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Multi-Use Trail (Sumter
County)
It is not necessary for horses to be shod. Length: Manchester Horse 7.7 miles, Governors Ride Horse 7.3 miles, Red Horse 4.0 miles, and connector trails 1.6 miles. Fees: Individual daily permits are $5.00 and annual permits are $25.00. Directions:
From Columbia drive east, or Sumter drive west to a junction with SC
261. Turn south on SC 261 and follow for 10 miles to Poinsett Park
Road (Sumter County S-43-63). Turn right and look for the trailhead on
the left. Hours: Office is open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Trails are open Sunday Only, Sept. 15 to Dec. 30 during hunting season. The Palmetto Trail is open year round. NOTE: For information about trail closings, click here: Manchester State Forest. Camping:
There is no camping available on the Forest. However, equestrian
campsites are available at adjacent Poinsett State Park (water,
restrooms, but no electricity). There is also full service camping available at Mill Creek County Park.
Information:
Manchester State Forest, 6740 Headquarters Rd., Wedgefield, SC 29168,
Telephone:
803-494-8196. Mill Creek County Park -- Sumter County Recreation Department, 155 Haynsworth St., Sumter, SC, 29150,
Telephone:
803-436-2248.
Poinsett State Park,
6660 Poinsett Park Road, Wedgefield, SC, 29168.
Telephone:
803-494-8177.
© 1996-2008
South Carolina
Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. |
Map
Manchester State
Forest is among the most popular outdoor getaways in the Midlands. The
Manchester Horse, Governor’s Ride, and Red Horse trails with
connectors combine to provide 20 miles of riding pleasure. At one
time, this state forest in South Carolina’s sandhills region was
plantation country. Today it is a pine-oak forest managed for
commercial timber use and outdoor recreation, which includes hiking,
mountain biking, and equestrian. From parking areas on Poinsett Road,
Center Trail Road, and Mill Creek County Park, you will switchback
through rolling sand hills, across several country roads, and open
fields. You will also ride through stands of massive oak, red cedars
with lacy Spanish moss, and familiar longleaf pines. In the spring,
you will see an abundance of dogwood, magnolia, and azalea. Red fox,
deer, and wild turkey also make their home here. The equestrian trails
within Manchester State Forest also connect with similar trails in
Poinsett State Park and Mill Creek County Park through the Palmetto
Trail’s High Hills of Santee Passage. 