Named for Francis Marion, famous Revolutionary War general who was known as the Swamp Fox, for harassing the more powerful British troops and disappearing into the swamp like a fox, this hiking trail and mountain biking trail travels along old railroad logging trams for much of its length. It traverses a wide array of habitat types, from mature longleaf pine stands to bottomland hardwood drains and evergreen shrub bogs. The trail offers great scenery to visitors. Hikers and mountain bikers may encounter carnivorous pitcher plants, meadow beauty flowers, and orange millwort. Travelers may also spot white-tailed deer, red-cockaded woodpeckers and wild turkeys along its course. This trail was constructed in 1968 by the Boy Scouts. Many local troops still help the Forest Service maintain this trail. The Swamp Fox Trail is now part of the cross-state Palmetto Trail. When completed, the Palmetto Trail will stretch through the low country, near McClellanville to Oconee State Park in the upstate. Note: This trail is for hikers and bikers only. During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects and high temperatures. Be advised of big-game hunting seasons. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods. Camping: Halfway Creek Trail Campground, off Halfway Creek Road (SC Route 98S). Other primitive campsites along the trail are Harleston Dam, Nicholson Creek, Witherbee, and Cane Gully.
Directions from Charleston: There are three trailheads. To reach the eastern trailhead, take U.S. Highway 17 north to Steed Creek Road (SC Route 133S) in Awendaw. Just beyond Steed Creek Road, the trailhead will be on the left.
Directions from Charleston: To reach the center trailhead (located at the Witherbee Ranger District Office),take U.S. Highway 17 north to SC 41, turn left At Huger bear left on SC 402. Travel 3 miles to Copperhead Road. Turn right and travel 2 miles to Witherbee Road. Turn right and travel 2 mile to District Office and parking on the right. Or from Moncks Corner, take US Highway 52 north to SC 402. Turn right and travel 3 miles to Witherbee Road. Turn left and travel 7 miles to the District Office parking on the right.
Directions from Moncks Corner: To reach the western trailhead at Canal Recreation Area, take SC Highway 52 north for 6 miles. Canal Recreation Area is on the left.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Open:
Year-round .
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