Boardwalk through ancient bald cypress swamp at Francis Beidler Forest

Francis Beidler Forest

South Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
WetlandForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-June

Entrance Fee

$12 adults; $6 children

Hours

Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

About This Location

Francis Beidler Forest protects the largest remaining virgin stand of bald cypress and tupelo gum swamp in the world within Four Holes Swamp. The elevated boardwalk provides easy access to old-growth swamp habitat alive with Prothonotary Warblers and other swamp specialists.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

5/31/2026Givhans Ferry State Park

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

5/31/2026Sandridge Road near St. John's Church3 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

5/26/2026984 Sandridge Road, South Carolina, US (33.113, -80.448)1 observed

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

5/21/2026201 Caveson Drive, Summerville, South Carolina, US (33.024, -80.213)

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Swallow-tailed Kite

16/1/2026

Barn Swallow

25/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Carolina Wren

25/31/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

25/31/2026

Yellow-throated Warbler

15/31/2026

Wild Turkey

25/31/2026

Chimney Swift

25/30/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

25/30/2026

Wood Stork

15/30/2026

Barred Owl

15/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

35/30/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

35/30/2026

Blue Jay

45/30/2026

American Crow

35/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk the boardwalk at dawn for Prothonotary Warbler songs

  2. 2

    Night walks are offered seasonally for owls and other nocturnal wildlife

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  5. 5

    Bring waterproof boots and scan the marsh edges for rails, herons, and bitterns

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Francis Beidler Forest for birding?
The best months to visit Francis Beidler Forest for birding are April-June. The best seasons are Spring and Summer.
What birds can I see at Francis Beidler Forest?
Notable species at Francis Beidler Forest include Prothonotary Warbler, Barred Owl, Yellow-throated Warbler, Mississippi Kite, Acadian Flycatcher, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Carolina Chickadee. The area supports wetland, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Francis Beidler Forest?
Birding at Francis Beidler Forest is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Francis Beidler Forest?
The entrance fee at Francis Beidler Forest is $12 adults; $6 children. Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Francis Beidler Forest?
Francis Beidler Forest offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Boardwalk.