Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

Welcome

Officially designated in 1936, the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests encompass more than 629,000 acres throughout South Carolina. These lands are managed by the USDA Forest Service for multiple uses including watershed protection and improvement, timber and wood production, habitat for wildlife and fish species (including threatened and endangered ones), wilderness area management, minerals leasing and recreation.

The forests provide the American people with a diverse set of outdoor opportunities on four ranger districts in South Carolina (Andrew Pickens, Enoree, Long Cane and Francis Marion). Whether you enjoy hiking or riding trails, paddling, fishing, hunting, camping, birding or simply relaxing at one of our picnic areas, the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests have something special waiting for you!

Events

Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center

The Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center will be CLOSED September 5 and 6 due to tropical storm Hanna.

Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center              

5821 Highway 17 North, Awendaw South Carolina

Phone: 843-928-3368      TDD: 843-928-3833                    

Open Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Red Wolf Feeding 4 p.m. on Fridays

Come watch the Red Wolf feeding each Friday at 4 p.m. Be at the wolf enclosure on the viewing platform to see the feeding and read the story of Red Wolf recovery on the interpretive panels at the Center. Free.

Sewee Shell Ring Rededication

Talk, Ribbon Cutting and Interpretive Walk, Sewee Shell Ring Trail

Saturday, Sept 13

Meet at Sewee Visitor Center for a 30 minute talk by Archaeologist Olga Caballero on the history of the Sewee Shell Ring. Then caravan to the trail for a ribbon cutting and guided walk, interpreting the history of the shell ring and identifying the plants in the area and how they were used by Native Americans. The trail begins along a shaded lane of trees which opens into an area heavily influenced by nature and man. A 120-foot boardwalk overlooks the prehistoric shell ring and gives breathtaking views of the salt marsh, tidal creek and Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Guides: Olga Caballero, Archaeologist and Jannah Dupre, Deputy Director, Sewee Visitor Center. Free.

National Public Lands Day Event, Trails of the Francis Marion

Saturday, Sept. 13

Explore the Francis Marion National Forest through a variety of trail systems. Over 120 miles of hiking, biking, kayaking and OHV trails traverse the forest. Visit Sewee Visitor Center for information and trail maps, including blackwater and tidal creeks found in the forest. See the display in the lobby showing all the Francis Marion trails. Free information.

Beach Sweep, Bull Island

Saturday, Sept. 20

Contact Coastal Expeditions, sponsor of this annual workday on Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Transportation to the island and back is provided. Registration is required: call Coastal Expeditions for more information at (843) 884 7684.

Explorer Series, Fossils, Clues to History

Saturday, 10 a.m.- noon, Sept 20

What are fossils and how were they formed? What do they tell us? How do scientists figure out what time period a fossil came from? Students ages 8 to 12 will discover the answers, make a timeline wheel and create a plaster "fossil" casting of their very own. Registration is required by Sept. 18. Call 928-3368.

Sewee Lecture Series, The Old Catawba Nation

Saturday, 2 p.m., Sept. 20

Recent investigations of historic era Catawba Indian village sites in York and Lancaster counties, South Carolina by the UNC Research Laboratories of Archaeology trace transformations of Catawba culture from 1750 through 1820. Initial work at Nassaw, Old Town, and New Town provides a rich window on Catawba material culture through the Colonial, Revolutionary, and Federal periods, illuminating Catawba history across three crucial generations. Speaker: Dr. Brett Riggs, Research Archaeologist, UNC-Chapel Hill. Free program.

National Public Lands Day, A Walk in the Woods

Saturday, 10 a.m., Sept. 27

The Low Country Chapter of the South Carolina Native Plant Society is leading a wildflower walk from the Sewee Center to the area of peak bloom or botanical interest in th Francis Marion National Forest. Meet at the Sewee Center. Bring water, insect repellant, binoculars and a camera. The walk is free, but limited in number. Please call to register, 928-3368.

Kayak Adventures, Awendaw Creek for Archeology

Saturday, 9 a.m., Sept. 27

Meet at Awendaw Creek Canoe Launch and join a group to paddle this 7 mile trail along beautiful Awendaw Creek, with breathtaking views of the salt marsh and through a section rich with fossils, Native American ruins and pottery shards. A stop at a prehistoric Native American shell ring with a mystique dating back 4,000 years gives evidence of early habitation.

Rates include boats, equipment & guides. Reservations required; to schedule your kayak trip, call Natures Adventures Outfitters at 1-800-673-0679.  

NOTE: 50% of proceeds of this trip will be donated to a non-profit cause.

Click on the map above to see a larger map.