It comes with great excitement to announce that Palmetto Trail is the first in the nation to host a standalone Paddle TRACK Trail. In partnership with Kids in Parks, our two organizations will join to commemorate the opening of the Paddle TRACK Trail at the Alston Trailhead Kayak Launch. The new addition provides direct access to the Broad River, creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration, just in time to celebrate National Wellness Month. 

BRINGING UP FUTURE GENERATIONS

As technology continues to advance, our society, particularly younger generations, have leaned farther into the world of social media, online games, and videos. It is important that we, as a community, choose to put the phone screens down and reconnect ourselves with the world around us.

In the article, Demystifying the New Dilemma of Brain Rot in the Digital Era, research shows that the overuse of technology, especially in adolescents and young adults, is linked to “psychological distress, anxiety, and depression,” factors that have proven to “impair executive functioning skills, including memory, planning, and decision-making.”

Adolescents and young adults are struggling to problem solve, leading them to heavily rely on the convenience of technology and its overwhelming amount of information right at their fingertips. 

With hopes to bring the community together and spark a lasting sense of outdoor adventure for future generations, Palmetto Trail, as well as Kids in Parks, continue to promote free resources with endless opportunities for adventure. 

PALMETTO TRAIL 

The Palmetto Trail is dedicated to building, protecting and maintaining a statewide multi-use nature based trail that provides a continuous trail spanning from the mountains to the sea across South Carolina. Our mission is to promote the health and wellness of South Carolinians through outdoor recreational opportunities, foster economic vitality in our communities through eco-tourism, and inspire a deep appreciation and stewardship of South Carolina’s natural and cultural resources through conservation environmental education. 

Executive Director of the Palmetto Trail, Mary Roe, emphasizes the entire Trail is a free resource for everyone and will positively impact future generations by fostering an appreciation for South Carolina's cultural and natural resources. 

Director Roe states excitedly, “whether it is a nature-based trail or a blueway trail, access to the outdoors for children and families has amazing wellness benefits. We are excited to offer the Palmetto Trail Paddle TRACK Trail as an opportunity to explore aquatic life on the Broad River.”

Photo by: Kaitlin Saltzman 

The ongoing partnership between Palmetto Trail and Kids in Parks is a continued effort to provide families with opportunities to explore the world around them. 

KIDS IN PARKS

Kids in Parks is a FREE, national program that connects families to the outdoors through hands-on exploration. Self-guided TRACK Trail activities and smartphone e-Adventures turn any outing into a fun-filled, discovery-packed adventure. TRACK your adventures to earn prizes along the way! 

Palmetto Trail has been associated with Kids in Parks for six years, with Peak to Prosperity being the first TRACK Trail along the Palmetto Trail. Since then, Kids in Parks has introduced six other TRACK Trails across the Trail, which include Awendaw Passage, Swamp Fox Mini, 301 Bridge, Lynch's Woods, Buncombe Trail, Poinsett State Park, and now the Broad River - Alston Access Paddle Trail

Photo by: Kaitlin Saltzman 

THE NEW ADDITION 

The Broad River - Alston Access Paddle TRACK Trail is the newest addition to the beloved Peak to Prosperity trail. The official opening of the Paddle TRACK Trail will be August 15th, 2026 with a celebration for National TRACK Trails Day. Families are encouraged to bring a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to explore this stunning piece of property by water. Located along the brand-new kayak launch at the Alston Trailhead, families can get out on the water together and explore all the nature that is to be found above, on, and below the waters of the Broad River.

For more information on the new Paddle TRACK Trail, visit Paddle TRACK Trail