Francis Marion National Forest

Welcome to the Francis Marion National Forest!

Forest History: The boots of many Revolutionary War soldiers under the command of Francis Marion marched through this forest. It is said that the British Army had a fear of alligators and snakes and thus tried to steer clear of the forest. The Brits gave Marion the nickname "Swamp Fox" due to his surprise attacks from the swamps. Before the arrival of Europeans, Native Americans occupied this land as far back as 4,000 years ago. In more recent years, this land became a National Forest in 1936 under FDR's presidency and Hurricane Hugo leveled nearly a third of the trees in the forest in 1989.

Wildlife: Francis Marion National Forest helps protect the home of numerous wild critters including alligators, deer, squirrels, foxes, bald eagles, herons and many others. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors Francis Marion National Forest boasts miles of multipurpose trails and so much more. Come on out and explore.