The Palmetto Trail runs through many South Carolina counties, and this particular picture was taken in the small town of Peak in Newberry County. The trail, when it is completed, will stretch 425 miles across South Carolina – from the mountains to the sea.


Photographer Ralph Mayer tells us that this railroad bridge was built in 1890 and crosses the Broad River. The original bridge was intentionally burned by the Confederate troops during the Civil War to slow the advance of General Sherman's troops. Ralph adds that it is a wonderful part of the Palmetto Trail to enjoy hiking and biking!

This statewide trail system was first conceived in 1994 by the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, and is a federally-designated Millennium Legacy Trail. The Palmetto Trail connects many existing trails and paths which feature our state's history, culture, and unique geography. It is broken down into passages that can be enjoyed in just a day, or over a couple of days, so don't feel overwhelmed by the thought of hiking across the state all at once!

The Palmetto Trail has a wide variety trails – from urban bike trails and greenways to Revolutionary War battlefields and hiking trails. Once completed, this will be one of only sixteen cross-state trails in the country.

For more information and trail maps, check out the Palmetto Conservation Foundation.

SCIWAY thanks Ralph Mayer of Lexington for this great picture taken in December 2011.

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