Hikers and cyclists can now enjoy another 14.1-mile section of the cross-state Palmetto Trail via the new Peach Country Passage between Inman and Landrum, SC.
The Palmetto Trail, South Carolina’s mountains-to-sea pathway and the largest bicycle/pedestrian project in the state, currently consists of approximately 365 miles of trails open to the public, divided by sections known as passages.
The Peach Country Passage was officially incorporated into the Palmetto Trail on Sept. 28. This new section of trail comprises the upper part of the connection between the USC Upstate Passage and the Blue Wall Passage. The trail is currently routed through existing backcountry roads, making it ideal for bicyclists and hikers alike. Through the master planning process, Palmetto Conservation Foundation (PCF), the statewide nonprofit that builds and maintains the trail, is currently looking at potential sites to develop another passage of the trail through the area that will be similar to existing passages of the Palmetto Trail.
The passage begins in the town of Inman and stays on sidewalks past Chapman High School. The trail continues and ascends Windmill Hill, the highest point of this particular section. From Windmill Hill, the trail continues on country roads to a trailhead at Gramling, SC. Visitors will find a small store in Gramling across US-176 that can be accessed for refreshments. Numerous surrounding peach orchards in the area make for a scenic stretch of trail while illustrating the importance and history of the peach packing industry in the area.
The trail continues on lightly-traveled, rural country roads until it reaches the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (SC Highway 11) near Campobello, SC. The trail follows Highway 11 for less than one-quarter mile before returning to rural country roads.
The Palmetto Trail enters Landrum through Brookwood Park before joining with the Blue Wall Passage either to the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (F.E.N.C.E.) or to downtown Landrum, where visitors can browse unique shops, dine in quaint eateries and stay in local bed-and-breakfast inns before continuing their journey on the trail. The Peach Country Passage is suitable for hiking, running, or road and mountain bikes.
“As people travel the Palmetto Trail from the mountains to the sea, Inman is a perfect location for a stop-over. Every town or city needs an identity and this is now Inman’s. The City of Inman has seen an economic decline over the last few years due to economic conditions. With the Palmetto Trail running parallel to Main Street, Inman is now in a position to grow and prosper. This is an exciting time for Inman and can be a prosperous business venture for the City and investors wanting to profit in a Trail Town,” Bessie Fisher, City of Inman, said.
For maps of the Palmetto Trail, as well as information on guided hikes and other trips, check PCF’s website at www.palmettoconservation.org.
Officials in theWilliamston/Pelzer area are hoping to bring similar type trails to the local area.
