Another partner, the South Carolina Center for Birds of Prey hosts a facility on the grounds of the center for viewing live birds of prey, such as eagles, hawks and osprey. The purpose of the facility is to educate visitors about the role that birds of prey play in the ecosystems of the Lowcountry.

Directions: From Charleston, take U.S. Highway 17 north. Go about 18 miles. The center is located on the right. Fees: There is no entrance fee. Please contact the Center to find out about fees that may be associated with special interpretive programs.

Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center
5821 Highway 17 North
Awendaw, SC 29429
Phone: (843) 928-3368
Fax: (843) 928-3828

Other Addresses

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge:
(843) 928-3264.

Wambaw Ranger District
P.O. Box 788
McClellanville, SC 29458
Phone: (843) 887-3257
Fax: (843) 887-3848

Witherbee Ranger District
2421 Witherbee Road
Cordesville, SC 29434
Phone: (843) 336-3248
Fax: (843) 336-4789

Birds & Wildlife
The ecosystem of the Francis Marion National Forest provides seemingly endless opportunities to view a variety of birds. Represented habitats include upland forest, bottomland/hardwood swamp, maritime forest, salt marsh and even a limited amount of managed wetland impoundments.

Nearly 300 species of migratory and non-migratory birds have been documented on the Forest. Notable among these are the swallow-tailed kites, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and wood storks. You can watch birds all across the Forest. For your most rewarding opportunities, go to several key areas that offer ideal access where birdwatching can easily be explored. South Tibwin/North Tibwin Plantation, accessible by foot and bicycle, has 15 miles of dirt roads. Habitats for birds there are upland forest, bottomland hardwood/swamp, field, maritime forest, salt marshes. You can see songbirds, wading birds, birds of prey, waterfowl and shorebirds

I'on Swamp Reservoir, with a two-mile loop trail, has bottomland hardwood/swamp (greentree reservoir) and the opportunity to see songbirds and wading birds. Little Hellhole Reservoir, accessible by foot, is a greentree reservoir with impoundments, populated by shorebirds. Nicholson Creek Swamp, accessible by foot, is a greentree reservoir and is home to songbirds and wading birds. Santee River Floodplain, accessible by foot, has bottomland hardwood/swamp habitats and features songbirds, birds of prey and swallow-tailed kites. Waterhorn Area can be accessed by car, by foot and by bicycle. Its habitats are upland forest and bottomland hardwood/swamp. You can see songbirds, birds of prey, and the red-cockaded woodpecker.

The red-cockaded woodpecker, is an endangered species, and the only bird that nests in holes pecked out of living pine trees. The woodpeckers live in a social system called a clan. Two to nine birds nest and roost in a group of cavity trees called a colony. New cavities take the birds months or years to complete. Since Hugo, forest service employees have aided the birds by creating more than 500 new nesting holes using chainsaws and drills. The red-cockaded woodpecker population recovered nearly to its pre-Hugo numbers until 1995, according to Kiser. The species' population then began to lose numbers — a phenomenon currently under study by naturalists, who do not yet know the cause.

The forest is a example of a longleaf ecosystem."Its associated plant and animal communities don't just survive fire, they require fire, especially spring and early summer burns," says forester Anne Kiser. "Fire is nature's way of ridding the longleaf ecosystem of damaging insects, disease and too many plants competing for soil, nutrients, water and light. Fire is also a necessary agent of change. Whe a fire changes a log to ashes, the nutrients that are bound in complex chemical compounds are released and turned into a form plants can use," Kisers says. Francis Marion National Forest conducts controlled burns, primarily in the winter, but increasingly in the spring and early summer months, according to Kiser. Visitors should call ahead to plan their visit to avoid prescribed burn areas.

Swamp Fox National Recreation Trail
This hiking trail and mountain biking trail travels along old railroad logging trams for much of its length. It traverses a wide array of habitat types, 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. Travelers 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 famous 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, near McClellanville to Oconee State Park in the Upcountry. To learn more contact Palmetto Trails at (843) 771-0870.

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. To reach the western trailhead (located at the Witherbee Ranger District Office), from Charleston, take U.S. Highway 17 north to SC 41, turn left. At Huger bear left on SC 402. Travel 3 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 1/2 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 handpump 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

Sewee Shell Mound Interpretive Trail

The mystique surrounding this 1-mile self-guided interpretive trail dates bat 4000 years. The trail begins along a shady land of trees, which opens into an area heavily influenced by the forces of nature and man. A large portion of the area is scarred by Hurricane Hugo and wildfire. It is a picture of land in recovery.

Featuring five interpretive stops and a 120-foot boardwalk overlooking a prehistoric shell ring, the trail offer breathtaking views of the salt marsh, tidal creek, and Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

Buck Hall Recreation Area, Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Phone (843) 928-3264
Francis Marion National Forest
Directions: From Charleston, take US Highway 17 north to Doar Road north (SC Route 432-S). Turn right and go 2.5 miles to Salt Pond Road (FS Road 243). Turn right and go .5 mile to trailhead.

Length: 1 mile, loop

Travel Time: 1 hour

Difficulty Level: Easy

Surface Type: Unsurfaced, grassy

Camping: Not permitted

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 period.

Restrictions: Hikers and day use only.

Recommended Season: Fall, winter, spring

The trail highlights the Battery Warren, a Civil War earthen fort meant to block Union forces from moving up the Santee River. The site is eligible for the National Register of Historic Landmarks. Its name comes from Colonel Samuel Warren, who was a local revolutionary war hero and previous owner of the land where the battery is built. The embankments of the old fort are still visible today.

Surrounding Area

Hampton Plantation State Park, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism; Phone: (803) 546-9361.
Santee Coastal Reserve, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; Phone:(803) 546-8665.
Wambaw Creek Wilderness Canoe Trail, Francis Marion National Forest.

Directions: From Charleston, take U S Highway 17 North toward McClellanville and the intersection of SC Highway 45, at the caution light. Turn left and drive 10 miles to Honey Hill. Turn right at SC Route 103S and continue for 1/2 mile to Echaw Road (F.S. Road 204). Turn onto Echaw Road and go 3 miles to F.S. Road 204A. Turn left and continue 1 mile to the trailhead.

Length: 1 mile, linear.

Travel time: 1 hour.

Difficulty level: Easy.

Surface type: Unsurfaced, grassy.

Camping: Not permitted.

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

Restrictions: Hikers and day use only; no camping.

Recommended season: Fall/Winter/Spring.

Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center
5821 US Highway 17 North
Awendaw, SC 29634
Phone: (843) 928-3368
Fax: (843) 928-3828

I'on Swamp Interpretive Trail

Highlights

A fascinating walk through a wetland world, this historic, self-guided interpretive trail traverses embankments built by humans dating back to the 1700s. The embankments and ditches were built to create a patchwork of fields or impoundments for rice production during the lucrative rice era of the lowcountry. Interpretive sign inform visitors of the history of this magnificent swamp.

With water pooling on both side of the trail, travelers will witness a wide array of wildlife from the woodduck to the yellowbelly slider turtle and the great blue heron. Alligators float in the serene pool alongside the trail, while a river otter occasionally scoots across the scenic foot path.

For More Information
Wambaw Ranger District
PO Box 788
McClellanville, SC 29458
Phone: (843) 887-3257
Fax: (843) 887-3848

Witherbee Ranger District
2421 Witherbee Road
Cordesville, SC 29434
Phone: (843) 336-3248
Fax: (843) 336-4789

Length: 2 miles, loop

Travel Time: 2 hours

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Surface: Unsurfaced, grassy

Camping: Not permitted

Recommended Season: Fall, spring

Safety: During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects and high temperatures. Be aware of big game and waterfowl hunting seasons. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods. From December through March, a large portion of the trail may be submerged to provide habitat for waterfowl.

Retrictions: Hikers and day use only. Camping is not permitted

Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center
5821 US Highway 17 North
Awendaw, SC 29634
Phone: (843) 928-3368
Fax: (843) 928-3828

Tuxbury Horse Trail
This 14-mile trail travels along old railroad logging trams, traversing a wide array of habitat types, from mature longleaf pine stand to bottomland hardwood drains.

It offers captivating scenery to visitors who may glimpse prothonotary warblers, darting among swamp cypress trees or endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers in search of food in the bark of majestic longleaf pines.

If you are interested in volunteering to help maintain the trail, please contact one of the offices listed below.

Length: 14 mile, loop

Travel Time: 4 hours by horseback

Difficulty Level: Easy

Surface Type: Unsurfaced grassy

Camping: Contact one of the offices to get a free camping permit.

Directions: There is a trailhead with parking available just off SC Hwy 41. From Charleston, Take US Hwy 17 north to the intersection of SC Hwy 41. Turn left and continue 7 miles to the trailhead on the left.

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.

Recommended Season: Fall, Winter, Spring:

Restrictions: Horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers only.

Directions: Just north of Moncks Corner, on US Highway 17A. Turn right onto SC Highway 402 and drive 13 miles to the recreation area on the right.

Facilities: Picnic shelter Boat ramp Spigot water Vault toilets Grills Picnic tables Season/Hours: Year-round; day-use area only; camping not permitted. Fees: Contract District Office Highlights
Canal Recreation Area is located between Bonneau and Moncks Corner next to Lake Moultrie. It provides a welcome wayside rest area for travelers along SC Highway 52 and refreshing cool breezes often greet visitors to the area.

Canal Recreation Area is the linkage point for the Moultrie and Swamp Fox Passages of the South Carolina Palmetto Trail. Directions: From Moncks Corner, take SC Highway 52 north for 6 miles to the recreation area on the left.

Facilities: Picnic tables Picnic shelter Hand pump for water Grills Vault toilets Season/Hours: Year-round, day-use only; camping not permitted. Fees: None.

Wilderness Areas Welcome The Francis Marion National Forestboasts four wilderness areas. Theyrange in size from 1,800 to 5,000 acres. Visitors will find scenic blackwater swamps highlighted bymajestic bald cypress and water tupelo trees, teeming with wildlife from mystical barred owls to curious raccoons and flighty wood ducks. Wambaw Creek Wilderness area features a canoe trail. Wambaw Creek Wilderness Canoe Trail is 9 miles of tidal, blackwater creek. It is one of the most scenic places on the forest.

Leave No Trace These wilderness areas wereestablished in 1980 to protect,manage, and preserve naturalconditions, keeping humaninfluence to a minimum. Allmechanized and motorizedequipment is prohibited, with theexception of Wambaw Creek, wheremotorized boats are allowed. Theseareas provide outstandingopportunities for solitude andprimitive recreation experiencessuch as canoeing, hunting andfishing. Camping is permitted, butthere are very few spots wherecamping is possible due to the wet,swampy nature of these areas.Campers must obtain a free permitfrom either the Wambaw orWitherbee District Offices before anouting. Directions: Wambaw Creek CanoeTrail (Wambaw Creek WildernessArea) has two boat access points:Still Landing and Echaw Road BoatRamp. Hellhole Bay Wilderness Area: 2,125 acres. Little Wambaw Swamp Wilderness Area: 5,047 acres. Wambaw Creek Wilderness Area: 1,825 acres; 9mile canoe trail. Wambaw Swamp Wilderness Area: 4,815 acres.

Regulations: Pack it in, pack it out Return campsites to a natural condition Camp out of sight If you need a campfire, use only dead and down wood

For More Information:

Wambaw Ranger District
PO Box 788
McClellanville, SC 29458
Phone: (843)887-3257
Fax: (843)887-3848

Witherbee Ranger District
2421 Witherbee Road
Cordesville, SC 29434
Phone: (843)336-3248
Fax: (843)336-4789

Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center
5821 US Highway 17 North
Awendaw, SC 29429
Phone: (843)928-3368
Fax: (843)928-3828

arion National Forest South Carolina Birdwatching Highlights The ecosystem of the Francis Marion National Forest provides seemingly endless opportunities to view a variety of birds. Represented habitats include upland forest, bottomland/hardwood swamp, maritime forest, salt marsh and even a limited amount of managed wetland impoundments.

Nearly 300 species of migratory and non-migratory birds have been documented on the Forest. Notable among these are the swallow-tailed kites, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and wood storks.

You can watch birds all across the Forest. For your most rewarding opportunities, go to several key areas that offer ideal access where birdwatching can easily be explored. Six of these areas are listed.

For More Information

Wambaw Ranger District
PO Box 788
McClellanville, SC 29458
Phone: (843) 887-3257
Fax: (843) 887-3848

Witherbee Ranger District
2421 Witherbee Road
Cordesville, SC 29434
Phone: (843) 336-3248
Fax: (843) 336-4789

Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center
5821 US Highway 17 North
Awendaw, SC 29429
Phone: (843) 928-3368
Fax: (843) 928-3828
TDD: (843) 928-3833

South Tibwin/North Tibwin Plantation Access: walking, bicycle, 15 miles of dirt roads. Habitat(s) upland forest, bottomland hardwood/swamp, field, maritime forest, salt marshes. Featured Species: songbirds, wading birds, birds of prey, waterfowl, shorebirds

I'on Swamp Reservoir Access: walking, 2-mile loop trail Habitat(s): bottomland hardwood/swamp (greentree reservoir) Featured Species: songbirds, wading birds

Little Hellhole Reservoir Access: walking Habitat(s): greentree reservoir, impoundments Featured Species: shorebirds

Nicholson Creek Swamp Access: walking Habitat(s): greentree reservoir Featured Species: songbirds, waking birds

Santee River Floodplain Access: walking Habitat(s): bottomland hardwood/swamp Featured Species: songbirds, birds of prey, swallow-tailed kites

Waterhorn Area Access: driving, walking, bicycling Habitat(s): upland forest, bottomland hardwood/swamp Featured Species: songbirds, birds of prey, (red-cockaded woodpeckers)

Camping: See Forest map

Safety: Be prepared for high temperatures and biting insects during warm months.

Fishing

Activity Overview

Recreational fishing is a high priority on the Francis Marion National Forest. Fisheries management helps meet the increasing demand for recreational fishing.

Wambaw Creek is best toured by canoe. It is impassable in many areas due to downed trees. Other popular streams popular with local anglers include Chicken and Echaw Creeks. The Santee River borders the northeast edge of the Wambaw District and offers good fishing especially for those anglers with boats. Bream, bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, and shad are the favored species. The lower portion of the Santee River along with Awendaw Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway provide saltwater fishing for such species as red drum, spots, and catfish.

Guilliard Lake, an old oxbow off the Santee River, offers 10 acres of fishing for a variety of species. These species are usually similar to those found in the river.

Huger, Nicholson, and Turkey Creeks are the main creeks fished on the Witherbee District. Local anglers try for some of the large shellcrackers found in these waters.

Several small ponds provide good fishing for bass, bream, and catfish. Requirements: A SC fishing license is required. Creel limits are in effect unless otherwise posted. Only electric motors may be operated on all ponds and lakes managed by the Forest Service. Safety: Passage on many creeks can be slow and dangerous due to the presence of hinged and dead trees that may fall unexpectedly.

Locked cars and trucks are not completely safe. Leave valuable and unnecessary equipment at home.

For More Information

Wambaw Ranger District
PO Box 788
McClellanville, SC 29458
Phone: (843) 887-3257
Fax (843) 887-3848

Witherbee Ranger District
2421 Witherbee Road
Cordesville, SC 29434
Phone: (843) 336-3248
Fax: (843) 336-4789

Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center
5821 US Highway 17 North
Awendaw, SC 29429
Phone: (843) 928-3368
Fax (843) 928-3828
TDD: (843) 928-3833

Carolina Bays Highlights Carolina Bays have been a source of fascination for visitors to the lowcountry of South Carolina since the time of their discovery. They are fragile and unique ecosystems; wetland habitats that exhibit a variety of vegetative components. Some bays are openwater depressions dotted with pondcypress trees and rimmed by pitcher plants and sundew. Some bays are thick pocosins of shrubby sweet bay, fetterbush and pond pines. They can be 1 acre or thousands of acres.

The common denominator of Carolina Bays is their symmetrical formation. They are generally oval depressions and the long axis always runs from northwest to southeast. The geological origin of these wetlands remains a mystery.

Only about 200 of South Carolina's original 2,600 natural bays have remained in their pristine state. Many have fallen victim to drainage and clearing. There are about 25 welldefined Carolina Bays on the Francis Marion National Forest. All of the bays on the forest are protected. Some of the unique plant and animals to discover include:

Carnivorous plants: trumpet pitcher plant and sundew Blueflag Pond pine Pond cypress Amphibians Songbirds Camping: Not permitted. Safety: During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects and high temperatures. Further reading: Porcher, R.D. 1980. Final Report: Inventory of populations of proposed endangered and threatened species of vascular plants on the Francis Marion National Forest in Berkeley and Charleston Counties, South Carolina. Contract No. 5343ZP800008, USDA Forest Service, Southern Region, Atlanta, GA.

For More Information

Wambaw Ranger District
PO Box 788
McClellanville, SC 29458
Phone: (843) 887-3257
Fax: (843) 887-3848

Witherbee Ranger District
2421 Witherbee Road
Cordesville, SC 29434
Phone: (843) 336-3248
Fax: (843) 336-4789

Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center
5821 US Highway 17 North
Awendaw, SC 29429
Phone: (843) 928-3368
Fax: (843) 928-3828

South Tibwin Highlights A natural haven for hikers and mountain bikers through hardwood bottomlands, pine uplands, and around tidal marsh, freshwater ponds, and waterfowl impoundments (managed wetlands).

Look for: Common egrets Mottled ducks Red-shouldered hawks River otter Yellow jessamine Red buckeye Painted buntings Bald eagles Surrounding Area Hampton Plantation State Park, SC Dept of Parks, Recreation and Tourism: Santee Coastal Reserve, SC Dept. of Natural Resources Wambaw Creek Wilderness Canoe Trail, Francis Marion National Forest

For More Information

Wambaw Ranger District
PO Box 788
McClellanville, SC 29458
Phone: (843) 887-3257
Fax: (843) 887-3848

Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center
5821 US Highway 17 North
Awendaw, SC 29429
Phone: (843) 928-3368
Fax: (843) 928-3828

Directions: From the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center, take Highway 17 north toward McClellanville for 12.5 miles. Look for the opened iron pipe gates and the parking area and bulletin board on the right (east side of the highway).
Length: 5 miles of primitive roads
Difficulty Level: Easy Surface Type: Unsurfaced, grass Recommended Seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring Safety: When hiking anywhere on the Forest or Refuge, plan your trip well. Be prepared. You may encounter biting insects, snakes, poisonous plants or bad weather. Take along drinking water and a first aid kit. Take a compass. Avoid using the trails during excessively wet periods.

Restrictions: No camping, fishing, hunting, or crabbing is allowed. Day use only. Hikers and mountain bikers only. Buck Hall Recreation Area Highlights Located along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW), Buck Hall Recreation Area is found on the site of the old Buck Hall Plantation. Nearly 300 yards of sea wall along the AIWW provide visitors with cool breezes and spectacular views of the AIWW and the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

This diverse recreational area provides excellent opportunities for campers, picnickers, boaters, nature viewers, anglers, and crabbers. Be aware that during shrimp-baiting season (September--November) the recreational area sustains extremely heavy use of the boat ramp and is often crowded, even during the week.

Visitors may also wish to learn about the destructive winds of Hurricane Hugo and how they impacted the forest at the interpretive area near the entrance off US Highway 17.

Campground Amenities:

14 sites with camp pad, picnic tables, fire rings, lantern posts, and electrical hookups, water spigots are centrally located.
Bathhouse, warm-water showers, flush toilets.
Motor home dump station. Picnic Area Amenities: Picnic shelter, picnic tables Grills Flush toilets, accessible walkway Boat ramp Fish cleaning station Season/Hours: Year-round, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. except campers and boat ramp users.

Directions: From Charleston, take US Highway 17 north to Buck Hall Landing Road (FS 242). Turn right to the recreation area. Buck Hall is about 30 miles north of Charleston.

Fees: All visitors must pay to use the facility. There is a self-pay station along the drive into the recreation area. Camping is $10 a unit--first-come, first-serve. Check out is 2 p.m. Parking for all noncampers is $5 per vehicle per day. A yearly parking pass is available from the Wambaw Ranger District Office for $25 a calendar year. The picnic shelter may be reserved for group use. Fees for groups of up to 50 are $25 and groups of 50 to 100 are $45. Contact the Wambaw Ranger District Office.

Restrictions: Maximum stay is 14 days.

For More Information:

Wambaw Ranger District
PO Box 788
McClellanville, SC 29458
Phone: (843) 887-3257
Fax: (843) 887-3848

Witherbee Ranger District
2421 Witherbee Road
Cordesville, SC 29434
Phone: (843) 336-3248
Fax: (843) 336-4789

Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center
5821 US Highway 17 North
Awendaw, SC 29429
Phone: (843) 928-3368
Fax: (843) 928-3828