Horse Trail
Tuxbury Horse
(Francis Marion National Forest)

Description: This is a series of flat connecting trails. The longest section is an old rail bed, which takes you through a widely varying habitat; from mature longleaf pines to bottomland hardwood drains. Be aware that some areas may flood after heavy rains and big game hunting is allowed in this area during the season.

Horses must be shod. Insect repellent is recommended during warm months.

Length: 14 miles of connecting trails.

Fees: None.

Directions: From Charleston, drive northeast on US 17 and turn left onto SC 41. Drive 7 miles (Just past Wando) and the parking area and trailhead are on the left.

Hours: Open year-round dawn to dusk.

Camping: Check with the Sewee Visitor Center.

Information: Francis Marion National Forest, Sewee Visitor Center, 5821 Highway 17 North, Awendaw, SC, 29429. 843-928-3368.

South Carolina State Trails Program
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
1205 Pendleton Street :: Columbia, SC 29201 :: 803-734-0173

ACTIVITIES

Hiking Trails:
Tuxbury Horse Trail

Trail Highlights:
Tuxbury Horse Trail's 14 miles run along old railroad logging trams, traversing a wide array of habitat types, from mature longleaf pine stand to bottomland hardwood drains.

Description:
Tuxbury Horse Trail's 14 miles run along old railroad logging trams, traversing a wide array of habitat types, from mature longleaf pine stand to bottomland hardwood drains.

Visitors may glimpse prothonotary warblers darting among swamp cypress trees, or endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers in search of food in the bark of majestic longleaf pines.

Points of interest nearby include Hellhole Bay Wilderness Area, Huger Recreation Area and Big Ocean Bay Natural Area.

PARKS
Francis Marion National Forest
Horseback Riding

Tuxbury Horse Trail's 14 miles run along old railroad logging trams, traversing a wide array of habitat types, from mature longleaf pine stand to bottomland hardwood drains.

Visitors may glimpse prothonotary warblers darting among swamp cypress trees, or endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers in search of food in the bark of majestic longleaf pines.

Points of interest nearby include Hellhole Bay Wilderness Area, Huger Recreation Area and Big Ocean Bay Natural Area.

Length: 14 mile, loop

Travel Time: 4 hours by horseback

Difficulty Level: Easy

Surface Type: Unsurfaced grassy

Camping: Contact one of the offices to get a free camping permit.

Directions: There is a trailhead with parking available just off SC Highway 41. From Charleston, Take US

Quick Facts

Average Time: 3-4 Hours
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 14 Miles (23.33 Kilometers) 

Tuxbury Horse Trail

Along the Tuxbury Trail you can ride among glistening, majestic longleaf pine , interspersed with cool pockets of wetland ponds highlighting carnivorous pitcher plants and blue flag iris.

This 14-mile trail traverses a large portion of scenic longleaf pine flatwoods. These ecosystems are a dwindling habitat within the southeastern coastal plain environment. They are fire-dependent communities and several factors have led to their demise including: fire exclusion, development and hurricanes.

Much of the trail lies along the corridor of an early 1900's railroad logging tramway. Known as the Tuxbury Line, this railway was used to transport lumber from the timberlands now known as the Francis Marion National Forest, to the port town of Charleston.

Camping is available along the trail with a permit obtained from the Forest Service office.

Note: During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects and high temperatures. Be advised of big-game hunting seasons. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.

Directions from Charleston: Take US Hwy. 17 north to the intersection of SC Hwy. 41. Turn left and continue 7 miles to the trailhead on the left. There is a trailhead with parking available just off SC Hwy. 41.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: Year-round (NOTE: The recommended seasons are: Fall, Winter, Spring.)

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Camping	Camping is permitted along the trail. Contact the Forest Service office for a free permit.	Yes
	Horseback Riding	Tuxbury Horse Trail	Yes

Horse Trail
Jericho Horse
(Francis Marion Forest)

Description: This trail winds through a mostly longleaf pine forest in the Francis Marion National Forest. You will find regrowth in some areas, evidence of Hurricane Hugo (1989). The forest is also filled with dogwood, black-eyed susans, live oak, deer, wild turkey, and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Because this area is near the coast, parts of the trail are prone to flooding.

Horses must be shod. Since these trails are shared, you may encounter hikers or mountain bikers. Insect repellent is recommended during warm months.

Length: This is a 19 mile loop.

Fees: None.

Directions: From Exit 208 on I-26, drive on SC Hwy. 52 to Moncks Corner. From Moncks Corner, drive east on SC 402 to SC 41. Turn left and drive 7 miles to the trailhead on the left.

Hours: Daylight

Camping: There is primitive camping available, however, a permit is required from the District office.

Information: Francis Marion National Forest, Witherbee Ranger District, 2421 Witherbee Rd., Cordesville, SC, 29434. 843-336-3248 or Wambaw Ranger District, PO Box 788, McClellanville, SC, 29458. 843-887-3257

ACTIVITIES

Jericho/Horse Hiking Trail

Trail Highlights:
It offers captivating scenery to visitors. Horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers may glimpse prothonotary warblers darting among swamp cypress knees or endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers in search of food in the bark of majestic longleaf pines.

Description:
This 19-mile trail traverses a wide array of habitat types, from mature longleaf pine stands to bottomland hardwood drains. It offers captivating scenery to visitors. Horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers may glimpse prothonotary warblers darting among swamp cypress knees or endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers in search of food in the bark of majestic longleaf pines.

Quick Facts

Average Time:	6 Hours
Difficulty:	Easy
Length:	19 Miles (31.67 Kilometers) loop
Title:	Jericho Horse/Hiking Trail

Jericho Horse/Hiking Trail

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: Year-round (NOTE: Fall, Winter and Spring are the recommended seasons.) .

Add your own trip Report! One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others. This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate!

Date: 12/31/04
Filed By: virginia richardson (sumerville, sc)
Email: ceifandvirginia@msn.com
Time of Day: 4pm
Difficulty: Easy
Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: I ALWAYS ENJOY RIDING THIS TRAIL
Conditions: MOST PARTS SHADDY, FALLEN TREES HAVE BE CUT
Water Availability: WATER AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT PLACES FOR HORSES
Recommended Clothing: DRESS ACCORDING TO WEATHER
Suggested Accessories: DRINKING WATER

Recreation Opportunities

Activity	Remarks		On Site
Hiking & Walking		Yes
Horseback Riding		Yes
Mountain Biking		Yes

INFORMATION

Francis Marion National Forest

The Francis Marion National Forest, located in South Carolina on the Atlantic coast, is comprised of 251,139 acres. There are seven developed campgrounds of which one meets the selection criteria.

During September 1989, the Francis Marion National Forest was hit dead-on by Hurricane Hugo. The effects of Hugo were widespread but, as time passes, the Forest has been recovering. Young Loblolly and Longleaf pines are growing up through acres of dead-and-down trees giving the Forest a bushy green appearance. The Forest's canoeing and fishing opportunities are back to their pre-Hugo days. And the hiking is as good as ever. Francis Marion National Forest isn't as grand as some National Forests but it does feature the Southern characteristics of hospitality and resilience.

People visiting the historic communities of Charleston and Georgetown do not realize the Francis Marion National Forest is in between these old towns. Linking Charleston and Georgetown is U.S. Route 17 which parallels the Atlantic shoreline and passes right through Francis Marion. Only small signs welcome and bid visitors farewell to the Forest. But the dense stands of Loblolly and Longleaf pines are good indicators of the Forest boundaries.

A great deal of the wealth that established Charleston and Georgetown came from the land now called Francis Marion National Forest. Rice plantation profits built some of Charleston's magnificent old houses. Georgetown, South Carolina's third oldest city, was established in 1732 as an alternative port of entry to Charleston. Connecting these two communities is the Old Georgetown/King's Highway Road. In the Francis Marion, visitors can find the last 7 miles of this historic, tree-lined, single-lane, dirt roadway. This roadway was used by George Washington in 1791 for his Grand Tour of the original colonies. Later, plantation families took Georgetown Highway to reach their townhouses. Later still, soldiers, both from the North and South, marched along it. Listen carefully, visitors sometimes hear the rumble of an old farm wagon bringing fresh produce into town. Not only does Old Georgetown Road look magical, it is.

The stately live oaks, many surviving numerous hurricanes, along Old Georgetown Road and scattered throughout the Francis Marion, have witnessed a great deal of history. The small old village of McClellanville has some of the most magnificent examples of this resilient tree. These enormous trees, twisted trunks supporting wide-spreading limbs draped with Spanish moss, wave at passing visitors in true Southern hospitality. The Village Museum is located where the village and harbor meet. Here visitors learn about the area's history and special places. Near the Museum, the village's harbor is lined with fishing boats and a few pleasure crafts. Once a Summer retreat for rice plantation families, McClellanville is now a fishing village inviting visitors to enjoy its quiet charm.

A perfect base from which to explore the rich history and quiet charm of Charleston, McClellanville and Georgetown, is a sweet little campground named Buck Hall. Easy access, level parking aprons, hot showers, flush toilets, an RV dump station, and electric hook-ups are found in this campground. However, one of the completely unique features of this little campground is it location - Buck Hall campground is right on the Intracoastal Waterway. Imagine sitting at a campsite and watching a powerful speed boat, sleek luxury yacht, or battered fishing boat cruise by with its escort of seabirds.

Buck Hall campground is also a good base camp for those who want to explore the Francis Marion via miles of trails. There is the 1 mile long Batter Warren Interpretive Trail near Honey Hill featuring a Civil War earthen fort. Mountain bicyclist, ATV riders and dirt bike enthusiasts will enjoy the 40-mile Wambaw Cycle Trail that winds through some of Francis Marion's stands of hardwoods. Bird watchers and mountain bicyclist enjoy the various environments found on the 5-mile trail known as South Tibwin. Then, there are canoe trails such as the 8.2-mile Chicken Creek and the 14-mile Tuxbury Horse Trail. And that is just a few.

Then, there are the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center, Sewee Shell Mound Interpretive Trail, and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Each is just a short distance from Buck Hall campground and offer a variety of hands-on oriented activities. With so much to do, Buck Hall campground should be considered for more then a weekend stay.

The Francis Marion National Forest was named for the Revolutionary War hero nicknamed "Swamp Fox." Outwitting the British at every opportunity, Francis Marion (a.k.a., Swamp Fox) demonstrated a resiliency and toughness characterized by the Forest that carries his name. Come on down to see, explore and enjoy the old haunts of that irrepressible rascal, the Swamp Fox, in the Francis Marion National Forest.