The Swamp Fox Trail is one of South Carolina Lowcountry's oldest trails and offers a long, flat, one-way journey through the swampy wetlands and coastal pine forests of Francis Marion National Forest. The total length of the trail is 42 miles, but only the eastern 27 miles are designated as a National Recreation Trail.
When Revolutionary War General Francis Marion sought refuge from British troops in the state's Lowcountry swamps, he earned the nickname "Swamp Fox." His guerilla tactics and legendary reputation eventually led Boy Scout leaders to name this trail after Marion when it was originally built in 1968.
A diverse array of wildlife such as deer, wild turkey, furbearers, songbirds and waterfowl is abundant along the trail. Be aware that after heavy rains the grassy savanna around Dog Swamp and Turkey Creek may have standing water.
From the southeastern terminus of the Swamp Fox Passage, continue to the coast via the
Palmetto Trail-Awendaw Passage.
The Swamp Fox National Recreational Trail was featured as a 'Trail of the Month' by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
Tried to ride Swamp Fox trail from it's Western Terminus, but rough singletrack, uneven with roots. Frequent wet spots (photo) caused us to give up after half a mile. It had been dry for a week or so and the boards suggest that these spots are permanent. ...
"My wife and I rode the first six miles of the trail on Columbus Day, 2006. It was dry and an excellent mountain bike ride. The trail is grassy and sandy with a lot of roots in some places, so it provides a good workout. The 60° temperature was perfect. ...
"My husband and I biked from Awendaw to the Halfway Creek Campground on New Year's Day. The trail was just challenging enough to make it like a little adventure, but easy enough to still be fun. There was a little water on the trail, but you could get ...