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Page 1: SCNFS Destination Guide

fs.usda.gov/scnfs

South Carolina’s

A Destination Guide

U.S. Department of AgricultureForest Service Southern RegionDec. 2012 R8-RG-465

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Where are South Carolina’s National Forests?

I f the mountains are calling, then you’ll want to venture to the Andrew Pickens (AP) Ranger District. If it’s the

lure of salt marshes and the coast you prefer, then the Francis Marion (FM) Ranger District is for you. If you want the option of two piedmont ranger districts — either an hour’s drive northwest or west of the state capital — then the Enoree (EN) and Long Cane (LC) are ideal. Whichever district you choose, these public lands provide some of the state’s greatest economic, environmental, historic and social assets.

the mountains to the coast —the Andrew Pickens, Enoree, Long Cane, which make up the Sumter National Forest, and the Francis Marion.

Whether you want to hike or ride a trail; hunt, fish, paddle or play in one of our rivers or lakes; camp, bird-watch or relax at one of our recreation areas; or learn at one of our interpretive sites, South Carolina’s national forests have something special waiting for you.

Officially proclaimed in 1936, the Francis Marion

and Sumter National Forests cover almost 630,000 acres across the palmetto state of South Carolina.

The U.S. Forest Service restores and maintains these lands for multiple uses including watershed improvement and protection, timber and wood production, wildlife and fish habitat,

cultural resource protection and interpretation, wilderness area management and recreation.

South Carolina’s national forests provide a diverse set of outdoor opportunities on four ranger districts from

est. 1936WELCOME TOSouthCarolina’s

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What is a National Forest?

O ver the years, people have changed what they want and need from national forests. When Congress established the U.S. Forest Service in 1905, forests were designed to provide quality water and

timber for the nation’s benefit. Today, the agency manages national forests for multiple uses, as well as for sustainable, renewable resources such as clean water, wildlife and timber. Management efforts also focus on conserving resources, restoring ecosystems and protecting cultural resources. In the Southeast,

prescribed fire is an important tool—it reduces unwanted vegetation to prevent wildfires and create healthy habitat. Many southeastern forests are fire adaptive ecosystems, which means they need periodic fire to thrive.

National forests are also America’s great outdoors — 193 million acres provide recreation opportunities from coast to coast. With more people moving to urban areas, national forests are becoming

increasingly important, relevant and valuable to people across the country and around

the world.

Paddlers take in nature’s sights and sounds on Wambaw Creek on the Francis Marion Ranger District.

Riding is fun and educational in South Carolina’s national forests.

Fall colors come alive between late September and mid - October on the Andrew Pickens Ranger District.

Hunting is just one of the many activities you can in enjoy in South Carolina’s national forests.

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T he lands that

make up South Carolina’s national forests have a long and colorful history.

Native Americans inhabited the state at least 12,000 years ago. Even today a 4,000-year-old shell ring created by prehistoric Indians remains as a monument to an early culture on South Carolina’s coast. Many tribes hunted, gathered food and farmed across the state. Revolutionary War soldiers splashed through South Carolina’s swamps to attack British supply lines. Early colonists settled along streams, toiled in the fields and built family-owned companies to harvest timber. They built railroads and tunnels, while others mined gold — all before the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests were created.

The U.S. Bureau of Forestry — a predecessor of the U.S. Forest Service — first sent a field party to evaluate lands in South Carolina in 1901. Congress passed the Weeks Act in 1911, which allowed the federal government to purchase private lands

to provide clean water, restore forests and reduce catastrophic wildfires. Then came World War I and demand for timber skyrocketed. Across the South, deforestation increased and land deteriorated. By the 1920s, much of the “Southern Pine Belt” was cutover.

In 1928, the National Forest Reservation Commission approved the purchase of two units in South Carolina. It was not until the Great Depression and President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal that the creation of national forests began in earnest. In July 1936, the Francis Marion and Sumter were officially proclaimed national forests.

Early on, national forests were called “the lands nobody wanted.” In South Carolina, these lands were predominantly eroded old farm fields and gullies or extensively cutover forests. National forests were created to retire the farmlands, control soil erosion, regulate stream flow and produce timber. With the early work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the land was slowly restored and became productive once more.

Today, the Francis Marion and Sumter are a testament to the success of responsible land management. More than a million people visit these forests each year to hike or ride trails, fish, hunt, camp, learn, take pictures or have a picnic.

They may even make a little history.

A Tale of Two Forests

A CCC enrollee plants seedlings as part of the reforestation program carried out by the Corps.

A truck hauls logs from the forest to the mill.

Workers buck trees into logs in the early 1900s in the Southeast.

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Packing appropriate safety gear will help make any trip to your national forest a roundtrip.

Always travel in groups of two or more when visiting your national forest.

N ow that you know a little about South Carolina’s national forests,

you’re ready to explore them. A few tools you might need are maps, basic rules, permit requirements, passes and safety gear. Some information varies by district so please visit fs.usda.gov/scnfs for details.

H ere are a few safety tips for the next trip to your national forest. Have fun. Be aware. Stay safe.

• Prepare for your trip.• Travel with a buddy.• Watch the weather.• Carry clean water.• Tell somebody your plans.• Bring a first aid kit.• Call 911 in an emergency.• Don’t get lost. Buy a map.• Know your physical limitations.• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.• Bring plenty of food and water.

Explore Your National Forests Safely

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A bout 20 minutes north of Charleston, the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center

provides information and environmental education to introduce visitors to the cultural heritage and natural history of South Carolina’s lowcountry. Jointly operated by the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this 9,000-square-foot facility features hands-on interpretive displays exploring the unique ecosystems of the Francis Marion National Forest and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. It offers classes, field trips and events for children and adults, freshwater ponds for fishing and nature study, a mile-long loop trail and a butterfly garden.

Visit the Center at 5821 Highway 17 North in Awendaw, S.C. For information, call (843) 928-3368 or TDD (843) 928-3833 or visit fs.usda.gov/scnfs.

Through other partnerships, South Carolina’s national forests provide educational opportunities such as Wood Magic Forest Fair and Project Learning Tree. Other agencies, private organizations and volunteers help support fishing rodeos, river and forest clean ups, hunting events for youth, adults and people with disabilities, as well as national outdoor events.

Discover the Forests, Find Some Fun

Learning is fun (right) and a great way to make new friends (below) at the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center.

Visiting with Smokey Bear (left) and fishing on National Fishing Day (below) are fun ways to learn from your national forest.

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T he U.S. Forest Service offers explorers a variety of passes and permits — some are free while others cost

money. Passes allow visitors to enter some fee areas without additional charges.

Visitors must pay fees and obtain recreation permits at all motorized trails and at some campgrounds. When camping in other areas and floating on the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River, visitors need a free permit. Visit fs.usda.gov/scnfs for permit requirements on each ranger district.

The U.S. Forest Service uses funds from passes, permits and other fees to repair trails and campgrounds where the funds were collected, remove litter and improve forest health.

Sport anglers and hunters in South Carolina must get state licenses from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Visit dnr.sc.gov.

Why the Rules?

F ollowing the rules can help keep the water clean, protect plants, animals and the natural scenery

and take care of the national forests for our children and their grandchildren.

Learn the Rules, Remember to Live by Them

If you don’t know the rules, please talk to someone who does.

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W hen exploring South Carolina’s national forests, please practice the following Leave No Trace Seven Principles.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare2. Dispose of Waste Properly 3. Leave What You Find4. Minimize Campfire Impacts

5. Be Considerate of Other Visitors 6. Respect Wildlife 7. Travel and Camp on Durable

Sufaces

Visit the Forest, Leave No Trace

Other Ways to Help

• Share what you learn

with friends, family and

children.

• Volunteer. Check for

opportunities at fs.usda.gov/goto/scnfs/volunteering.

• Be aware of your surroundings and ways you may be

impacting them.

• Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

• Keep learning. Visit websites such as LNT.org,

discovertheforest.org, smokeybear.com and wilderness.net.Volunteers take a break after a river sweep on the Enoree Ranger District.

Leave No Trace Principles for Kids

• Know Before You Go• Choose the Right Path• Trash Your Trash• Leave What You Find• Be Careful With Fire• Respect Wildlife• Be Kind to Other Visitors

Please don’t trash your national forest (left) —always pack your trash out(above).

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Destination: Francis Marion Ranger District

F rom its open pine forests to sultry moss-draped swamps, this coastal wonderland presents visitors the unique opportunity to hike miles through

stately longleaf pine stands; peer into the rich, salt-scented, wildlife-laden depths of a marsh at low tide; or paddle into the mysterious heart of the swampy, blackwater jungle — all in a single visit.

Nature lovers will find more than 1,600 plant species — orchids, ferns and carnivorous plants — and more than 400 mammal, bird, amphibian and reptile species. A natural haven for hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders, the forest boasts numerous trails, including the Palmetto Trail. Motorcyclists, OHVers and mountain bikers will love the challenge of the Wambaw Cycle Trail.

History buffs will enjoy the 4,000-year-old Sewee Shell Ring; Battery Warren, a Civil War earthen fort; and the I’on Swamp, with its remnants of the great rice fields that once dominated the landscape.

Boaters can take the Intracoastal Waterway to the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and Bulls Bay. Creeks offer travel through saltmarshes, cypress/tupelo swamps and oyster banks. Anglers will enjoy catching bream, bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish and shad. Hunters will find game — doves, quail, foxes, deer, wild turkeys — as well as ducks and woodcocks.

Of course, adults and children alike will love the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center.

Photo by Martjan Lammertink A red-cockaded woodpecker takes flight.

A new day, and a new seedling, begin in a longleaf pine stand.

Giant cypress trees are a site to behold on the Francis Marion Ranger District.

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Where is the Francis Marion Ranger District?

T he Francis Marion Ranger District, which is also the Francis Marion National

Forest, is located in the coastal plain of South Carolina. It is bounded to the north by the Santee River, and by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Two major metropolitan areas surround the forest: Myrtle Beach (about 70 miles to the north) and historic Charleston (about 30 miles to the south). Many other vacation destinations are nearby such as Hilton Head, the Isle of Palms and Edisto Island in South Carolina, and Savannah and Jekyll Island in Georgia. Visit discoversouthcarolina.com and visitcoastalgeorgia.org for additional information.

This part of coastal South Carolina is a popular tourist destination, well-known for its freshwater and saltwater recreational opportunities, golf and tennis, beautiful coastal scenery and historical landmarks dating from prehistoric times through the Revolutionary and Civil War eras.

The climate is hot and humid in the summer and is generally mild in the winter, making it a great place to visit any time of year.

Recreation Type Available (Yes/No)Biking: Mountain Bike Trails Yes

Camping: Campground Yes

Boating: Motorized Yes

Boating: Non-motorized Yes

Camping: Dispersed Yes w/free permit

Camping: Group No

Camping: RV Yes

Fishing: Lake and Pond Yes

Fishing: River and Stream Yes

Hiking: Backpacking Yes

Hiking: Day Hiking Yes

Horse Trail/Riding Areas Yes

Recreation Type Available (Yes/No)Horse Camping YesHunting: Big Game YesHunting: Game Bird/Waterfowl YesInterpretive Areas YesNature Viewing: Plants YesNature Viewing: Scenery YesNature Viewing: Wildlife YesOHV Trails YesVisitor Centers YesPicnicking: Group YesPicnicking: General YesRifle Ranges YesSwimming Yes

Francis Marion Ranger DistrictOther Ranger Districts

Francis Marion Ranger District Office

2967 Steed Creek Rd.Huger, SC 29450

Ph: (843) 336-3248

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Hike or bike along old railroad logging trams with gorgeous lowcountry scenery — mature longleaf pine stands, bottomland hardwood drains and evergreen shrub bogs.

Kids of all ages will love Sewee’s programs and hands-on displays about South Carolina’s lowcountry forest and wildlife refuge, as well as the fishing pond and butterfly garden.

Sewee Visitor Center

Wambaw Creek is a peaceful, wilderness blackwater creek flowing through majestic cypess-tupelo stands where visitors can see prothonotary warblers, swallow-tailed kites and river otters.

Wambaw Creek

This sandy, figure-eight motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle (less than 50”) and mountain bike trail winds through fragrant pines and shimmering hardwoods. You may see turkeys, deer and bald cypress, too.

Wambaw Cycle Trail

Boat on the Intracoastal Waterway, play at one of Cape Romain’s tidal creeks and beaches or experience the coast’s best shrimp baiting in Bull’s Bay at this premier recreation area.

Buckhall Recreation Area

A Sneak Peek at the Francis Marion

Starting at Buck Hall Recreation Area, this trail follows Awendaw Creek through piney sand ridges, live oaks and across tidal creeks with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the marsh.

Awendaw Passage/Palmetto Trail

Swamp Fox Passage/Palmetto Trail

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Destination: Andrew Pickens Ranger District

T he Andrew Pickens Ranger District is located in the mountains of northwest South Carolina in Oconee County. Prior to European settlement, these

lands were home to the Cherokee Indians. Several local places are named after Cherokee villages, such as the Chattooga and Chauga rivers.

The district, originally part of the Nantahala National Forest, became part of the Sumter National Forest when the Sumter was proclaimed in 1936. After the damage wrought by years of extensive private logging and farming, conservation work began to restore the productivity and health of the forest. Today, the more than 85,000-acre Andrew Pickens Ranger District is managed to protect the area’s forest resources—recreation, timber, water, heritage resources and wildlife—for the continued benefit of the American people.

The Chattooga River is a crown jewel of the Andrew Pickens. Congressionally designated in 1974 as a Wild and Scenic River, the river corridor provides world-class whitewater rafting, some of the best trout fishing in the Southeast and a variety of hunting experiences and hiking trails. The Chattooga and Foothills trails offer long hikes or backpack trips, while many others offer day hikes.

The district is home to numerous waterfalls, some taller than 70 feet. Hiking to these waterfalls ranges from easy to extremely difficult. Other popular attractions include hunting, fishing, hiking, fall color sightseeing, camping, horseback riding and target shooting.

The Chattooga Wild and Scenic River provides some of the best fly fishing opportunities in the Southeast.

Yellow Branch Falls, one of several waterfalls on the Andrew Pickens Ranger District, is a short, easy hike.

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Where is the Andrew Pickens Ranger District?

T he Andrew Pickens Ranger District is located in the mountains of South

Carolina. This area in the northwestern corner of South Carolina (Oconee County) is known as the “golden corner.” Named for General Andrew Pickens, the district serves as a gateway to the mountains of South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina.

The district is bounded to the north by the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina and to the west by the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia. Nearby historic towns include Highlands and Franklin, N.C., Clayton, Ga., and Walhalla, S.C.

Part of the Sumter National Forest, the Andrew Pickens offers a variety of activities including an exciting trip down the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River; the exceptional solitude of the Ellicott Rock Wilderness; more than 60 miles of hiking trails; unique fishing experiences; developed and primitive campsites ... the list goes on (see table below). The forest is a place for recreation enthusiasts of all types. From the leaf-seeking Sunday driver to the risk-taking rapids rider, all will be satisfied.

Recreation Type Available (Yes/No)Biking: Mountain Bike Trails Yes

Camping: Campground YesBoating: Motorized NoBoating: Non-motorized YesCamping: Dispersed YesCamping: Group YesCamping: RV YesFishing: Lake and Pond YesFishing: River and Stream YesHiking: Backpacking Yes

Hiking: Day Hiking Yes

Horse Trail/Riding Areas Yes

Horse Camping Yes

Recreation Type Available (Yes/No)Hunting: Big Game Yes

Hunting: Game Bird/Waterfowl Yes

Interpretive Areas YesNature Viewing: Plants Yes

Nature Viewing: Scenery Yes

Nature Viewing: Wildlife YesOHV Trails NoVisitor Center NoPicnicking: Group Yes

Picnicking: General YesRifle Ranges YesSwimming YesTubing Yes

Andrew Pickens Ranger District Office112 Andrew Pickens Circle

Mountain Rest, S.C. 29664

Ph: (864) 638-9568

Andrew Pickens Ranger DistrictOther Ranger Districts

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Visit a picnic shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, an accessible fishing pier and boardwalk, trails to the Ellicott Rock Wilderness and the Chattooga River and the state fish hatchery.

Chattooga Picnic Area/Fish Hatchery

Nature’s peace and quiet attract many who get away from life’s hustle and bustle to this 29-site campground. Some sites must be reserved at (877) 444-6777 or reserveamerica.com.

Cherry Hill Recreation Area

Nestled in a mixed pine/hardwood stand, this accessible picnic area is beautiful year round with a Civilian Conservation Corps stone and wood shelter. Enjoy a short hike to waterfall and creek.

Yellow Branch Picnic Area

A Preview of the Andrew Pickens

More than 50 miles long, the river descends an average of 49 feet per mile from headwaters in N.C. to the state line between S.C. and Ga. It offers some of the best whitewater boating and trout fishing in the region.

Chattooga Wild & Scenic RiverWhetstone is a great getaway for horseback riders who like to ride and camp. Twenty-eight miles of riding can be found nearby on the Rocky Gap (S.C.) and Willis Knob (Ga.) horse trails.

Whetstone Horse Camp

This year-round range accommodates targets at 25, 50, 75 and 100 yards, has five shooting tables—three sheltered—and a fully accessible, paved path to targets.

Cedar Creek Rifle Range

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State of North Carolinawww.visitnc.com

www.walhallachamber.com

State of Georgiawww.exploregeorgia.org

www.seneca.sc.us

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Destination: Enoree Ranger District

T he Enoree Ranger District is home to three beautiful rivers and provides an exceptional

environment for recreation opportunities both on and off the water. Naturally, boating is a popular activity. The district maintains river sections and access points to match the skills of novice and advanced paddlers alike. Anglers can enjoy fishing for catfish, bream and bass on the rivers and tributaries, or may opt to try many small ponds that support populations of shellcrackers, bass and catfish.

Hunters can choose from a variety of wildlife along all three rivers. The landscape creates a good combination of food and cover for squirrels, deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, quail and woodcocks.Visitors interested in nature watching will see a variety of birds including red-shouldered hawks, great blue herons, barred owls, wood ducks, ospreys and possibly the American bald eagle.

Canoeing can be a relaxing and challenging way to enjoy the Tyger River, one of three river trails on the Enoree.

Away from the waterways the Enoree features unique opportunities for high-quality day hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, photography, fishing, hunting, camping and nature study.

The Woods Ferry Recreation Area lies within a beautiful wooded floodplain encircled by upland pines and hardwoods. Campers and day users can fish or boat on the Broad River, picnic or ride their horse on the trail.

The popular Enoree OHV trail, a challenging 23-mile trail managed for all-terrain vehicles (50” or less) and dirt bikes, allows visitors to choose routes ranging from 30 minutes to three hours long.

It’s always a great day to go hunting on the Enoree Ranger District.

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Where is the Enoree Ranger District?

T he Enoree Ranger District consists of more than 170,000 acres in Newberry,

Union, Chester, Laurens and Fairfield counties. Located in the state’s piedmont, the district lies northwest of the state capital Columbia, and southeast of Greenville, two of the state’s largest metropolitan areas.

The Enoree Ranger District has many active programs including a growing recreation program, soil and water improvement, wildlife and fisheries program, timber management and prescribed burning.

The Enoree and its diverse resources provide a full range of outdoor recreation activities. These include hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, canoeing, photography, horse riding and scenic viewing, just to name a few. The Enoree also offers several annual youth dove hunts and hunts for individuals who are mobility impaired. For specific information, visit fs.usda.gov/scnfs.

The area is home to hot summers but very mild winters so visitors can get out year round.

Recreation Type Available (Yes/No)Biking: Mountain Bike Trails Yes

Camping: Campground Yes

Boating: Motorized No

Boating: Non-motorized Yes

Camping: Dispersed Yes w/free permit

Camping: Group Yes

Camping: RV Yes

Fishing: Lake and Pond Yes

Fishing: River and Stream Yes

Hiking: Backpacking Yes

Hiking: Day Hiking Yes

Horse Trail/Riding Areas Yes

Recreation Type Available (Yes/No)Horse Camping YesHunting: Big Game YesHunting: Game Bird/Waterfowl YesInterpretive Areas Yes

Nature Viewing: Plants YesNature Viewing: Scenery YesNature Viewing: Wildlife Yes

OHV Trails Yes

Visitor Centers NoPicnicking: Group YesPicnicking: General YesRifle Ranges YesSwimming Yes

Enoree Ranger DistrictOther Ranger Districts

Enoree

Ranger District Office

20 Work Center Road Whitmire, SC 29178

Ph: (803) 276-4810

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This 23-site campground offers horse riding, mountain biking, hiking and photography. Visitors can camp with horses at some sites. Seasonal and extended stays are allowed September – December.

Brick House Campground

The Enoree boasts four rifle ranges, all accessible with paved paths to targets. All have six shooting tables under a shelter and are open year round for day use. Visitors can shoot targets up to 100 yards.

Four Rifle Ranges

This picnic area is near a massive granite boulder known locally as Molly’s Rock. Visit the small, stocked pond with accessible pier, Civilian Conservation Corps shelter and short, easy trail.

Molly’s Rock Picnic Area

More than 23 miles of connected loops provide rides ranging from 30 minutes to three hours. Trail travels along rolling piedmont hills and pine forests. Ride ATVs 50” or less and dirt bikes.

Enoree OHV Trail

Visitors can choose between social or solitude experiences. See gorgeous scenery and abundant wildlife. Season and rainfall can affect trip and safety. Contact the district for a river guide or visit fs.usda.gov/scnfs.

Enoree, Tyger & Broad Rivers This area offers 28 campsites (10 allow horses), two picnic shelters, more than 30 picnic tables and a boat ramp to the Broad River. It also ties to nine miles of horse trail for hiking, biking and horse riding,

Woods Ferry Recreation Area

A Bird’s Eye View of the Enoree

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Get some air time on the world-class Forks Area Trail System on the Long Cane.

Destination: Long Cane Ranger District

T he Long Cane hosts several popular forms of recreation including horseback riding,

motorcycle riding, hiking, picnicking, hunting and mountain biking.

The Forks Area Trail System (FATS) is a nationally renowned mountain biking trail. The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) awarded the trail system “epic” trail status in 2009, and selected it as the host trail for the annual IMBA World Mountain Bike Summit in 2010.

The multi-use Long Cane Horse Trail offers visitors a beautiful introduction to the district’s varied terrain. This more than 25-mile loop trail traverses the pine and hardwood forest of the Long Cane Scenic Area and passes the largest shagbark hickory tree in the United States. A historic cemetery and the original Charleston Road enhance the visitor experience for history buffs.

The Modoc Trail is just one of many hiking trails on the Long Cane Ranger District.

Cedar Springs and Parson’s Mountain OHV trails provide 23 miles of adventure for all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes. The trails wind through hardwood bottoms and pine forests with trail length options that will suit novice and experienced riders of all ages.

The district has two recreation areas that feature campgrounds, picnic sites, boat launches, trails and swimming areas.

Deer and turkey hunting are very popular. The district maintains two seasonal hunt camps as well as two accessible rifle ranges.

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Where is the Long Cane Ranger District?

T he 120,000-acre Long Cane Ranger District spans the Piedmont

counties of Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, McCormick and Saluda. The district office is located in the town of Edgefield which lies about 20 miles north of Aiken, 60 miles west of Columbia, 25 miles north of Augusta, Ga., and approximately 35 miles south of Greenwood.

Rich in history, Edgefield is home of ten South Carolina governors, including the longest serving U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond. Edgefield is also home to the Edgefield Discovery Center, as well as the headquarters for the National Wild Turkey Federation.

World-class golf in Augusta, Ga., and equestrian facilities in Aiken, S.C., are within 30 minutes of Edgefield. River and lake (Lake Thurmond) fishing opportunities abound for red-eyed, spot tail, striped and largemouth bass; and catfish, striper, bream and crappie.

Mild winters and a delightful spring and fall (hot July and August) make this a great climate for outstanding recreation year round.

Recreation Type Available (Yes/No)Biking: Mountain Bike Trails Yes

Camping: Campground Yes

Boating: Motorized Yes

Boating: Non-motorized Yes

Camping: Dispersed Yes w/free permit

Camping: Group No

Camping: RV No

Fishing: Lake and Pond Yes

Fishing: River and Stream Yes

Hiking: Backpacking Yes

Hiking: Day Hiking Yes

Horse Trail/Riding Areas Yes

Recreation Type Available (Yes/No)Horse Camp YesHunting: Big Game YesHunting: Game Bird/Waterfowl YesInterpretive Areas NoNature Viewing: Plants YesNature Viewing: Scenery YesNature Viewing: Wildlife YesOHV Trails YesPicnicking: Group YesPicnicking: General YesRifle Ranges YesSwimming YesTubing No

Long Cane Ranger DistrictOther Ranger Districts

Long Cane Ranger District Office

810 Buncombe StreetEdgefield, S.C. 29824Ph: (803) 637-5396

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A Quick Glance at the Long Cane

This recreation area, with its 12-acre lake, is a quiet place to rest or play. Surrounded by dense piedmont pines and hardwoods, visitors will enjoy scenic views and designated swimming.

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

This premier area includes a 28-acre lake next to a 23-site campground. Find relaxation, solitude, a designated swim area, pier and bathhouse, pedestrian bridge, boat ramp and trails.

Parson’s Mountain Recreation Area

Mostly used by hunters and equestrians, this camp offers wildlife, biking, hiking and birding. With approximately 50 campsites on 15 acres, it serves as the trailhead for the 26.7-mile Long Cane Horse Trail.

Fell CampThe two one-way loops and two-way connector on this trail can be enjoyed by novice and experienced riders of all ages. Open to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes only.

Cedar Springs OHV Trail

Visitors can ride for 34 miles on six stacked loops with gorgeous panoramic views. The trail was designed for bike enthusiasts and named an “epic” trail by IMBA.

Forks Area Trail System (FATS)

This one-way trail is great for novice and experienced riders. The two-way cut allows for one large or two smaller loops. This trail is open to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes only.

Parsons Mountain OHV Trail

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Edgefieldedgefieldsc.net

Saludasaludasc.com

Greenwoodwww.cityofgreenwoodsc.com

Abbeville abbevillecitysc.com

Augusta augustaga.org

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