Explore A South Carolina Forest With Some Giant Trees That Are Hundreds Of Years Old

South Carolina's many forests dole out nearly endless opportunities to reconnect with nature in the Palmetto State. And the Francis Marion National Forest is no different. At more than a quarter of a million acres, this national forest was nearly destroyed more than 30 years ago when the Lowcountry was struck by the strongest hurricane to have ever made landfall on the South Carolina coast. The more than 20-foot tide from the storm wiped out most of the trees in the Francis Marion National Forest, but not all.

And while much of the forest is filled with new growth, you can still find some rare trees that predate that storm. And when you do in the middle of a forest with mostly new growth, it's a special moment.

If you want to visit the forest, you can drive into the wilderness where you can hear the sounds of nature all around you, or simply visit the towns of Awendaw, Huger, Jamestown, or McClellanville — all of which are located right in the forest proper.

Outside any of those towns are roads that lead into the throes of the forest canopy. They're perfect for taking a nice drive in the country.

The Francis Marion National Forest was established all the way back in 1936 and named for Revolutionary War hero, Francis Marion, a.k.a. the Swamp Fox. The forest is marked with much swamp land.

Kayaking through the swamp is a favorite pastime for paddlers. The wildlife here is diverse and the vistas along the rivers and in the swamps are gorgeous sights.

There are a number of hiking trails that traverse the forest floor.

The I'on Swamp Interpretive Trail is accessed from Awendaw. As you might expect, alligators are prevalent here, so keep a keen eye out if you're hiking. And don't forget your bug spray!

Find out more about the I'on Swamp Interpretive Trail here from our friends at AllTrails.

Another beautiful trail near Awendaw is the Carolina Bay hike along the Palmetto Trail Swamp Fox Passage.

The western end of the statewide Palmetto Trail begins here in Awendaw with this passage. Learn more about this 11.2-mile hike right here from AllTrails.

For more trails to explore the Francis Marion National Forest, check out the best wildflower trails here, the best kid-friendly trails here, and the best river trails here.

You can learn more about the Francis Marion National Forest with a visit to the U.S. Forest Service website.