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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.
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Tibwin Youth and Mobility-Impaired hunts
You're invited to take part in the drawings for youth deer and mobility impaired deer hunts on the Tibwin tracts of Francis Marion National Forest. Youth hunts take place October 20-21 and November 17-18. Mobility- impaired hunts take place November 3-4 and December 1-2. Youth waterfowl hunts are scheduled for December 2023, January 2024, and February 2024.
Features
Request for Proposals for outfitters and guides in Chattooga Wild & Scenic River
The Andrew Pickens Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest is seeking proposals from businesses, individuals, or organizations interested in offering outfitting and guiding services within the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River Corridor.
The Forest Service asks interested parties to submit their proposal either hard copy or electronic file. The electronic file must be in a Microsoft Office program or a PDF file and emailed to: sm.fs.r8fmsapcom@usda.gov. Please provide the following in your proposal:
- A cover letter expressing your interests in this opportunity.
- Proposed Activity—a complete description of the proposal utilizing the submission form attached.
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.
Spotlights
Francis Marion National Forest
The Francis Marion is a forest literally steeped in history...
Sumter National Forest
If it's a sense of adventure or a longing for solitude that you seek, the Sumter National Forest has something special waiting for you.
South Carolina State Fair
Come see us at the 2023 South Carolina State Fair from October 11 to October 22. Stop by for a photo op with Smokey Bear and spin the prize wheel in the Goodman Bldg!
Alerts & Warnings
- Long Cane district office relocated; new phone number for public to contact
- Check the Call Before You Haul hotline before riding our OHV trails
- Water unavailable at Lick Fork Lake and Parsons Mountain campgrounds
- $5.7 Million Planned to Restore South Carolina Piedmont Streams, Water Quality
- 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
- 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