Map of Francis Marion National Forest The 250,000 acre Francis Marion National Forest was established in 1936 by President Franklin Roosevelt. The forest is named after Brigadier General Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion, South Carolinas Revolutionary War hero, who thwarted the English troops by the use of his guerilla tactics in the swamps of the Lowcountry (The Patriot, starring Mel Gibson, was loosely based on the Swamp Fox).
This federally protected forest surrounds McClellanville to the north, south and west and acts as a natural buffer from encroaching development.
Francis Marion National ForestPine, oak, and cypress trees call this land home, as well as numerous protected animal including the bald eagle, red-cockaded woodpecker, and American alligator. The US Forest Service manages the forest which is open to the public for camping, hunting, hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking.
There are more than 120 miles of trails to explore, including the start of the Palmetto Trail which continues all the way to the mountains of South Carolina. For more information on the forest visit the U.S Forestry site or The Sewee Visitor Center, 5821 Highway 17 North, Awendaw, SC 29429.

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