The Palmetto Trail is South Carolina’s longest recreational trail and the state’s only cross-state trail, designed for hiking, mountain biking, and other non-motorized activities. When fully complete, it will stretch about 500 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Oconee County to the Intracoastal Waterway near Awendaw in Charleston County, crossing diverse landscapes including mountains, piedmont, lakes, forests, swamps, and rivers. ​

          The idea for the Palmetto Trail began in 1989 with a small group of conservation advocates who founded the Palmetto Conservation Foundation (PCF). They envisioned a trail that would connect South Carolina’s natural and cultural treasures and encourage people to experience and help conserve those landscapes. 

Early Development

• 1994 – Groundbreaking took place on the first section of the trail at Lake Moultrie on land provided by Santee Cooper. This marked the official start of the trail project. 

• 1996 – The 24-mile Lake Moultrie Passage opened, giving users their first long stretch of trail. 

Since then, the trail has grown passage by passage — sections that vary in length and character — and now includes dozens of completed segments totaling more than 400 miles of trail, with ongoing work to link all pieces into a continuous route. 

Partnerships & Support

The trail’s development has been a collaborative effort involving:

• Palmetto Conservation Foundation (lead sponsor and organizer) 

• South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism

• State government, which has provided funding and legislative support 

• Volunteers, local landowners, national and state forests, and organizations like the SC National Guard and AmeriCorps who assist with construction and maintenance 

Recognition & Impact

          The Palmetto Trail has garnered national recognition; parts of the trail system are designated as Recreational Trail segments in the American Trails System, and the project has been noted among the nation’s cross-state trails. 

           The trail serves multiple purposes: it promotes outdoor recreation and healthy lifestyles, protects and showcases natural and historic sites, supports eco-tourism and local economic development, and provides free access to outdoor spaces for South Carolinians and visitors alike. 

Continued Growth

As of early 2026, more than 400 miles are completed, with ongoing efforts to connect remaining gaps into a continuous route, add new passages, and sustain the trail through maintenance and community engagement.