Tours Of Francis Marion National Forest
Francis Marion National Forest, whose nearest border is only 30 minutes from Charleston, offers a variety of recreational opportunities within its expansive pine forests.
The forest offers several kayaking and canoeing destinations, including through wilderness and some of the lowcountry’s beautiful blackwater creeks and swamps.
Historical and cultural sights within the forest include the towns of Awendaw and McClellanville, relics of the area’s original Sewee Indian inhabitants, and sites of military significance in the war for American Independence.
Several kayak, canoe and hiking tours are offered by local guide companies, offering a good introduction to the wildlife and history of this lowcountry forest, and a fun, safe way to explore its natural sights if you don’t have much wilderness or paddling experience.
See also:
– Capers Island Tours
Kayak Tours
Quemby/Quenby Creek
Quemby Creek Tour, 3hrs With Nature Adventures. Blackwater kayak tour of Quemby Creek. Adults $59, children (12 and under) $49. Call 843-568-3222 for reservations. More details
Quinby Creek Kayak Tour, 6hrs With Coastal Expeditions. History and nature tour of the blackwater creek, its old plantations and battlefields. Adults $95, children (12 and under) $65, 4-person minimum. Call 843-884-7684 for reservations or book online. More details
Quenby/Huger Creek Tour, 2hrs or 3hrs With Blueway Adventures. Kayak tour of Quemby and Huger Creeks. 2-hour tours: adults $40, children (4-12) $25. 3-hour tours: adults $55, children (4-12) $35. Call 843-697-2812 for reservations or book online. More details
Wadboo Creek
Wadboo Creek Tour With Nature Adventures. Kayak tour of the Wadboo Creek, 6-person minimum. Call 843-568-3222 for inquiries and reservations. More details
Upper Wadboo Creek Tour, 2hrs With Blueway Adventures. History and nature tour of the upper Wadboo Creek, near the site of a Revolutionary War victory against the British. Adults $40, children (4-12) $25. Call 843-697-2812 for reservations or book online. More details
Wadboo Creek – Twice the Fun, 3hrs With Blueway Adventures. History and nature tour of the upper Wadboo Creek, near the site of a Revolutionary War victory against the British, plus the abandoned rice fields of the lower creek. Adults $55, children (4-12) $35. Call 843-697-2812 for reservations or book online. More details
Wadboo Creek – Full Day Tour, 6rs With Blueway Adventures. History and nature tour of the upper and lower portions of the Wadboo Creek, exploring the interior of old plantation rice fields. Adults $85, children (4-12) $45. Call 843-697-2812 for reservations or book online. More details
Wambaw Creek
Wambaw Wilderness Kayak Tour, 6hrs With Coastal Expeditions. Kayak or canoe tour of the blackwater Wambaw Wilderness. Adults $95, children (12 and under) $65. Call 843-884-7684 for reservations or book online. More details
Wambaw River (6 max) 4hrs With Tideline Tours. Kayak tour of the sheltered blackwater Wambaw River. Adults $85, children (under 12) $60. Call 843-813-5009 for reservations or book online. More details
Wambaw Creek Wilderness Area Kayak and Canoe Trail, 2hrs, 3hrs or 5-6hrs With Nature Adventure Outfitters. Kayak tour of the blackwater Wambaw Creek Wilderness Trail. 2-hour tours: adults $45, children (12 and under) $35. 3-hour tours: adults $59, children (12 and under) $40. 5-6-hour tours: adults $85, children (12 and under) $65. 2-person minimum for all tours. Call 843-697-2075 for reservations or book online. More details
Other Locations
Awendaw Creek – Intracoastal Waterway and Francis Marion National Forest Paddle, 2hrs, 3hrs or 5-6hrs With Nature Adventure Outfitters. Kayak tour of the historic sights and nature of the Awendaw Creek and Cape Romain. 2-hour tours: adults $45, children (12 and under) $35. 3-hour tours: adults $59, children (12 and under) $40. 5-6-hour tours: adults $85, children (12 and under) $65. 2-person minimum for all tours. Call 843-697-2075 for reservations or book online. More details
McClellanville Shrimping Harbor and Refuge, 2hrs, 3hrs or 5-6hrs With Nature Adventure Outfitters. Nature and sightseeing tour of Jeremy Creek, at McClellanville, and its vicinity. 2-hour tours: adults $45, children (12 and under) $35. 3-hour tours: adults $59, children (12 and under) $40. 5-6-hour tours: adults $85, children (12 and under) $65. 2-person minimum for all tours. Call 843-697-2075 for reservations or book online. More details
Canoe Tours
Blackwater Tour, 5hrs With Coastal Expeditions. Nature-oriented canoe tour of the Echaw and Quinby Creek area. Adults $95, children (12 and under) $75, 4-person minimum. Call 843-884-7684 for reservations or book online. More details
Hiking Tours
I’on Swamp Trail, 1hr30 With Nature Adventure Outfitters. Guided hike (2.5 miles) through blackwater swamp and the history of the Wythewood Plantation. Adults $35, children (12 and under) $25, minimum tour fee of $105. Call 843-697-2075 for reservations. More details
Carolina Bay Tour, 1hr30-2hrs With Nature Adventure Outfitters. Guided hike (1.5 miles) exploring wetland ecology and wildlife. Adults $35, children (12 and under) $25, minimum tour fee of $105. Call 843-697-2075 for reservations. More details
South Tibwin Plantation Tour, 1hr30-2hrs With Nature Adventure Outfitters. Guided hike (2 miles) of the history and ecology of a former plantation. Adults $35, children (12 and under) $25, minimum tour fee of $105. Call 843-697-2075 for reservations. More details
Sewee Indian Shell Ring Trail, 1hr30-2hrs With Nature Adventure Outfitters. Guided hike (1.5 miles) exploring the history and culture of the Sewee people. Adults $35, children (12 and under) $25, minimum tour fee of $105. Call 843-697-2075 for reservations. More details
“Awendaw Passage of the Swamp Fox” Palmetto Trail, 2hr30-4hrs With Nature Adventure Outfitters. Guided hike (5 miles) of the nature and culture of the areas along Awendaw Creek. Adults $45, children (13 and under) $35, minimum tour fee of $135. Call 843-697-2075 for reservations. More details
Santee Coastal Preserve Important Birding Area With Nature Adventure Outfitters. Guided hike exploring the history and nature of the Santee Coastal Preserve. Adults $45, children (13 and under) $35, minimum tour fee of $135. Call 843-697-2075 for reservations. More details