If ever there was an “epic” hike in South Carolina it would be anywhere on the Palmetto Trail. Destined to include 500 continuous miles of South Carolina trails from the mountains to the sea, the Palmetto Trail is a tremendous resource for outdoor recreation. The Palmetto Trail project began in 1994.
According to the Palmetto Conservation Foundation’s website, 350 miles of trail are complete, including 26 passages ranging from 1.3 miles to a whopping 47 miles. That much being said, it’s difficult to favor one passage over another. However, if you’re looking for a true “rail trail,” then this is that one epic abandoned railroad hike you should take in South Carolina.
Palmetto Conservation The trail called the “Peak to Prosperity Passage” is 10.8 miles with the main trailhead in Alston, SC.It starts with an 1,100-foot train trestle that crosses the Broad River to Peak, SC.
Flickr/Dennis Jarvis Fall is a great time to make this hike on a true rail bed that previously held miles and miles of railroad track that has now been removed.
YouTube/XtremeKatfishn Aside from all the gorgeous colors of fall, the main reason why this is such a wonderful passage of the Palmetto Trail is….
YouTube/XtremeKatfishn …all in, it has 14 wooden trestle bridges you’ll cross in the span of less than 11 miles.
Flickr/Alex Berger Also, it’s just a wonderful opportunity to change your pace for a day, or even two.
YouTube/XtremeKatfishn Thanks to YouTube user XtremeKatfishn, who has recorded the entire passage in four video segments, we get to see how people really like to relax on the trail. (Note to self, bring the hammock!)
YouTube/XtremeKatfishn If you’re a beginning hiker, the Peak to Prosperity trail can be accessed in shorter segments. You can download the map for this passage of the Palmetto Trail here.
YouTube/XtremeKatfishn In Pomaria, you can see some track that’s in the ground next to this resting spot and passage entry point. There’s also a restaurant about 50 yards away if you get hungry.
YouTube/XtremeKatfishn The Palmetto Trail is clearly marked and well maintained by a core of dedicated people under the stewardship of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation.
Flickr/Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison And…parts of the trail are just maintained by Mother Nature.
YouTube/XtremeKatfishn If there’s one hike you should take this fall, it should be to go experience at least one passage of the Palmetto Trail. On this, the Peak to Prosperity Passage, you’ll be on an actual railbed and get to see and cross 14 wooden trestles as you make your way to the other end of the trail. That really is something!
The Peak to Prosperity Passage of the Palmetto Trail can be accessed via three trailheads: Alston Trailhead, Hope Station Trailhead and Pomaria Trailhead. Directions to all three can be found at this link.
Palmetto Conservation
The trail called the “Peak to Prosperity Passage” is 10.8 miles with the main trailhead in Alston, SC.It starts with an 1,100-foot train trestle that crosses the Broad River to Peak, SC.
Flickr/Dennis Jarvis
Fall is a great time to make this hike on a true rail bed that previously held miles and miles of railroad track that has now been removed.
YouTube/XtremeKatfishn
Aside from all the gorgeous colors of fall, the main reason why this is such a wonderful passage of the Palmetto Trail is….
…all in, it has 14 wooden trestle bridges you’ll cross in the span of less than 11 miles.
Flickr/Alex Berger
Also, it’s just a wonderful opportunity to change your pace for a day, or even two.
Thanks to YouTube user XtremeKatfishn, who has recorded the entire passage in four video segments, we get to see how people really like to relax on the trail. (Note to self, bring the hammock!)
If you’re a beginning hiker, the Peak to Prosperity trail can be accessed in shorter segments. You can download the map for this passage of the Palmetto Trail here.
In Pomaria, you can see some track that’s in the ground next to this resting spot and passage entry point. There’s also a restaurant about 50 yards away if you get hungry.
The Palmetto Trail is clearly marked and well maintained by a core of dedicated people under the stewardship of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation.
Flickr/Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison
And…parts of the trail are just maintained by Mother Nature.
If there’s one hike you should take this fall, it should be to go experience at least one passage of the Palmetto Trail. On this, the Peak to Prosperity Passage, you’ll be on an actual railbed and get to see and cross 14 wooden trestles as you make your way to the other end of the trail. That really is something!
Have you hiked any part of the Palmetto Trail? We’d love to know and see your photos in our comments!
Thanks again to YouTube user XtremeKatfishn for his great vlogs of hiking on this trail! You can see Part One of his hike here.
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