This South Carolina Hot Spring Is the Must-Book Activity This Spring

We love our state parks in South Carolina. Huntington Beach State Park is a great destination to soak up the sun on the pristine shores, and don’t skip the boardwalk trails with breathtaking ocean views at Myrtle Beach State Park. While these parks are incredible places for a weekend getaway in South Carolina, I discovered another coastal destination worth visiting.

With miles of multi-use hiking trails, several gorgeous waterways, camping, and more, Francis Marion National Forest near Huger is jam-packed with adventure and great for a family-friendly getaway. Dust off your hiking boots, pack your camping and hiking essentials, and let’s enjoy a fun-filled weekend inside this hidden gem forest in South Carolina. 

I can provide numerous reasons to visit Francis Marion National Forest, just 3 miles north of Charleston. The 239,000-acre gem is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The unique landscape combines Piedmont pine forests with the Intracoastal Waterway, which means you’ll experience the best of both worlds. Seriously, you can’t beat that! Incredibly scenic and peaceful, the picturesque trails offer views of the wetlands of South Carolina. They meander through beautiful forests of hardwood and pine trees, too.

If you enjoy spending time on the water, this coastal haven is for you. There are plenty of opportunities for boating, kayaking, and canoeing here. Additionally, the forest can be explored on foot, by mountain bike, on horseback, or with an off-road vehicle. Miles of hiking trails inside the wonderland range in difficulty from easy to challenging. There are also backpacking hikes that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the diverse terrain. 

Popular hikes like Palmetto Trail: Awendaw Passage and I'on Swamp Interpretive Trail are a couple of the best family-friendly hiking trails in South Carolina. The kid and dog-friendly treks feature picture-perfect water views and mountain terrain, and there are historical areas along the way. The trails are a mixture of natural surfaces as well as paved and boardwalk pathways, so it’s a good idea to wear sturdy shoes when exploring. 

Inside the forest, you will find the Santee River, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. So, for extra adventure, bring your watercraft for a peaceful float. Paddle the 4.5-mile-long water trail, Wambaw Creek Wilderness: Still Landing Kayak Route, and chances are, you’ll have the creek all to yourself. But, be on the lookout for gators and the river otters that call the ecosystem home.

Horseback riders and bikers also enjoy canopies of pine forests and water crossings as you conquer the 17-mile-long Jerico Horse Trail. And outside of these activities, there are historical sites, day-use recreational spots, picnic areas, shooting ranges, fishing, and more here. Of course, you’ll need more than one day to explore this hidden gem forest in South Carolina. I suggest planning for a weekend-long adventure. You can’t go wrong when you book a waterfront camping site at Buck Hall Recreation Area or perhaps a primitive camp at Elmwood Recreation Area, a free campground with running water and other facilities.

No matter the adventure you prefer, you’ll find that and more at this coastal forest in South Carolina. It’s a great destination for a weekend getaway for you and your family. Before you leave, be sure to pack lots of bug spray, especially if you plan on spending time on the water. Also, when exploring the expansive landscape, it’s a great idea to have AllTrails+ on your phone. It always comes in handy when you need it the most. Admission to the forest is free, but you might need to pay small fees for day-use areas and other recreational activities.

Visit the US Forest Service website for more information. And if you're looking for more trails or things to do in the area, check out our itinerary planner for nearby recommendations!