I’ve watched this video several times all the way through trying to study and learn this trail. My goal this year is to complete it. It’s a little intimidating because I’m a solo hiker with my dog so I need to make friends who like to do hikes like this one who I can team up. Great video and information.
Thanks! It's a great walk with the prettiest sections near the end (in the direction we hiked). Not a bad idea to have a friend, as it does intersperse with roads and dwellings.
Thank you for this! I will be day hiking at least the first two sections of the Swamp Fox Passage. This was very informative. (I'll Canp the servings half of this section when it warms up a tad)
I love that you hike with your girls. I have two girls also. One did a 4-night hike with me but did not care much for it. She said she might like to go again when you did not break camp every night. The other one did not want to try. My grandson hiked with me a few time but lost interest. Mostly I like by myself which is not nearly as much fun. I have hiked the Florida trail through Ocala national forest. I do not recommend all of the areas because of mud holes where 4-wheelers have made. This one looks a lot nicer. I will probable try and do a section during the new year of 2020. I normally hike Florida during the winter.
Found your channel from My Own Frontier. Glad you mentioned wearing orange! We do the same and have come up on hunters even outside hunting season. We were just in SC in December and hope to get back in the area sometime to explore some more. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching! Yes one never knows who might be out in the middle of a national forest with a rifle or a shotgun. I’ve seen all kinds of weird things including blinds set up directly on the trail which of course is against the law. I’ve also done hikes in the national forest where it sounded like you were in a war zone not the most relaxing thing in the world. Hope to see you back up that way soon!
@@HowestheHike what are the viability of these sources in August? Harelston Dam Creek - 10.4 mi Turkey Creek - 17.9mi Nicholson Creek - 25 mi Little Hell Hole Resevoir - 31.2 mi Cane Gully Branch - 39 mi Wadboo Creek - 43.5
HArlston Damn creek doesn't really exist and if there is water there, you are right on the "brackish" line. The others will have water, but you may want a charcoal filter for taste if there has been no rain. Wadboo should be plentiful, but again may need some flavor "adjustments"
Thank you for sharing.. I have been wanting to plan to hike this trail but just wasn't sure how because its so long with not having a water source. I don't live in the area but my goal is to hike it.
Thanks for the video introduction to the Francis Marion Nation Forest and the Swamp Fox Passage. I've wanted to visit this forest for years since this is the area of South Carolina that my family came from.
Thanks for another great video. Every other backcountry person I subscribe to is "local" to Canada/Alberta so all their channels have gone silent for the Winter.... but not yours (yet an extra benefit of subscribing to your channel!). You make me jealous by saying you get out once a month as I can't even start thinking about a training hike until April! Some of those areas brought back WCT flashbacks, but on a new level as stepping off a boardwalk wasn't just into mud but a very wet swamp. Pass on my condolences to Evelyn about the rain but, seriously, she had an impressive run!! Great to see "mom" out with you as well as actually seeing a pinecone on it's way up... something I know about but have never actually seen. Stay safe, hike on, and can't wait for the next video!
Thanks for watching and for such kind words! Yes, one of the advantages when we moved down here from Canada is the year round opportunity to get out in the woods. But, I feel your pain - I subscribe to a lot of those guys too and the mountains are really where I feel most at home. Makes me wish I took advantage a lot more when I live in BC and Alberta years ago. And ah - the WCT. I worried more about falling off one of the many trees they use as trail - especially when wet. We have a June reservation there for this year - time to let the girls give it a go. Thanks again!
The trail is very, very easy to follow. There are no perfect maps however, only the ones provided here: palmettoconservation.org/passage/swamp-fox-passage/ . Even so, it should be easy for you. Enjoy!!
Great content and it’s very helpful as I plan a backpacking trip for the same route (plus the Awendaw Passage). Question: How did you store your food at night to prevent the mini bears (rodents) from getting into it? Is it easy enough to find places to hang it in trees?
Thank you! We used URSacks for this trail. Solves the problem perfectly. They make a heavier one for areas with lots of mice/rats - but we just have the regular ones. I DO use an OPSack odor proof sack inside the URSack. Cuts down on smells attracting mini bears. Lots of trees!
We're going to walk in your foot steps in september 2022! (We' just booked our journey with Park Canada) We're going me and my wife alone do the South boundary trail. Thank you so much for your videos. They're very helpful. If you have any advice ...don't be shy! We hope to make this journey something to remember.
@@HowestheHike Oupsss... We will do the South Boudary not the Swamp Fox Passage. We will start from the North to the south (Exit at the Nigel pass trail head) The main difference with your trip is the Brazeau Loop part. We will re-do the Jonas pass...( too beautiful ). When we've done it there was a serious fire haze blockin the view. It will be a 11 days no re-supplied. from sept 5 to 15 2022 aleready booked!!! If you suffer too much don't jealous...Join us!!!! Congrat for all your videos...they help us very much!
i did this hike on jan 19th and was super happy when i found a water stash right there at halfway creek rd where you were talking about water. now i cant help to think that it was your water maybe... haha
What brand of waterproof socks were you using? We’ve definitely had wet weather around here. I could probably use them in my backyard. Great job on those long mileage days. Bit of a grind I’m sure but sometimes that’s just how it works out. And the baking looked yummy.
These were Dexshell from Amazon. I will say that by the end of day 3, they had soaked through. But to be fair, it was wet for all 47 miles, and there was no chance to dry the outer shell in the sun with such short daylight hours. And with the humidity, they did not dry overnight either. I will say that I usually wear Darn Tough wool - and these were pretty much as comfortable. Oh - and we do wear Injinji toes sock liners too. (making blisters rare)
Hi Kyle. Well, that's a great question - I wish I could answer 100%. Lots of moving parts this year due to the girls' age and high school, so it is taking longer than usual. (thus no "preview" video) We DO have the West Coast Trail booked for early June so the girls can do it this year. And I have a couple of solo hike planned close to home before that - the Georgia Loop and Crown Jewel section of the Foothills Trail for example - that I can do over a few days in February or March. We are also planning another hike in NB this summer, perhaps the Dobson Trail, and Jasper is calling again for sure. I may do the North Boundary with another TH-camr - or solo if I must. South Boundary is also a huge possibility either with the team here, or another TH-camr too. (maybe both trails if time allows) The girls and I are chatting about other options - including Skyline - but with just over a week to go before the reservations open (as I write this reply) we need to decide fast! Your question had lit a fire for us to do so!!
@@HowestheHike Nice I plan on doing the Dobson Trail this year as well. Plus the lighthouse trail on Grand Manan, Fundy Circuit, Fundy Footpath, and the Rideau Trail in Ontario.
@@HowestheHike Skyline is a must! I checked that one off my list for my annual birthday hike in 2017 and it was breathtaking! I'll throw another suggestion into the mix for a future trip to AB: The Sawback Trail. A beautiful 4 - 6 day trek that starts just outside of Lake Louise and ends just North of Banff at the Skill Hill. Yepp, I know what you're thinking... all the good trails in that area are on the West side of the Trans Canada Highway but this is one that is overlooked and shouldn't be!!
I agree it is a must. But, it will exclude Olivia due to her altitude issues, so we are still pondering with a week to go before reservations open... And that's a great suggestion. We did a huge chunk of the Sawback Trail last year actually - in our Sawback circuit hike. (video also here on TH-cam) I had actually wanted to do the "trail" originally, but the "one car logistics" with the girls was a bit much, so we did the Circuit instead. Badger Pass junction campsite, often ignored, was my favorite of the trip - and it sits on the Sawback Trail. That's still on the list for sure.
The spot on 41 were "mom" parked. Is that a parking area? I'm planning on doing that same part of the trail and would like to start there if we can.
Yes it is. Easy access at this trailhead.
We hike in the rain a lot - thanks for the tip on waterproof socks... another great video - thanks!
Thanks Jennifer!
I’ve watched this video several times all the way through trying to study and learn this trail. My goal this year is to complete it. It’s a little intimidating because I’m a solo hiker with my dog so I need to make friends who like to do hikes like this one who I can team up. Great video and information.
Thanks! It's a great walk with the prettiest sections near the end (in the direction we hiked). Not a bad idea to have a friend, as it does intersperse with roads and dwellings.
Thank you for this! I will be day hiking at least the first two sections of the Swamp Fox Passage. This was very informative. (I'll Canp the servings half of this section when it warms up a tad)
Thank you! enjoy!!!
I love that you hike with your girls. I have two girls also. One did a 4-night hike with me but did not care much for it. She said she might like to go again when you did not break camp every night. The other one did not want to try. My grandson hiked with me a few time but lost interest. Mostly I like by myself which is not nearly as much fun. I have hiked the Florida trail through Ocala national forest. I do not recommend all of the areas because of mud holes where 4-wheelers have made. This one looks a lot nicer. I will probable try and do a section during the new year of 2020. I normally hike Florida during the winter.
Thanks! I love hiking with them. So much "discovery". Awesome. And I agree, hiking solo is not as much fun, but sometimes necessary :)
Found your channel from My Own Frontier. Glad you mentioned wearing orange! We do the same and have come up on hunters even outside hunting season. We were just in SC in December and hope to get back in the area sometime to explore some more. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching! Yes one never knows who might be out in the middle of a national forest with a rifle or a shotgun. I’ve seen all kinds of weird things including blinds set up directly on the trail which of course is against the law. I’ve also done hikes in the national forest where it sounded like you were in a war zone not the most relaxing thing in the world. Hope to see you back up that way soon!
Are there sufficient accessible points to filter water on this trail for a trip in August?
No. not a chance. We stashed water at certain places to refill.
@@HowestheHike what are the viability of these sources in August?
Harelston Dam Creek - 10.4 mi
Turkey Creek - 17.9mi
Nicholson Creek - 25 mi
Little Hell Hole Resevoir - 31.2 mi
Cane Gully Branch - 39 mi
Wadboo Creek - 43.5
HArlston Damn creek doesn't really exist and if there is water there, you are right on the "brackish" line. The others will have water, but you may want a charcoal filter for taste if there has been no rain. Wadboo should be plentiful, but again may need some flavor "adjustments"
@@HowestheHike Awesome, thanks so much!
Thank you for sharing.. I have been wanting to plan to hike this trail but just wasn't sure how because its so long with not having a water source. I don't live in the area but my goal is to hike it.
You should!
Thanks for the video introduction to the Francis Marion Nation Forest and the Swamp Fox Passage. I've wanted to visit this forest for years since this is the area of South Carolina that my family came from.
My pleasure! It was a fun hike, but sure wish we'd had an extra day to slow it down a bit. Some big mile days for the two of us!!
Thanks for another great video. Every other backcountry person I subscribe to is "local" to Canada/Alberta so all their channels have gone silent for the Winter.... but not yours (yet an extra benefit of subscribing to your channel!). You make me jealous by saying you get out once a month as I can't even start thinking about a training hike until April!
Some of those areas brought back WCT flashbacks, but on a new level as stepping off a boardwalk wasn't just into mud but a very wet swamp. Pass on my condolences to Evelyn about the rain but, seriously, she had an impressive run!! Great to see "mom" out with you as well as actually seeing a pinecone on it's way up... something I know about but have never actually seen. Stay safe, hike on, and can't wait for the next video!
Thanks for watching and for such kind words! Yes, one of the advantages when we moved down here from Canada is the year round opportunity to get out in the woods. But, I feel your pain - I subscribe to a lot of those guys too and the mountains are really where I feel most at home. Makes me wish I took advantage a lot more when I live in BC and Alberta years ago. And ah - the WCT. I worried more about falling off one of the many trees they use as trail - especially when wet. We have a June reservation there for this year - time to let the girls give it a go. Thanks again!
Great video! Hiking the entire passage Sunday - Tuesday. Was interested in the water sources so I'm glad that you talked about that.
Awesome. Hope you had a great time!
I am planning on hiking this route in the next 2 weeks. Is there a good map of the area? is the trail easy to follow?
The trail is very, very easy to follow. There are no perfect maps however, only the ones provided here: palmettoconservation.org/passage/swamp-fox-passage/ . Even so, it should be easy for you. Enjoy!!
Great content and it’s very helpful as I plan a backpacking trip for the same route (plus the Awendaw Passage). Question: How did you store your food at night to prevent the mini bears (rodents) from getting into it? Is it easy enough to find places to hang it in trees?
Thank you! We used URSacks for this trail. Solves the problem perfectly. They make a heavier one for areas with lots of mice/rats - but we just have the regular ones. I DO use an OPSack odor proof sack inside the URSack. Cuts down on smells attracting mini bears. Lots of trees!
@@HowestheHike thank you so much! I look forward to watching your family’s adventures unfold in 2021! :-)
We're going to walk in your foot steps in september 2022! (We' just booked our journey with Park Canada) We're going me and my wife alone do the South boundary trail. Thank you so much for your videos. They're very helpful. If you have any advice ...don't be shy! We hope to make this journey something to remember.
Wonderful!!! What direction are you going? I LOVE this trail so much - makes me a bit jealous!!
@@HowestheHike Oupsss... We will do the South Boudary not the Swamp Fox Passage. We will start from the North to the south (Exit at the Nigel pass trail head) The main difference with your trip is the Brazeau Loop part. We will re-do the Jonas pass...( too beautiful ). When we've done it there was a serious fire haze blockin the view. It will be a 11 days no re-supplied. from sept 5 to 15 2022 aleready booked!!! If you suffer too much don't jealous...Join us!!!! Congrat for all your videos...they help us very much!
My pleasure. And I LOVE the detour!! enjoy :)
i did this hike on jan 19th and was super happy when i found a water stash right there at halfway creek rd where you were talking about water. now i cant help to think that it was your water maybe... haha
just saw that this was in 2019 nvm lol
You know I picked up most of them but may have missed one or two. I wonder if you found my jug! Hope you had an amazing time!!!!
Hiking there this week, Can't Wait!!! Wish I could find a cheaper ride from Amtrak to there but, oh well!!! Taking the train from Savannah Ga.
Fantastic. I hope you have an amazing time!!
I love the swamp fox trail!
Glad to hear it! Hope you had a great time out there!
What brand of waterproof socks were you using? We’ve definitely had wet weather around here. I could probably use them in my backyard.
Great job on those long mileage days. Bit of a grind I’m sure but sometimes that’s just how it works out. And the baking looked yummy.
These were Dexshell from Amazon. I will say that by the end of day 3, they had soaked through. But to be fair, it was wet for all 47 miles, and there was no chance to dry the outer shell in the sun with such short daylight hours. And with the humidity, they did not dry overnight either. I will say that I usually wear Darn Tough wool - and these were pretty much as comfortable. Oh - and we do wear Injinji toes sock liners too. (making blisters rare)
Francis marion brought me here. This exact trip with my daughter is in my future. Thanks for the video
Thanks! Drop some water and enjoy!
What a lovely family! Where was your other daughter?
Watching and commenting on TH-cam videos? ;)
looks like a fun hike!
And pretty easy as well!
What trails are you all planing on doing this year?
Hi Kyle. Well, that's a great question - I wish I could answer 100%. Lots of moving parts this year due to the girls' age and high school, so it is taking longer than usual. (thus no "preview" video) We DO have the West Coast Trail booked for early June so the girls can do it this year. And I have a couple of solo hike planned close to home before that - the Georgia Loop and Crown Jewel section of the Foothills Trail for example - that I can do over a few days in February or March. We are also planning another hike in NB this summer, perhaps the Dobson Trail, and Jasper is calling again for sure. I may do the North Boundary with another TH-camr - or solo if I must. South Boundary is also a huge possibility either with the team here, or another TH-camr too. (maybe both trails if time allows) The girls and I are chatting about other options - including Skyline - but with just over a week to go before the reservations open (as I write this reply) we need to decide fast! Your question had lit a fire for us to do so!!
@@HowestheHike Nice I plan on doing the Dobson Trail this year as well. Plus the lighthouse trail on Grand Manan, Fundy Circuit, Fundy Footpath, and the Rideau Trail in Ontario.
Those are great trails Kyle. Maybe we will see you out there!!
@@HowestheHike Skyline is a must! I checked that one off my list for my annual birthday hike in 2017 and it was breathtaking! I'll throw another suggestion into the mix for a future trip to AB: The Sawback Trail. A beautiful 4 - 6 day trek that starts just outside of Lake Louise and ends just North of Banff at the Skill Hill. Yepp, I know what you're thinking... all the good trails in that area are on the West side of the Trans Canada Highway but this is one that is overlooked and shouldn't be!!
I agree it is a must. But, it will exclude Olivia due to her altitude issues, so we are still pondering with a week to go before reservations open... And that's a great suggestion. We did a huge chunk of the Sawback Trail last year actually - in our Sawback circuit hike. (video also here on TH-cam) I had actually wanted to do the "trail" originally, but the "one car logistics" with the girls was a bit much, so we did the Circuit instead. Badger Pass junction campsite, often ignored, was my favorite of the trip - and it sits on the Sawback Trail. That's still on the list for sure.