 north to Steed Creek Road (SC Route 133S). Turn left and drive 5 miles to Halfway Creek Road (SC Route 98S). Turn left and go a half-mile to the trail camp on the left.

Length: 27 miles.

Travel time: 14 hours, walking, 7 hours biking.

Difficulty level: Easy.

Surface type: Unsurfaced; grassy, old railroad logging trams.

Camping: Halfway Creek Trail Campground, off Halfway Creek Road (SC Route 98S). The camp has hand pump potable water.

Safety: During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects and high temperatures. Be advised of big game hunting seasons. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.

Restrictions: Hikers and mountain bikers only.

Recommended seasons: Year round