Manchester State Forest
LocationClarendon County, South Carolina and Sumter County, South Carolina, United States
Nearest citySumter, South Carolina
Coordinates33°49′59″N 80°31′32″W / 33.83306°N 80.52556°W / 33.83306; -80.52556
Area28,675 acres (116.04 km2)
Established1949
Named forTown of Manchester
Governing bodySouth Carolina Forestry Commission
Website[1]

Manchester State Forest is a State Forest in Clarendon County, South Carolina and Sumter County, South Carolina. Founded in 1949,[1] the forest is named after the former site of Manchester, South Carolina, a once bustling town in the early 19th century.[2]

Geography

The forest is found in the High Hills of Santee region of central South Carolina and comprises 28,675 acres (11,600 ha) of woodland, meadowland, and bottomland located alongside the Wateree River watershed to the west, the unincorporated community of Wedgefield, South Carolina to the north, the city of Sumter, South Carolina to the east, and Pinewood, South Carolina to the south.

Recreation

Besides timber production, the forest is a popular destination for mixed use recreation, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. [3] 11.4 miles (18.35 km) of the High Hills of Santee section of the Palmetto Trail travels through the forest from Mill Creek Park north into Poinsett State Park. [4]

References

  1. ^ "Manchester State Forest". South Carolina Encyclopedia. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  2. ^ "Site of Manchester Historical Marker". The Historical Marker Database. June 2016. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  3. ^ "Manchester State Forest". South Carolina State Forestry Commission. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  4. ^ "High Hills of Santee Passage". Palmetto Conservation Foundation. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
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