U.S. Forest Service - Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

U.S. Forest Service - Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests The National Forest Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service present the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests page!

From the high country to the sea, the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests four ranger districts offer recreational activities as diverse as the South Carolina terrain. You might paddle and fish the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River or hike to a waterfall on the Andrew Pickens district, or perhaps mountain bike the epic Forks Area Trails System on the Long Cane. Saddle up and explore one of the popular horse trails maintained by each district, or unload your ATV or dirt bike and hone your skills on one of four OHV trails on the forests. The Intracoastal Waterway begs to be explored from Buck Hall boat launch on the Francis Marion, or perhaps you’d prefer to paddle, hunt or fish the three rivers on the Enoree Ranger District. Nine r***e ranges will help maintain your aim for hunting season. There are hiking trails, campgrounds and picnic areas, a human-made shell ring built 4000 years ago, fishing rodeos and waterfowl hunts for youths and disabled visitors, and an environmental education center that sponsors monthly programs for kids and adults to share the wonders of both the national forest and Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

Update on LR White Fire on the Long Cane Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest in Edgefield County off County Ro...
08/28/2026

Update on LR White Fire on the Long Cane Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest in Edgefield County off County Road 295 for August 28, 2026

The fire is now 80% contained and remains at 88 acres. Smoke is still visible as heavy interior fuels, stumps, and fallen needles continue to burn. If dry conditions persist, some interior pockets may rekindle.

We're hiring! The Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests are looking for committed, hardworking and highly-skilled p...
08/28/2026

We're hiring! The Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests are looking for committed, hardworking and highly-skilled people to suppress wildfires and reduce fire risk in Huger, Whitmire, Edgefield, Mountain Rest and Columbia, South Carolina. Our fire and aviation management program is very rewarding and requires talented people working safely as part of a team in specialized positions including dispatch, engine crews, fire and fuels management, and helitack crews. Get more info at www.fs.usda.gov/r08/francismarionsumter/working-with-us/careers/fire-hire.

08/21/2026

U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the proposed rule and draft environmental impact statement related to the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule to better reduce the risk of wildfire on national forests and grasslands.

We are inviting the public to comment on the proposed rule. Read the documents and comment on Regulations.gov.

Firefighters are responding to the LR White Fire on the Long Cane Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest in Edgef...
08/20/2026

Firefighters are responding to the LR White Fire on the Long Cane Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest in Edgefield County off County Road 295. The fire is currently 88 acres with 20% containment. Smoke from the wildfire will persist in the area until significant rainfall occurs.

Thank you to our partners from Savannah River Site, The South Carolina Forestry Commission, and Edgefield County Fire Departments for assisting with initial attack operations yesterday.

The fire was discovered August 19, 2026.

Join us for our annual Tibwin Youth and Mobility Impaired Deer Hunts! Hunters with experience are invited to apply to th...
08/06/2026

Join us for our annual Tibwin Youth and Mobility Impaired Deer Hunts! Hunters with experience are invited to apply to the lottery. Scan the QR codes below for applications and hunt information. Youth hunt (ages 10-17) dates are October 23-24 and November 20-21. Mobility impaired hunt dates are November 6-7 and December 4-5. Hunts take place on the Tibwin Special Use Area of the Francis Marion National Forest, about three miles south of McClellanville, SC. Call 843-323-7659 or email [email protected] with any questions.

The Horse Island Fire on the Francis Marion National Forest near Shulerville in Berkeley County, SC, is now 90% containe...
08/05/2026

The Horse Island Fire on the Francis Marion National Forest near Shulerville in Berkeley County, SC, is now 90% contained. The fire remains at 1,012 acres.

Wildfire update for July 28, 2026The Horse Island Fire on the Francis Marion National Forest near Shulerville in Berkele...
07/28/2026

Wildfire update for July 28, 2026

The Horse Island Fire on the Francis Marion National Forest near Shulerville in Berkeley County, SC, is now 75% contained. There is the potential for fire to reignite where burned leaves and branches fall to the ground as hot dry weather returns. The fire remains at 1,012 acres.

Photo caption: Green grass sprouts in burned area of Horse Island Fire on July 27, 2026. USDA Forest Service photo.

An additional 0.10 inch of rain fell overnight on the Horse Island Fire on the Francis Marion National Forest near Shule...
07/26/2026

An additional 0.10 inch of rain fell overnight on the Horse Island Fire on the Francis Marion National Forest near Shulerville in Berkeley County, South Carolina. Today’s forecast calls for temperatures in the upper 80s, light winds, and a 70 percent chance of up to one inch of rain this afternoon. Hot, dry weather is expected to return for the rest of the week, with isolated afternoon thunderstorms possible.

The fire is currently 1,012 acres and 50 percent contained. Approximately 27 firefighters remain assigned to the Horse Island Fire to continue strengthening containment lines.

There is a moderate chance that fire could reignite where burned leaves and branches fall to the ground. Firefighters may need to reopen some containment lines using leaf blowers to clear newly fallen debris. Light smoke may continue to be visible in the area as heavy fuels and organic material in the soil smolder.

A helicopter is supporting firefighting operations. The public is reminded that drones must not be flown near the wildfire. Unauthorized drones pose a serious safety hazard to firefighters and aircraft. When a drone is detected, all aerial firefighting operations must stop due to the risk of collision.

On Monday, Yellow Jacket Road (Forest Service Road 159), Horse Island Road (FSR 162), and New Hope Road (FSR 177) will reopen to public traffic.

There are no evacuations in effect, and the threat to structures is low.

The Horse Island Fire was discovered at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, burning in a remote area with heavy fuels. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Address

4931 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC
29212

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+18035614000

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when U.S. Forest Service - Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share