# 18 - Wadboo Swamp
Rated: Easy
1.5 miles, round-trip, out-and-back hike
One of the most beautiful bottomland habitats in
Berkeley County, Wadboo Swamp looks the same
as it did two centuries ago when Francis Marion
roamed these parts. This easy hike is appropriate
for any member of the family. You'll see remnants of
19th century rice plantations and water impoundments,
and some of the most interesting cypress trees and
cypress "knees" found anywhere in the Southeast.
This impressive hike is part of the Swamp Fox
passage of the Palmetto Trail.
Allowed
on leash
No
Difficulty: Easy, appropriate for any member of the family.
Distance: 1.5 miles, round-trip, out-and-back hike.
Time: Allow at least 1 hour to enjoy everything this hike has to offer.
Trail Surface: Mixed natural surface and raised boardwalks.
Stroller Friendly: No.
Trail Marker: White blazes on trees, and good signage on the trail.
Trail Map (by Palmetto Trail): Click HERE (this route follows markers 43 to 42).
Crowds: Very light.
Fees/Permits: None.
Precautions: There are lots of cypress "knees" on the trail. These can easily trip you up if you're not paying attention. 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.
Trailhead & Parking: Patts Road, Moncks Corner, SC 29461. Park at the end of the dirt road and there's an easy to find path leading to the Palmetto Trail on the southeast side of the parking area. This begins your hike.
GPS Coordinates for Trailhead: 33.255464, -79.916155 or 33°15'19.7"N 79°54'58.2"W
Contacts: Francis Marion National Forest 843-336-2200. Palmetto Trail 843-359-8775 or 803-771-0590.
Hiking Through History: Further down Wadboo Creek in August 1782, the British military attacked Brig. Gen. Francis Marion and his militiamen. Marion beat back the British attack. Shortly after this skirmish, the British abandoned South Carolina. Francis Marion went on to make Wadboo his headquarters.
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
