Officially designated in 1936, the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests encompass more than 629,000 acres throughout South Carolina. These lands are managed by the USDA Forest Service for multiple uses including watershed protection and improvement, timber and wood production, habitat for wildlife and fish species (including threatened and endangered ones), wilderness area management and recreation.
The forests provide the American people with a diverse set of outdoor opportunities on four ranger districts in South Carolina (the Andrew Pickens, the Enoree, the Long Cane and the Francis Marion). Whether you enjoy hiking or riding trails, paddling, fishing, hunting, camping, birding or simply relaxing at one of our picnic areas, the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests have something special waiting for you!