# 11 - Bicycle the Swamp
-Fox Passage
-Palmetto Trail
Rated: Very Strenuous, if biking entire distance
48 miles, one-way
Bike the longest section of the cross-state Palmetto
Trail. This passage begins at HWY-52 in Bonneau
and ends at HWY-17 near Awendaw. Nearly 40
miles of the Swamp Fox passage is located in
Berkeley County! You'll pass through a variety of
ecosystems in the Francis Marion National Forest,
including bottomland/swamp habitats, long-leaf
pine forests, and tall grass savannas. If you're
quiet in the morning, you're almost guaranteed to
see white tailed deer. Barred owls can be heard
-throughout the forest year round.
Palmetto Trail's Information on the Swamp Fox Passage: Click HERE
Difficulty: Strenuous, if biking the entire distance.
Distance: 48 miles, one-way, total passage length.
Time: 20 - 30 hours for entire passage. Note: the distance may not seem long, however, there is difficult
mixed terrain including single track with roots, stumps, and holes, double-track, forest service roads
and gravel.
IMPORTANT: This ride is best suited as multi-day bikepacking trip, allowing 2 - 3 full days to complete.
Trail Surface: Dirt, pine covered, raised boardwalks, planks, bridges and bottomland/wet sections.
Trail Marker: White blazes on trees, and good signage on the trail.
Bike Type: Mountain/trail bikes with minimum 2.0" knobby tires. This trail has obstacles, roots, water
and holes that can make it strenuous and a very bumpy ride.
Crowds: Light during the week; you'll see others on the weekend.
Fees/Permits: None.
Precautions: Biting insects can be formidable in warmer months. Bring insect repellent. It's advised to
wear "hunter's orange" or other bright colored clothing during hunting season.
HWY-52 Trailhead: N. US HWY-52, Bonneau, SC 29431. GPS: 33.278472, -79.962444 or 33°16'42.5"N 79°57'44.8"W.
HWY-17 Trailhead: 7476 US-17, McClellanville, SC 29458. GPS: 33.037361, -79.617472 or 33°02'14.5"N 79°37'02.9"W
Contacts: Francis Marion National Forest 843-336-2200. Palmetto Trail 843-359-8775 or 803-771-0590.
So Much History Nearby: Did you know Berkeley County has more than 110 historical markers and historical points of interest? CLICK HERE to find your Adventures in History!
Weather on the Trail: Click HERE
Try Our Favorite Swamp Fox Passage Day Routes**
Wadboo Swamp Little Hellhole Swamp
Canady Wetlands Turkey Creek / Irishtown
**The routes are found under the Berkeley Walkways program, however, they all make great bicycle rides!
