The Palmetto Trail
The Palmetto Trail , a signature project of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation , crosses the state from the mountains to the sea with the Awendaw Passage its coastal terminus . The 7 mile Awendaw Passage passes through maritime forests of pine and palmetto and is arguably the northernmost “ tropical ” trail in the U . S . Bring binoculars-the broad vistas across the salt marsh are a haven for both wading shorebirds and migrating songbirds . The sandy , flat trail is appropriate for all ages and is bikeable .
Directions from Charleston : Head north on Hwy 17 . 3 miles past Awendaw turn at the Buck Hall Recreation Area sign and the trailhead is at the end of the road . There is a $ 5 per vehicle fee to park .
I ’ On Swamp Trail
This easy , two-mile loop in the Francis Marion National Forest 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 .
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