National and State Forests
South Carolina’s National and State Forests boast a rich variety of wildlife habitat and offer excellent opportunities for bird-watching, nature study, photography, and fishing. Otters, beavers, coyotes, bobcats, black bears, and possibly even panthers make their home in some of the forests of South Carolina.
Hiking and mountain biking trails, bridle paths and rough roads for motorcycles and ATV’s offer many ways to enjoy the scenic backcountry.
Rivers, lakes, and oceans offer world-class fishing, and campsites, picnic sites, and boat ramps attract wildlife viewers, anglers, and crabbers.
Outdoor action fans can take a thrilling whitewater rapid trip down class IV and V rapids on the Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River. For those who really want to rough it, Francis Marion encompasses four wilderness areas with no facilities except for a single trail. Travel through these areas isn't easy but it does offer extraordinary rewards - the chance to see alligators, bald eagles, and some 250 species of birds.
Use the list of National and State Forests below to link to additional sites for more information and events at State and National Forests in South Carolina.
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The National Audubon Society's Francis Beidler Forest in Four Holes Swamp contains within its 16,000 acres, the largest remaining stand of virgin Bald Cypress/Tupelo Gum swamp forest left anywhere in the world. One thousand year-old trees and native wildlife abound in this pristine sanctuary that has been untouched for a millennia. A 1.75 mile self-guided boardwalk trail (handicapped accessible) allows visitors the chance to safely venture deep into the heart of the swamp...to see it the way nature intended! Canoe trips and naturalist guided walks and programs also are available seasonally and by reservation.
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 Harleyville |
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The Chattooga is recognized as one of the SE's premier whitewater rivers and the most famous whitewater paddling spot in the state. Thundering waterfalls, dense forests, flora, fauna and unspoiled nature make this a wilderness paradise. Straddling the SC-Ga border, the river is a magnet for hikers, boaters, and whitewater rafters who boldly take on the river's Class IV and V rapids. But even novices can make it through those rapids on a guided raft trip. The Chattooga is home to more than a hundred types of fish, including three species of trout. The river became a national quest after its starring role in the movie classic "Deliverance," based on James Dickey's novel.
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 Mountain Rest |
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Site of the battle between forces of British Col. Banastre Tarleton and Revolutionary Gen. Francis Marion, "The Swamp Fox." Now this wildlife-rich 260,000-acre forest welcomes campers, hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, kayakers, and picnickers. OHV opportunities are found at the Wambaw Cycle Trail.
BUCK HALL RECREATION AREA - Day-use facilities includes trailhead parking, boaters, fishermen, picnickers and any other non-camping use in the area. Picnic Shelter first come; first served or by reservation ($25 for groups up to 50) ($45 for groups 51-100.) Parking fee is required for all parked vehicles in area. Ten full hook-up and three tent sites must be reserved through RESERVEUSA.COM or by calling 877-444-6777; a $9 reservation fee will be added to all reservations.
WAMBAW CYCLE TRAIL - 40 mile motorcycle, OHV and mountain bike trail. $5/operator/day fee. Trailhead located off Halfway Creek Rd.
Call before you Haul Hotline 803-561-4025 or check the website for up-to-date information.
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 McClellanville |
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Encompasses 2,177 acres of forestland only nine miles from downtown Columbia. Its unique urban location makes Harbison one of the largest public greenspaces inside the city limits of a metropolitan area in the eastern United States.
Over sixteen miles of roads and trails weave through the pine and hardwood forest, crossing wandering streams and descending through leafy glades to the Broad River.
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 Columbia |
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Offers public access for hunting, fishing, hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, biking and motorcycle/ATV riding. Site features the "High Hills of Santee" section and the Wateree Passage of the Palmetto Trail.
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 Wedgefield |
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Handicap accessible day use area, picnic shelter and fishing pier. Picnic area has tables grills, and group shelter. Bath house with flush toilets and showers. Camp sites have fire ring, table, no electricity. Self serve pay station - $3 parking, $7 overnight camping - no reservations first come first serve. Groups of 10 or more should call first.
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 Abbeville |
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Sandhills State Forest has 46,000 acres of forest/wooded area, hiking and nature trails, camping sites, birding, picnic shelters, a fishing lake, mountain biking and horseback trails, wildlife observation and ponds. The gate at the entrance of the Sugarloaf Mountain camping areas is locked 6pm F-Su and opened at 8am during November - March and locked 8pm and opened at 8am F-Su during April - October. The camping site check in time is 11am and check out is 11am. Annual and daily permits are available online at http://www.state.sc.us/forest/permit.htm for horseback riding, and bike riding.
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 Patrick |
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Wildlife and green space, hiking and biking trails, and tranquil solitude are always close at hand in this 118,529-acre woodland that borders Thurmond Lake. A number of state parks and recreational areas provide avenues for all types of outdoor recreation.
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 Edgefield |
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Named for a Revolutionary War General, the Andrew Pickens Ranger District boasts scenic views, hiking trails, campgrounds, hunting, fishing, whitewater floating, and a host of other recreational opportunities.
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Mountain Rest |
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Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this is the only trout hatchery in South Carolina. Some 150,000 pounds of rainbow, brown and brook trout are raised here each year for stocking mountain streams and lakes. Open daily 8am-4pm
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Mountain Rest |
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