The Palmetto Trails - South Carolina's Cross-State Trail

South Carolina's Cross-State Trail

The Palmetto Trail is South Carolina’s only cross-state trail and one of only 16 in the country. When fully complete, it will stretch approximately 500 miles from the mountains of Oconee County to the Intracoastal Waterway in Charleston County. In between the mountains and the coast, the trail passes through the Piedmont and Fall line, lakes, and numerous fascinating historical sites.

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Trail Construction Progress

416 mi of 500 mi completed

Let's Connect The Trail

Updates

Trail Closures - Updated 2-5-26

February 5, 2026

Please refer to this updates page for recent closures and updates regarding the trail. You will also find these updates under the "Trail Alerts" tab of the corresponding passage.

Public Announcement: Broad River Conservation & Education Preserve

January 30, 2026

We want to hear from YOU!

Weather Alert UPDATED: 2-4-2026

January 22, 2026

Palmetto Trail updates regarding upcoming weather...

Popular Passages

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Biking

Scenic

Awendaw Passage

Enjoy lovely views of the marsh along Awendaw Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway at the coastal terminus of the Palmetto Trail.

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Bridge Crossing

Fishing

Eastatoe Passage

This short but spectacular Passage offers access to trout fishing in Eastatoe Creek, as well as the chance to cross two suspension bridges.

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Dog Friendly

Fishing

Peak to Prosperity Passage

Watch for eagles, otters and turtles from the spectacular railroad trestles that cross the Broad River and Crims Creek throughout this family-friendly passage.

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Lend a hand, leave a path

We’re thrilled to introduce Trailblazers, our newest volunteer initiative. This tiered program is designed to bring people together, care for the trail we all love, and create meaningful opportunities for service and connection.

Through Trailblazers, we hope to inspire a spirit of stewardship within our community and give back to the path that has given us countless moments of challenge, discovery, and outdoor adventure.

Get Involved

From hiking this trail, I’ve learned this state is remarkable in its diversity – from flat terrain to intense elevation gains; from thorny brambles to mystical fairy trails; and alligator-filled lakes and swamps to crystal clear mountain views that go on forever.

Jan Trent

Hiker
My trail buddies and I all made a commitment to do the Palmetto Trail together every Tuesday. We made a spreadsheet to keep track of everything. We had a great time exploring and seeing everything the trail has to offer. The boardwalks, landmarks, State parks, mountains, and everything in between. This is a great way to see the state! Go out and explore!

Telena Lander

Hiker
Hiking on the Palmetto Trail has gotten me out to see all that our wonderful state has to offer in the outdoors, and it’s not anything you’d see from the interstates or major highways.

Linda Killinger

Hiker
My favorite passage is the Blue Wall Electric Coop – I love the mountains! But no matter what trail I am on, I am constantly amazed by the incredible amount of work that goes into creating and maintaining them. Every time I see beautiful stone steps, a new boardwalk, or even a downed tree removed from the trail, I know that someone has put in long hours so that the rest of us can enjoy the trail.

Jeanne Bridges

Hiker
It is my pleasure to assist in creating the Palmetto Trail. The wide range of support for the project demonstrates that South Carolinians from each part of the state can work together on common projects. Connecting this state through a nature trail is an excellent initiative.

Governor Carroll A. Campbell, Jr

October 11, 1994