Discover the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests
Officially designated in 1936, the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests blanket more than 629,000 acres of South Carolina, from its mountains to its coastline.
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 Trails 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 five 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 4000 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 the forest and wildlife refuge.
 Where would you like to go first? Click on any of the headings in the column to the left for drop-down menus and links to more detail.
Echoes of prehistoric indians mingle with those of Revolutionary and Civil war soldiers and early farmers across the forests. Learn about the remarkable history of the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests.
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