Sumter National Forest Long Cane Creek Jeep Trail
Creek crossings and CCC history in the backcountry
The Long Cane Creek Jeep Trail cuts through some of the most remote country in Sumter National Forest’s Long Cane District, following old logging roads and game trails that date back to the 1930s CCC era. The 18-mile route threads between steep creek bottoms and hardwood ridges, crossing Long Cane Creek proper seven times along with numerous seasonal tributaries. The trail passes the ruins of an old gristmill near mile 8 and climbs to Parsons Mountain Lookout, offering views across the Piedmont hills toward Georgia.
This is solid intermediate terrain requiring high-clearance 4WD and decent ground clearance for rocky creek beds and occasional mud holes. Water crossings are typically knee-deep but can flash flood during spring rains, making dry season (June-October) the smart play. No permits needed, but you’ll want recovery gear and extra fuel since the nearest gas is 30 miles away in McCormick. Multiple primitive camping spots exist along the ridge sections, and you’ll earn every mile of solitude back here.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1420 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | McCormick, SC |
| Land manager | USDA Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle Long Cane Creek Jeep Trail without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Wrangler or 4Runner will get through, but aired-down tires and a skid plate will save you headaches on the rocky creek crossings and rutted sections. Lifted rigs with lockers will find it easy; bone-stock crossovers should stay home.
When is Long Cane Creek Jeep Trail open and what does winter look like?
Best season is June through October when creek levels are manageable and the trail is dry enough to avoid getting buried in South Carolina mud. Winter rain can make the clay sections slick and creek crossings unpredictable — check with the Long Cane Ranger District before heading out between November and May.
Do I need a permit to run Long Cane Creek Jeep Trail?
No permit required as of now — it's USDA Forest Service land open to motorized use. No fee to enter, but follow standard Sumter National Forest regulations: pack out your trash, no off-trail driving, and fire restrictions can be in effect during dry stretches.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I actually expect?
The multiple stream crossings through Long Cane Creek are where rigs get tested — water depth varies significantly with recent rainfall and a few crossings can get axle-deep after heavy rain. The clay-over-rock mix on the ridge line sections can also get greasy wet; if your rear end is sliding toward a creek bank, you'll wish you had a locker.
Is there any cell service on the trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Cell service is essentially nonexistent for the full 18 miles — plan your navigation offline before you leave and let someone know your itinerary. McCormick, SC is your closest fuel stop, roughly 10-15 minutes from the trailhead, so top off before you drop in.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.