I'on Swamp Interpretive Trail
A fascinating walk through a wetland world, this historic, self-guided, interpretive trail traverses embankments built as far back as the 1700s. The embankments and ditches were built to create a patchwork of fields for rice production during the lucrative rice era of the low country.
Click here for a printable guide and vicinity map.
At a Glance
Operational Hours: | Day use only. |
---|---|
Open Season: | All year |
Restrictions: | No camping. Hikers and day use only. |
General Information
Directions:From Charleston, take US Highway 17 North to I’on Swamp Road (FS Road 228). Turn left and drive 2.0 miles to the trailhead on the left.
Accessibility:
From December through March a large portion of the trail may be submerged to provide habitat for waterfowl.
Activities
Day Hiking
Unsurfaced/grassy surface. Travel time approximately two hours.
General Info:
DirectionsFrom Charleston, take US Highway 17 North to I’on Swamp Road (FS Road 228). Turn left and drive 2.0 miles to the trailhead on the left.
General Notes
Surrounding area:
Safety Information
During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects and high temperatures. Be advised of big-game and waterfowl hunting seasons. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.
Seasonal Information
From December through March, a large portion of the trail may be submerged to provide habitat for waterfowl.
Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
---|
Viewing Wildlife
Species | wood duck, yellowbelly slider turtle, great blue heron, alligator, otter |
Hours of Operation: |
With water pooling on both sides of the trail, travelers will witness a wide array of wildlife from the wood duck to the yellowbelly slider turtle and the great blue heron. Alligators float in the serene pools alongside the trail, while a river otter occasionally scoots across the footpath. |
---|