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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. |
|---|
Interpretive Areas
Alerts & Warnings
- Andrew Pickens and Enoree Ranger Districts reopen to the public
- Sumter National Forest Closure Update
- Hurricane Helene response continues Long Cane Ranger District remains closed
- Closures on Francis Marion Nat'l Forest (Wambaw Trail, Litchfield/Lottie bridges
- Candy Branch Rifle closed until further notice
- Emergency Bridge Closure off Forest Service Rd. 251H
- Long Cane district office reopening in new location
- Check the Call Before You Haul hotline before riding our OHV trails
- FSR 376 Asias Branch Road closed on Enoree Ranger District
- FSR 374 (Hunting Fork Rd) closed
- America the Beautiful passes unavailable at Supervisor's & 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
- Enoree Ranger District Rifle Range Cleaning Schedule
Related Links
Highlights
Location