Francis Beidler Forest Four Holes Swamp Trail

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Photo by Mac Stone.

Photo by Mac Stone.

Photo by Mac Stone.

Male Prothonotary Warbler singing on his territory. Photo by Mark Musselman.

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) knee, part of the tree’s root system. Photo by Mark Musselman.

A female Ebony Jewelwing (Calopteryx maculata) sunning on a leaf. Photo by Mark Musselman.

A Pileated Woodpecker investigates a fallen tree. Photo by Mark Musselman.

Barred Owl perched low over the swamp. Photo by Mark Musselman.

Prothonotary Warblers are the only cavity-nesting wood warblers in North America. Photo by Mark Musselman.

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The National Audubon Society's Francis Beidler Forest located in Four Holes Swamp, SC contains within its 18,000 acres the largest remaining stand of virgin Bald Cypress and Tupelo Gum swamp forest left anywhere in the world. The Beidler Forest has been recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, a National Natural Landmark, an Important Bird Area, and a site on the Underground Railroad.

Wander along an elevated boardwalk past ancient trees, black water swamps, clear pools, and abundant wildlife. Thousand-year-old trees and native wildlife abound in this pristine sanctuary that has been untouched for millennia. The swamp is a birding paradise, with some 140 species of bird documented on the sanctuary, including nesting Prothonotary Warblers from April-July and Barred Owls present year-round. Reptiles are frequently seen on the boardwalk trail during the warm months.

A 1.75-mile self-guiding boardwalk trail allows visitors the chance to safely venture deep into the heart of the swamp... to experience the peace and serenity that has characterized the area for centuries... to hear the sounds of birds and bugs and breeze that have echoed through the trees for ages... to take a relaxing and informative walk back in time... to see a swamp the way nature intended it to be!

The boardwalk trail is a loop that starts and ends at the visitor center, which is located at 336 Sanctuary Road, Harleyville, SC 29336. Please see the Beidler Forest website or call 843-487-9988 before visiting to check for current hours and to reserve tickets.

A second trail has also been opened at the Francis Beidler Forest. Unlike the boardwalk trail through the swamp, the Grassland-Woodland Trail traverses upland habitats being restored by Audubon staff to native grasslands and Longleaf Pine savanna. This 2+ mile trail is open every day from dawn to dusk. Parking is located in a gravel lot adjacent to the entrance driveway for the visitor center. Painted and Indigo Buntings are regularly seen on this trail from April-August. More information can be found here: https://beidler.audubon.org/tr....

Allowed Uses:

• Certified as an NRT
  Apr 11, 1984