Hiking the Palmetto Trail
The Lake Marion Passage of the Palmetto Trail extends from the old U.S. 301 bridge at North Santee along the northern shore of Lake Marion in Clarendon County to Mill Creek Park in Sumter County.
The Lake Marion Passage is one section of the nearly 500-mile-long trail that will traverse the state from the mountains to the sea. The trail corridor will run through the counties of Oconee, Pickens, Greenville, Spartanburg, Cherokee, Union, Laurens, Newberry, Fairfield, Richland, Sumter, Clarendon, Orangeburg, Berkeley and Charleston.
The Palmetto Trail is being built as a series of "passages" for recreational hiking and biking. Several of the sections will also be equestrian trails. The passages reveal the unique history, culture and geography of our state. Each passage is designed for a weekend or a single day trip. Shorter sections can be done from some of the numerous trailheads.
South Carolina's Palmetto Trail was conceived in 1994 and is the signature project of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation. It is one of only 16 cross-state trails in the United States. The Palmetto Trail is nearly complete with about 350 miles open to the public. Eventually the trail will form the spine for a network of trails in South Carolina. Trail construction has been aided by the South Carolina National Guard, Santee Cooper, volunteer groups and many others.
Just imagine primitive pathways along mountaintops, treks through Piedmont and Sandhills forest, urban bikeways, beside lakes, into towns big and small and rail-to-trail conversions. What better way to explore our state's natural beauty and rich diversity? The length, condition and difficulty of these trails offer a range of challenges for both the novice and more experienced user.
The Lake Marion Passage is 33.6 miles and is rated an easy section of trail. Be aware that some sections near the lake may be flooded during the wet season. You can start from Mill Creek Park or North Santee and do the full section or shorten it by starting at an alternate point, such as Hickory Top or Pack's Landing. For most of the hike, you will follow the lake's shoreline and enjoy some beautiful views.
The woods this time of the year are emerald green, with a brown carpet of leaves and pine straw. The hardwoods are shady and cool. There are some insects and snakes to consider, but bug spray and a stout walking stick are sufficient protection. Right now is a good time of the year to be outside. The weather is very warm, so bring along some water to keep yourself hydrated.
The woods along Lake Marion's shoreline and surrounding uplands are absolutely beautiful, with towering pines and majestic hardwoods draped in Spanish Moss. Wildflowers are blooming now, and the birds are singing.
The Lake Marion Passage follows a portion of the Old River Road from Liberty Hill Church near St. Paul to just beyond Rimini. This section is steeped in history, beginning with the Liberty Hill Church, where the Civil Rights Movement began. The Richardson Cemetery lies just off this road. Two South Carolina governors and the founder of The Citadel are buried there.
Once the main road into the High Hills of the Santee and beyond, the Old River Road is quiet now, with little traffic. The High Hills passage of the trail is 9.4 miles long. It starts at Mill Creek Park, which lies just off the Old River Road, winds around through a portion of Manchester State Forest and climbs the bluffs that look out over the wide Wateree Swamp, ending at Poinsett State Park.
The Wateree Passage of the trail starts at Poinsett and crosses the Wateree River Swamp on an old railroad embankment. This section is 11.4 miles and crosses many old trestles in the big swamp. There is a trailhead on Foxville Road, near the entrance to Riverside Hunting Club, that connects with the Wateree Passage at an old historic railroad junction, known as Sumter Junction.
I've walked several sections of the Palmetto Trail, but these passages are my personal favorites.
Reach Dan Geddings at cdgeddings@gmail.com.