Located in South Carolina, the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests encompass about 612,500 acres. The forest includes the southern Appalachian Mountains at 3,300-feet elevation, the rolling terrain in the middle of the state, and the flat, sea-level plains near the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a new forest, and home to wildlife, mountain waterfalls and a preeminent whitewater river.

The wide variety of wildlife habitats provide excellent opportunities for bird watching, nature study, photography, fishing, and hunting. The forest is home to otters, beavers, coyotes, bobcats, black bears, alligators, bald eagles, swallow-tailed kites and much more. The hiking and mountain biking trails are great for enjoying the backcountry. The Swamp Fox National Recreation Trail's 20 miles accesses a wide variety of plant life such as pine, tupelo and cypress trees. The best way to see the wilderness is by canoe, with a good compass and a snake-bite kit.

For most activities, it is best to visit in fall, winter or spring. The winters are much less humid than summers - which are very hot and biting insects that can be a problem.

• Discover the backcountry in the forest, take some photographs, and follow the mountain biking and hiking trails to a wide variety of wildlife habitats.
• If you want to see some amazing plant life like pine, tupelo or cypress trees make sure you visit the Swamp Fox National Recreation Trail.