Audubon Beidler Forest Sanctuary
Visitors to Black Camp will quickly find plenty of opportunities to commune and connect with the great outdoors, and not just at Lake Moultrie. Audubon’s Beidler Forest Sanctuary is a fantastic opportunity to see the breathtaking beauty of South Carolina’s lowlands.
WHAT IS bEIDLER fOREST?
Address: 336 Sanctuary Road #3324, Harleyville, SC
Distance from Us: ~32 miles
Hours: Fri - Sun 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
One of the centers for the Audubon Society in South Carolina, Beidler Forest is one of only two forests in the state that haven’t been logged in the history of humankind. Audubon South Carolina actively acquires funds to maintain and expand this nature conservatory, as it not only provides a habitat for many endangered species, but also filters out contaminants in the water supply as well as help prevent floods in the surrounding area.
The area is historically significant as well. Beidler forest is recognized by the National Park Service as a site on the Underground Railroad. This means that visitors can see a very similar ecosystem as did those who were trying to escape slavery.
Nature Trails
The two main attractions of Beidler Forest are the self-guided trails, of which there are two:
- Boardwalk Trail
- Grassland-Woodland trail
The Boardwalk trail allows visitors to safely travel deep into the swamplands, traveling back in time as they walk past millennia-old trees and experience the peace and serenity of the area. This trail is fully accessible and has rest areas and rain shelters spread periodically along the path. This trail is only open during operating hours and does require you to purchase tickets.
The Grassland-Woodland trail takes travelers on a tranquil, meandering path through Longleaf Pine, habitats that are currently being restored. Visitors will find a chance to view wildlife not typically seen on the boardwalk. The trail is free and open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
It’s important to show proper traveling etiquette on both trails to show respect to the land as well as to other visitors.
Guided Tours
The nature conservatory also offers guided tours for those who wish to learn more about the wildlife and history of the forest. These expeditions offer unique experiences that would normally be unavailable to the regular visitor on the trails.
Here are some examples of these tours:
- Join a naturalist on a morning Bird Walk to witness some of the rarest birds in the Lowlands
- Journey into the ancient swamp during a Nightwalk and see the nocturnal wildlife at work
- View the forest up close during a guided Kayak & Canoe Trip
- Venture on a Swamp Exploration into the heart of the swamp on foot to see some of the oldest trees in the area
It is best to pre-register online for the best experiences (some tours require pre-registration).
A guided tour is not without risk, so it is important to respect the instructions of your guide.
Best practices for your visit
When visiting Beidler Forest, it’s important to remember that the area is actively maintained. As such, it is important to have as minimal of an impact as possible while visiting the Audubon Center.
Here are some things you can do to help the Center in their efforts:
- Don’t litter
- Remember to keep your voice down
- Don’t touch or interact with the native plants (carving into trees, breaking off plants, etc.)
- Don’t bring pets on the trails
- Don’t feed, touch, or throw things at the wildlife
- Stay on the designated trails and in the correct areas
- Please don’t use birdsong playbacks
By being as good a guest as possible, you can not only help preserve Beidler Forest but also help other visitors have a great experience as well.
1370 Blacks Camp Rd, Cross, South Carolina, 29436, United States