Fork Swamp Trail
A short but navigation-sensitive wetland trail beside the southern channel of Bates Old River.
Route overview
Fork Swamp Trail in South Carolina.
The route follows an oxbow-lake channel formed when an 1852 hurricane altered the river landscape. Its modest published length does not eliminate backcountry, flooding, or route-finding concerns.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- South Carolina
- Distance
- 0.97 km
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- Not published by official source
- Best season
- Check current official seasonal access and conditions
- Trail type
- official trail length; return semantics not specified
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No entrance fee or ordinary day-hike permit.
Safety context
NPS lists it open but potentially difficult to follow. Verify access and return alignment, avoid floodwater, and remain on marked tread beside the oxbow channel. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
NPS lists it open but potentially difficult to follow. Verify access and return alignment, avoid floodwater, and remain on marked tread beside the oxbow channel.
Highlights
Fork Swamp, Bates Old River, oxbow lake, wetland trail, navigation
Why find a buddy
Match on map use, exact access plan, wet-condition tolerance, and willingness to turn around when blazes are unclear.
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.