Sumter National Forest was established in July 1936 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Originally consisting of eroding farmlands and heavily logged forests, the area underwent extensive restoration efforts to control soil erosion, regulate stream flows, and promote timber production. Today, Sumter National Forest stands as a thriving and productive expanse, showcasing the remarkable transformation of its lands. You can conveniently rent an RV online in RVShare to enhance your camping experience in the forest.
Brick House Campground is a year-round destination offering a variety of recreationalactivities, including wildlife observation, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and photography. Its scenic surroundings and abundant wildlife make it a prime location for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Additionally, the campground is renowned as one of the most desirable hunting areas in South Carolina's upstate region.
Where to Camp
Camping in Sumter National Forest
Explore top camping spots near Sumter National Forest, offering everything from peaceful lakeside getaways to picturesque mountain retreats.
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
Discover some of the most fun adventures at Sumter National Forest.
Wildlife Observation
The three ranger districts of Sumter National Forest are home to a wide variety of bird species. Among them, you may spot northern bobwhite, loggerhead shrike, whip-poor-will, Bachman's sparrow, wood thrush, and Swainson's warbler, as well as brown-headed nuthatch, worm-eating warbler, prairie warbler, red-headed woodpecker, black-throated green warbler, wood duck, and northern parula. Occasionally, the state-endangered swallow-tailed kite can be seen soaring high above.
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the many lakes and rivers within Sumter National Forest, including the serene waters of Lake Hartwell and the Saluda River. With abundant species like bass, catfish, and trout, it's a perfect spot for anglers of all skill levels.
Sumter National Forest is considered a great location for stargazing due to its dark skies, making it a popular spot for astronomy enthusiasts to view constellations and celestial objects. Dispersed camping within the forest can further enhance the darkness for optimal stargazing experiences.
Sumter National Forest offers prime hunting opportunities, with seasons for deer, turkey, small game, and waterfowl. Hunters can enjoy the expansive forested areas while adhering to state regulations and seasonal guidelines.
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
By Car
From Columbia: Head west on US-378 W, then take US-76 W towards Sumter National Forest. The forest entrance is approximately 40 miles away.
From Greenville: Take I-85 S to SC-9 S and follow SC-9 S to the forest. The journey is around 80 miles.
From Charleston: Take I-26 W to SC-27 W, then continue on SC-27 W to reach Sumter National Forest, roughly 100 miles away.
By Air
To reach Sumter National Forest by air, you can fly to one of the nearby airports:
Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) : Located about 50 miles from Sumter National Forest, this is the nearest major airport. From the airport, you can drive west on US-378 W and US-76 W to reach the forest.
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP):Approximately 70 miles from the forest, this airport serves both domestic and international flights. From there, take I-85 S and SC-9 S to reach Sumter National Forest.
Charleston International Airport (CHS) : About 150 miles from the forest, this airport offers flights to major U.S. cities. Take I-26 W and SC-27 W to reach the forest area.
Seasonal Restrictions
Sumter National Forest in South Carolina has a few seasonal restrictions to ensure wildlife conservation and public safety. During hunting seasons, specific rules apply for different game species, and hunters are required to follow state and federal regulations. The forest also experiences restrictions for certain activities like target shooting and camping during peak wildlife periods, particularly in designated wildlife management areas. It is essential to check seasonal regulations for hunting and other activities before planning a visit, as they may vary based on the time of year and specific areas of the forest.
Fees in Sumter National Forest
There is no general entry fee for visiting Sumter National Forest. However, some activities within the forest, such as camping and certain specialized uses, may require fees. For example, campgrounds like the Brick House Campground may charge a fee for overnight stays, and some areas may require permits for activities like hunting or horseback riding. It's important to check with the forest's official website or the local ranger district for specific fee details and permit requirements before your visit.
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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