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Awendaw Passage Trail

Francis Marion National Forest, South Carolina · 3 min read

Distance
7.2 mi
Elevation Gain
25 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Point-To-Point
Best Season
October through April
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
4 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
None
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Southernmost section of the Palmetto Trail within Francis Marion National Forest
  • Transition from inland longleaf pine forest to coastal saltmarsh and estuary
  • Views of Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge's barrier islands
  • American alligator sightings common near the coastal wetland sections
  • Connected to the Intracoastal Waterway at the Buck Hall terminus

Overview

The Awendaw Passage is the southernmost section of the Palmetto Trail within Francis Marion National Forest, and it offers a unique trail experience: the gradual transition from inland pine forest to the coastal edge, ending at the Intracoastal Waterway where the forest meets saltmarsh and estuary. The 7.2-mile route connects the Awendaw community to the Buck Hall Recreation Area on the waterway, passing through several ecosystem transitions along the way.

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge lies immediately east of the trail's southern section, and the barrier islands of the refuge are visible from the Buck Hall terminus. The combination of forest ecology and coastal scenery makes this one of the more varied trail experiences in the forest.

The Route

Awendaw Trailhead to Central Pine Section (Miles 0-2.8) The trail begins in longleaf pine savanna north of Awendaw and travels south through the open, fire-managed forest. Red-cockaded Woodpecker cavity trees are marked along this section.

Transition Zone (Miles 2.8-5.0) The forest begins mixing with live oak and magnolia as the trail enters the coastal influence zone. Saw palmetto understory becomes dense and the soil transitions from sandy pine to heavier coastal soil. The trail surface can be soft and wet after rain in this section.

Coastal Wetland and Buck Hall (Miles 5.0-7.2) The final section passes through tidal wetland edges and live oak maritime forest before reaching the Buck Hall Recreation Area on the Intracoastal Waterway. The views from the Buck Hall dock extend across the waterway to the Cape Romain barrier islands.

When to Hike

October through April is the optimal season. The transition from inland to coastal terrain is most clear in the clear, dry air of fall and winter.

March through May spring migration brings warblers and shorebirds along the coastal edge.

June through September hot, humid, and insect-heavy. Not recommended for this full-length section in summer.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water. Insect repellent from April through October. Binoculars for the coastal bird activity at the Buck Hall end. A trail map or offline GPS. Individual needs vary. Check conditions at /learn/checking-conditions-before-you-go.

Trailhead Access

The northern trailhead is off US-17 near Awendaw, South Carolina. The southern terminus is at the Buck Hall Recreation Area, also on US-17, approximately 5 miles south. Both are accessible by passenger car on paved roads. No permit or fee is required as of 2026. A vault toilet is available at Buck Hall. Dogs are welcome on leash. Limited cell service near Awendaw.

Nearby

The Ion Swamp Trail is a short drive north on US-17 and offers the swamp ecosystem contrast. The Buck Hall Overlook Loop begins at the Buck Hall terminus of this trail and extends the coastal experience. Follow Leave No Trace throughout: /learn/leave-no-trace-7-principles.

Trailhead Parking

Northern trailhead at Awendaw Palmetto Trail access off US-17 near Awendaw. Southern terminus at Buck Hall Recreation Area. Free. Two-car shuttle recommended.

← Back to Francis Marion National Forest

More Trails in Francis Marion National Forest

easyloop

Buck Hall Overlook Loop

4.2 mi15 ft gain
October through May

The Buck Hall Overlook Loop circles 4.2 miles through maritime forest and saltmarsh edge at Francis Marion National Forest's coastal boundary, with views of the Cape Romain estuary and the Intracoastal Waterway.

3 min read

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Hellhole Bay Wilderness Loop

6.4 mi20 ft gain
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The Hellhole Bay Wilderness Loop circles 6.4 miles through one of the finest intact Carolina bay wilderness areas in the United States, a dense evergreen bay swamp and pocosin ecosystem in Francis Marion National Forest.

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Ion Swamp Trail

3.8 mi10 ft gain
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The Ion Swamp Trail explores 3.8 miles through one of the most accessible blackwater swamp ecosystems in Francis Marion National Forest, with raised trail sections and exceptional birding in a classic South Carolina Lowcountry setting.

3 min read

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Lake Moultrie Passage Trail

5 mi30 ft gain
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The Lake Moultrie Passage Trail follows 5.0 miles of the Palmetto Trail along the western edge of Francis Marion National Forest near Lake Moultrie, offering water views and Lowcountry forest scenery.

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Sewee Shell Mound Trail

2.8 mi10 ft gain
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The Sewee Shell Mound Trail is a 2.8-mile walk to a prehistoric Sewee Native American shell midden at the coastal edge of Francis Marion National Forest, combining cultural history and Lowcountry natural scenery.

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Swamp Fox Trail East Section

12 mi60 ft gain
October through April

The Swamp Fox Trail East Section covers 12 miles through the eastern portion of Francis Marion National Forest's signature long trail, passing through longleaf pine savanna and bay swamp terrain in South Carolina's Lowcountry.

3 min read

easyout-and-back

Tibwin Creek Trail

5.4 mi15 ft gain
October through April

The Tibwin Creek Trail follows 5.4 miles along a historic rice planter's canal and creek corridor at the coastal edge of Francis Marion National Forest, with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and outstanding Lowcountry birding.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Awendaw Passage Trail take?
The 7.2-mile point-to-point takes most hikers 3 to 4 hours. The moderate rating reflects the length rather than any significant terrain challenge.
Is a shuttle required for the Awendaw Passage?
A shuttle is recommended for the full point-to-point between the northern Awendaw trailhead and the southern Buck Hall Recreation Area. The trail can also be hiked as an out-and-back from either end.
Is the Awendaw Passage Trail dog friendly?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on leash. Keep dogs away from the coastal wetland edges where alligators are present in the southern sections.