Welcome to the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

From mountains to sea

Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests has everything to offer from the Appalachian Mountains to the piedmont pine forests to the Intracoastal Waterway

Find your next adventure

Getting to Know Your Forest

Four ranger districts in South Carolina: the Andrew Pickens, the Enoree and the Long Cane districts on the Sumter National Forest; and the Francis Marion District on the Francis Marion National Forest offer recreational activities as diverse as their terrain--whether you prefer to hike to a mountain waterfall or paddle a lowcountry swamp wilderness.

You might mountain bike the epic Forks Area Trail System on the Long Cane, or paddle and fish the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River on the Andrew Pickens district. Saddle up and explore a horse trail on any district, or unload your ATV or dirt bike and hone your skills on one of four OHV trails.

The Intracoastal Waterway begs to be explored from Buck Hall boat launch on the Francis Marion, or perhaps you’d prefer to paddle, hunt or fish the three rivers on the Enoree Ranger District. Nine rifle ranges will help maintain your aim for hunting season. There are hiking trails, campgrounds and picnic areas, a human-made shell ring built 4,000 years ago, fishing rodeos and waterfowl hunts for youths and disabled visitors, and an environmental education center that sponsors monthly programs for kids and adults to share the wonders of both the national forest and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

Where would you like to go first?

Interactive Visitor Map: Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

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• Check out the Sewee Shell Ring Boardwalk Trail on the Francis Marion National Forest

  

  Get a bird's eye view of the Sewee Shell Ring trail with drone footage capturing the area.

  See video

• Know Before You Go:

  

  Frequently asked questions

  Maps and publications

  Dispersed camping, passes, and permits

  OHV hotline- Call Before You Hall

  Outdoor safety and ethics

  Rules and regulations

• Tibwin Youth and Mobility-Impaired hunts

  

  You're invited to take part in the drawings for youth turkey hunts on the Tibwin tracts of Francis Marion National Forest. Youth Hunt application deadlines is March 15, and the Youth Hunt takes place on April 13.

  Link to applications