Guided tour of the Audubon Beidler Forest Sanctuary

The Francis Beidler Forest is the world's largest virgin cypress-tupelo swamp forest.

The boardwalk provides the opportunity to stroll past the 1000-year-old trees and native wildlife that abounds in this pristine sanctuary that has been untouched for millenia. This boardwalk trail is ADA compliant, with rest areas and rain shelters along the way. Beidler is home to many different plant species. This program will take a look at spring bloomers like Trilliums, Atamasco Lilies, and Swamp Azaleas. These plant species only bloom for a short window of time before the tree canopy fills in. This tour is ADA accessible and appropriate for all ages.

Learn more about the boardwalk at Boardwalk Trail | Audubon Center & Sanctuary at Francis Beidler Forest

There is another trail you can investigate after we complete our tour:  Grassland-Woodland Trail | Audubon Center & Sanctuary at Francis Beidler Forest

COST: $5.00

WHAT TO BRING:  Please wear weather-appropriate clothing.  Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and a snack.

DIRECTIONS FROM COLUMBIA:  

From I-95, Columbia, or Points West

• Take I-26 EAST to Exit 177.
• Make a right turn onto Highway 453 (South) to Highway 178.*
• Make a left turn onto Highway 178 (East).*
• After approximately one mile, turn left onto Second Bend Road.*
• After approximately three miles, turn right onto First Bend Road.*
• After approximately one mile, turn left onto Cantley Road.*
• In half a mile, turn right onto Mims Road
• In 1/4 of a mile, the entrance to Beidler will be on your left.*

*Beidler Forest sign should be visible at each of these turns

Important Note:

Remember, your GPS just might take you on a different route than our signs. Either way will get you here. Your GPS might also tell you that you've arrived when you're only halfway down our forested road. Just keep going!

Carpooling from the Columbia area can be arranged.  Contact Betsy Russell (803-749-7986) if interested.

More resources:

SC Audubon Francis Beidler Forest 63, SC, US [146389] · iNaturalist

SC Audubon Francis Beidler Forest 63, SC, US [146389] · iNaturalist

The Vascular Flora of the Francis Beidler Forest in Four Holes Swamp, Berkeley and Dorchester Counties, South Carolina on JSTOR

At Francis Beidler Forest, Stories of the Formerly Enslaved Mingle with Nature | Audubon