I’on Swamp Trail (Francis Marion National Forest): 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.
