Jericho Horse Trail

Francis Marion National Forest
You brush against the longleaf pines and their clean aroma awakens your senses.  As the 19- mile Jericho trail makes its loop, you ride through a forest of pines which make you believe you are among the first to see them in their glory. Jericho Horse Trail coincides with the Swamp Fox Passage of the Palmetto Trail for approximately 7 miles, which means horse riders may encounter bikers and hikers. Hurricane Hugo left his mark, but the forest is quickly recovering.  You may hear and see an endangered re-cockaded woodpecker on the old logging road.
You leave the forest on the same roads that the settlers traveled.  Jericho Plantation was a rice plantation, the trail’s namesake.  Live oak trees and a lush wildlife clearing mark the site today, but the feeling is still one of yesterday.  Deer, wild turkey and other animals feed here while black-eyed Susan’s provide the color for this backdrop.
 
Now the land beside the trail becomes marshy. 

Swamp cypress trees appear as stumps, but the yellow warblers call it home.  You know you are close to the coast and you expect to breathe sea air any minute.  The terrain is deceiving, the ocean is an hour away.  You ride away from the swamp, ready to set up camp for the night.  Nothing could taste better than your meal cooked over a campfire.

  Camping
Trail is for horseback riders and mountain bikers only. No camping at trailhead. Free dispersed camping permits (required) are available at district offices (843) 336-2200 Monday - Friday. Be advised of big-game hunting seasons.

 Trails

• Miles of Trails: 19 miles
• Difficulty Level: easy
• Terrain: unsurfaced, grassy
• Drinking Water: Stream water is safe for animals to drink but not for human consumption.
• Fees: no fees for day use, Fees for campers.
  
  

  Directions
From Moncks Corner, take SC Route 402 east to SC Route 41. Turn left and continue seven miles to the trailhead on the left.
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Information
Francis Marion Ranger District Office
2967 Steed Creek Road
Huger, SC 29450
(843) 336-2200