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Sumter National Forest Guide

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Sumter National Forest

The Sumter National Forest is unique in that it has three distinct ranger districts that are not contiguous to each other. These ranger districts are the Enoree, Long Cane, and Andrew Pickens regions, which make up a total acreage of 371,000. Each area has its own characteristics. The Piedmont is home to the Indian Creek Wildlife Habitat Restoration Initiative, a natural resource management effort, and the Long Cane Ranger District contains the popular Forks Area Trail System (FATS), which is a nationally recognized mountain biking trail system. You will find many natural activities to enjoy in the Andrew Pickens district with the wild and fast Chattooga River coursing through and numerous mountain peaks towering above the forests.

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Hiking Trails

Sumter National Forest Hiking Trails

Opossum Creek Falls Trail

The Opossum Creek Falls Trail is an in-and-out trail that is located near Long Creek, SC. The trail has a waterfall and a large sandy beach area on the Chattooga River at one point on the trail. You can access the waterfall at the end of the trail by going left and traveling .3 miles. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

Length: 5.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate
Brasstown Waterfall Series Trail

The Brasstown Waterfall Series Trail is an in-and-out trail that is located near Long Creek, SC, and has a series of three waterfalls. Hikers can cross the creek by means of walking on piles of logs. Dogs are allowed on a leash.

Length: 0.6 miles

Intensity: Easy
Forks Area Trail System

The Forks Area Trail System is a trail system that has both in-and-out and loop trails and is located near Clarks Hill, SC. Many of the trails are multi-use, and you can mountain bike, ride horses, and hike on the trails as they wind through the forests. There are six loop trails, and one of the most popular is the "Great Wall," which features a good mixture of fast downhills, strenuous climbs, lots of "whoop-de-doos," and a twisted hand-built section.

Length: 18.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate to Difficult
King Creek Falls Trail

The King Creek Falls Trail is an in-and-out trail that is located near Mountain Rest, SC. There is a waterfall on this short trail that begins at the Burrell Ford Campground and branches from the Foothills Trail. The base of the falls is shallow, and you can wade right up to the falls. This is a neat trail due to the combination of the swimmable falls area and the nearby proximity of the Chattooga River.

Length: 1.7 miles

Intensity: Easy
Bee Cove Falls Trail

The Bee Cove Falls Trail is an in-and-out trail that is located near Mountain Rest, SC. The trail is even and wide and travels throughout a forest. After about a mile down the trail, you will cross a small creek. After another couple of miles, you will hear the falls and easily find them, even though the path here is not clearly marked. Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash.

Length: 4.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Things to Do

Activities in Sumter National Forest

Identifying Flora and Fauna

There are many outdoor recreational opportunities available in Sumter National Forest. There are around 48 species of mammals, 43 species of amphibians, 250 species of birds, and 58 species of reptiles in the forest. Visitors have a good chance to see a wide variety of wildlife, such as black bears, coyotes, otters, beavers, deer, bobcats, and raccoons. There are numerous snakes, with the most common venomous snakes being the eastern cottonmouth, southern copperhead, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, Carolina pygmy rattlesnake, and the eastern coral snake.

There is an abundant variety of plants, such as walking fern, faded trillium, nodding trillium, Shoal's spider lily, green-and-gold, Robin's plantain, liverleaf, mayapple, Canada violet, sweet Betsy's trillium, foamflower, wild or spotted geranium, sweet white trillium, and many other species.
Nature Watching

Each of the three ranger districts is home to numerous species of birds. Some of the birds you may see are the northern bobwhite, loggerhead shrike, whip-poor-will, Bachman's sparrow, wood thrush, Swainson's warbler, brown-headed nuthatch, worm-eating warbler, prairie warbler, red-headed woodpecker, black-throated green warbler, wood duck, and northern parula. The swallow-tailed kite, a state endangered species, can be seen at times soaring high in the sky.
Stargazing

There is minimal light pollution in most areas inside the Sumter National Forest, and you will see great views of the sky when the nights are clear.
Geocaching

All national forests allow geocaching that follows specific rules and requirements.

How to Get There

How to get to Sumter National Forest

Address: 4931 Broad River Rd., Columbia, SC 29212

Fee: Entry fee $0

There are three separate ranger districts for the Sumter National Forest that feature some of the distinct natural habitats and regions of South Carolina. You can take your pick of any one or visit all three. Whichever district you choose, you are sure to find plenty of natural beauty to enjoy. Taking an RV to travel to all three districts is the easiest way to see the entire Sumter National Forest, and you can readily find an RV rental to get you on your way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Sumter National Forest

What is the closest town to Sumter National Forest?

Whitmire, South Carolina is one of the closest towns to Sumter National Forest, and is the home of the forest headquarters. Carlisle and Delta are other nearby towns.

What type of wildlife lives in Sumter National Forest?

Wildlife in Sumter National Forest includes raccoons, rabbits, black bears, beavers, coyotes, and foxes. The forest is also home to wild turkeys and a variety of other birds, as well as fish and fascinating fauna.

Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Sumter National Forest?

Yes, you can kayak and canoe in Sumter National Forest. There are several canoe trails that wind through the forest, along with swamps where canoes and kayaks can paddle. The Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River has 31 miles of whitewater rapids, so rafting is also available in the area.

Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in Sumter National Forest?

Yes, you need a permit to hunt in Sumter National Forest. Anyone 16 and older also needs a fishing license in order to fish in the forest.

What is the best time to visit Sumter National Forest?

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Sumter National Forest. The temperatures are cooler in those seasons so hiking and other outdoor activities are more comfortable. The plants and flowers in the forest are more colorful during both of those seasons as well.

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Sumter National Forest Guide

RV Rentals Near Sumter National Forest

Sumter National Forest Hiking Trails

Opossum Creek Falls Trail

Brasstown Waterfall Series Trail

Forks Area Trail System

King Creek Falls Trail

Bee Cove Falls Trail

Activities in Sumter National Forest

Identifying Flora and Fauna

Nature Watching

Stargazing

Geocaching

How to get to Sumter National Forest

Frequently Asked Questions About Sumter National Forest

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