Palmetto Trail — Swamp Fox Passage
~4 days · 46.5 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Palmetto Trail — Swamp Fox Passage is known for
The Swamp Fox Passage runs about 42 miles through Francis Marion National Forest in Berkeley and Charleston counties, named for Revolutionary War general Francis Marion who used these coastal plain swamps as cover for guerrilla operations. The route crosses longleaf pine savanna, bay forests, and blackwater cypress swamps on mostly flat terrain, with periodic boardwalks and primitive campsites along the way. Maintained by the Palmetto Conservation Foundation as part of the ~500-mile Palmetto Trail.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 43 ft to 279 ft over 46.5 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 0.4 mi · 1%
- Downhill 0.0 mi · 0%
- Flat 45.4 mi · 99%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Palmetto Trail — Swamp Fox Passage take?
Most backpackers hike the Palmetto Trail — Swamp Fox Passage in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 46.5 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Palmetto Trail — Swamp Fox Passage?
The Palmetto Trail — Swamp Fox Passage climbs roughly 610 ft total — about 13 ft per mile, topping out near 95 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.