Guide to the Palmetto Trail

For South Carolinians, the Palmetto Trail isn’t only a challenging hike with beautiful scenery, its a point of state pride. The trail allows hikers and bike riders to discover what sets our state apart.

We’ve put together this short guide to help you know what to expect while traveling on the Palmetto Trail. This article will focus mainly on the Lake Moultrie, Lake Marion, and Santee Passages as these are the closest parts of the trail to our location.

The Palmetto Trail is a 500 mile long, cross-state trail that is free and open to the public. It allows travelers to view the natural beauty of South Carolina, from mountain ridges and forests, to cypress swamps and lakes. The trail is an economic boon, as it helps to foster tourism and local businesses.

Where Does the Palmetto Trail Start and End?

The trail stretches from Walhalla in the Blue Ridge Mountains to Awendaw on the southeastern coast. You can refer to the Palmetto Trail Map on palmettoconservation.org, which shows both the finished and unfinished portions of the trail.

Length: 26.7 Miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance from us (to trailhead): 4.4 miles

The closest access to Palmetto Trail for our location, the Lake Moultrie Passage runs along the northern and eastern shores of Lake Moultrie. The scenery along this route is simply breathtaking, with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the lake as well as ample opportunity to witness the natural wildlife of the lake in their habitat.

A popular side trail starts at the Hwy 52 Trailhead where, after a short hike through the pines, travelers arrive at the Pinopolis East Dike, one of the best locations at Lake Moultrie to admire the sunset.

Travelers will also enjoy the hardwood and pine forests along the trail, making for a serene backdrop to the hike.

Length: 35.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance from us (to trailhead): 29.1 miles

This portion of the trail runs between Santee and Mill County State Park, hugging the high rise line for Lake Marion. Much of this passage cuts through numerous swamps, from open cypress to hardwood.

A major perk of this passage is that there is a fair amount of waterfowl, including those that live nearby, allowing travelers to travel in a soothing ambience of bird calls and chirping while occasionally spotting some of the wildlife. This is especially true during the rainy spring season, where hikers will also be met with coastal plains filled with colorful wildflowers.

Between mile markers 5 and 6, a turn off appears that leads down Fort Watson Road to the site of Santee burial mounds. This area has historical significance, as Fort Watson was built by the British during the American Revolution and was later captured by the Swamp Fox.

Those who wish to travel this portion of the Palmetto Trail should be aware that this section experiences seasonal flooding, sometimes so severe that it floats a bridge or two. Fortunately, this section is regularly maintained and recent construction of the bridges makes them less likely to be swept away.

Note that dogs aren’t allowed on this portion of the trail.

Length: 13.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Distance from us (Eutawville): ~ 15 miles

The Santee Passage is mainly characterized by dirt roads and rural highways. With little elevation gain to speak of, the portion makes for a pleasant stroll through the farmlands of Orangeburg County. Much of your view will be sweeping fields of cotton, wheat, soybeans, and canola, weaving together a tapestry of rural South Carolina.

Along the way, you’ll find produce stands run by local farmers that showcase the yield of the season. You may find produce such as fresh-picked berries and peaches. There isn’t much shade along the trail, save for a portion owned by the Avinger family. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy some relief from the sun underneath pinewood and whopping oak trees.