I’on Swamp Trail (Francis Marion National Forest)

// August 18th, 2009 // Charleston Hiking

This easy, 2 mile loop follows the abandoned rice-field dykes along the remnants of Witheywood Plantation. The narrow causeways pass through bald cypress wetlands and swamp, providing close sightings of alligators and a multitude of migrating songbirds in the spring and fall (the rare Bachman’s warbler is known to stop here).
Directions from Charleston: Take Hwy 17 N 23 miles to I’on Swamp Rd. (Forest Service 228). Take a left and continue 2.5 miles to the parking area on left.

Palmetto Trail Info & Maps: Palmetto Conservation Foundation / 803- 771-0870 / www.palmettoconservation.org
Francis Marion National Forest Ranger Station, McClellanville: 843-887-3257 / www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms