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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
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.
Features
Quail, Fire and Dedicated Landowners: Restoring South Carolina’s Pine Savannas
Gunrise Farms is a small hunting preserve in Newberry County, South Carolina, where landscape changes are taking place. Ty Holland, the owner, was drawn to the area because of its proximity to the Sumter National Forest, a focal area for restoring South Carolina’s pine savannas and bobwhite quail populations. Holland is usually busy assisting hunters or fixing farm equipment. However, he has also taken on another important role, conservation.
Forest Service hiring students, recent graduates for natural resource positions
Are you interested in a career with the Forest Service? Jobs are available in a variety of exciting and rewarding opportunities, such as: natural resources, rangeland management, wildlife biology, botany, biological sciences, and more.
Apply on USAJOBS.gov Sept. 6-12, 2022. Visit fs.usda.gov/fsjobs for details.
Alerts & Warnings
- Francis Marion Ranger District conducting prescribed burn June 6
- Long Cane phone down; alternate phone number available for public
- Check the Call Before You Haul hotline before riding our OHV trails
- Water unavailable at Lick Fork Lake, Parsons Mountain Recreation Area
- $5.7 Million Planned to Restore South Carolina Piedmont Streams, Water Quality
- FSR 404 temporarily closed on Enoree Ranger District
- America the Beautiful passes currently unavailable at Enoree, Long Cane offices
- Damaged bridges along the Enoree Passage of Palmetto Trail; exercise caution
- Please be aware of open well hazards on Sumter National Forest
- New digital payment options and online reservations at Enoree recreation sites
- Enoree Ranger District Rifle Range Cleaning Schedule
Quick Links
- Motor Vehicle Use Maps
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Dispersed Camping Permits
- Managing Recreation Uses in the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River
- Valuable Fire Information
- Francis Marion Plan Revision
- Region 8 Grant Funding Calendar
- Find Employment with Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests
- Upper Chattooga Boating Information