Beidler Forest
Robin Carter
Directions: From the intersection of I-26 and I-95, drive southeast on I-26 for 8 miles to Exit 177 and turn right (south) toward Harleyville on SC 453, Judge Street. In 1 mile you will reach US 178. Here turn left (southeast) and drive through Harleyville. At about 7 miles from SC 453 turn left onto Road 28, Beidler Forest Road. Go about 4 miles and continue straight on Mims Road. The entrance is 1 mile on the right.
From Charleston, drive west on I-26 to Exit 187, turn left (south) onto SC 27 for 1 miles, then right (northwest) onto US 78 for 3 miles. At the fork bear right onto US 178 for 0.8 miles, then turn right onto Road 28, Beidler Forest Road. Go about 4 miles and continue straight on Mims Road. The entrance is 1 mile on the right.
Birds to look for: Wood Duck, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (s), Mississippi Kite (s), Red-shouldered Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo (s), Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Acadian Flycatcher (s), Great Crested Flycatcher (s). White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper (w), Winter Wren (w), Orange-crowned Warbler (w), Northern Parula (s), Yellow-rumped Warbler (w), Pine Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler (w), Prothonotary Warbler (s), Swainson’s Warbler (s), Hooded Warbler (s), Summer Tanager (s), Fox Sparrow (w), Rusty Blackbird (w)
Description: The National Audubon Society’s Beidler Forest Sanctuary protects one of the largest tract of old-growth bald cypress – water tupelo swamps in the world. This forest has large numbers of birds at all seasons, species typical of southeastern floodplain forests. A mile long boardwalk through the swamp makes access very easy. There is a nominal admission fee.
The animals along the boardwalk are used to visitors and are easily viewed, including a Barred Owl that is often seen, even at midday. Unfortunately Swainson’s Warbler, though common, is as tricky to see here as it is anywhere else.
Links:
Official website
Trail descriptions
Map: Get directions