This cold weather has me excited for more overnight backpacking trips 🏕 Waking up to a cold morning, hot cup of coffee, and a view like this 👌 I still haven't conquered a solo overnight trip, and I have no problem admitting I'm not quite ready for that. BUT this last one nighter with my mom really let me know that I'm getting more and more prepared for the Appalachian Trail next year. Yes we are in the woods, yes there are wild animals around, yes it's OK to be a little scared sometimes. But seeing four snakes and not letting my fear turn me around was a plus. Dealing with the fact that I will have to 'go' in the woods and its not a big deal because you get used to it, also a plus. Getting more comfortable with my gear, actually getting a good nights sleep with my sleeping equipment, understanding how and where to hang a bear bag - these are things I'm excited about practicing and doing because I have this awesome goal I want to accomplish! This weekend my mom and I are hitting another section of the @palmettotrail and next weekend another overnight backpacking trip - hopefully two nights hiking from Sassafras to Caesars Head, then back to Sassafras. Small portion of the @foothillstrail that we haven't hiked before. Very excited for what's to come, and I hope you all get a chance to enjoy this fall weather 😊 ❤ #hiking #goals #cantwaittohiketheAT #trails #nature #exploremore #foothillstrail #palmettotrail #appalachiantrail #practicemakesperfect #excitedforthefuture #excitedforgoals #hikingwithrae #backpacker #camping #fallweatheristhebest https://www.instagram.com/p/CFPhvNMH04-/?igshid=p2l5reyhnad8

We went on a #hike on the #awendawpassage of the #palmettotrail @amyl8x #hiking #hikingadventures #awendaw #southcarolina #outdooradventures (at Awendaw Passage) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbm7ktLO8du/?utm_medium=tumblr

Today in hiking with Hank. Palmetto trail number 2 for April. #palmettotrail (at Poinsett State Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/COGzaGRgQ2_/?igshid=d83ipyqabdh3

Night comes too early now... #bikesc #palmettotrail #ghostbike #bikesleaningonshit #accidentalnightrider #ghostrider (at Palmetto Trail - Alston Trail Head) https://www.instagram.com/p/CE790EJhPsw/?igshid=1tts8oszvht2f

#greensboro #palmettotrail (at Greensboro, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx7R0p4HjhFUMqgAIqbCDB9i1Z3lRnr-hiqnzQ0/?igshid=wd66ka4f4x8j

One with nature!!! 1 mile walk! . . . . #nature #trees #trails #palmettotrail #selfcare #lynchwoods #newberrysc #walk #woods #sun #photography #yourfavoriterealtor #southcarolina #fitness #motivation #monday #mondaymotivation #homesbyjacque (at Lynchs Woods Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwS7x4iFavU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1bpstzxd3q44b

After a full trip back home with family, friends, packing, and moving I took my last morning in the South to hit one of my favorite trails on a whim. I grabbed 3 liters of water and went as far as it would take me on this 90 degree day. Turns out that was only about 8 miles out and back. Until next time SC ✌✌🌎🌎 . . . . . . . Ps. After I got about 4 miles in I started to smell a bit of smoke and on the drive home o found out why! (last picture) #osprey #gopro #Merrell #palmettotrail #southcarolina (at Awendaw, South Carolina)

Happy Monday 🌿 We're so thankful for this warmer weather and each other. 💏 On a side note, boo is accomplishing a lot right now! Way to go! 🎈#keeponkeepingon #hiking #sundayfunday #palmettotrail #mce #mcm

Hiking Roundtop Mountain passage of the @palmettotrail this weekend, can't wait! 🥾🥾 🏕 ❤ With the extra milage from starting at Sassafras, getting to the campsite on the next passage, then hiking back to Sass on Sun, should be a little over 14 total miles total 😁 #hiking #camping #backpacking #palmettotrail #mountainsarecalling #theyarealwayscalling #adventure #hikingwithrae #readyfortheweekend #weekendvibes (at Roundtop Mountain) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEt9psHHQrz/?igshid=1c5pz6d41sm97

It’s #medalmonday & this past Saturday I earned my first #trailrunning coin from @eagle_endurance at the #lastchancetrailrun on the #swampfoxpassage of the #palmettotrail - I’m looking forward to more trail running in the future! . . . #runchs #francismarionnationalforest #running #runnersofinstagram #runningmotivation #trailrunner @nathansportsinc @salomonrunning #chs #lowcountry #charlestonrunning (at Halfway Creek Campground) https://www.instagram.com/p/B52uuG9BMwY/?igshid=rafsi5v4ruvg

The Palmetto Trail in Newberry County, South Carolina

“Palmetto Conservation Foundation”

The Palmetto Trail is a 500 mile South Carolina recreational trail that will eventually connect the mountains with the sea.  When finished, the trail will begin at Oconee State Park in the Upstate and end on the coast north of Charleston.  The Palmetto Trail will be a multipurpose trail designed for hikers, bikers, and equestrians, providing the area with access to active, healthy outdoor recreation. The idea will also foster tourism, business and economic development. A network of other trails will branch off of it.  Approximately 350 miles of trail is complete and open to the public.  It will connect to state and county parks, greenways, and city sidewalks and bike ways. It was designated a federal Millennium Legacy Trail.

A section of the Palmetto Trail in Newberry County is the Lynch’s Woods Passage, on the outskirts of the city of Newberry.  This three mile moderate section of trail goes through Lynch’s Woods Park.  Lynch’s Woods is a lovely upland forest containing loblolly pine, tulip poplar, hickory, and white oak trees.  Other spur trails within the park are open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.

The largest section of trail open in Newberry County is the Enoree Passage.  This 36 mile section runs through the Sumter National Forest and links Newberry, Laurens and Union counties.  The Enoree Passage is a moderately easy portion of trail that goes through hardwood forests and over pine ridges.  It crosses two major creeks, Gilders Creek and Indian Creek, and the Enoree River.  The 80 foot bridge over the river provides a great view.  The trail also passes three small fishing lakes:  Macedonia Lake, John’s Creek Lake, and Sedalia Lake. Hikers may observe wildlife along the trail such as deer, wild turkey and other birds.  There is also a beaver pond along the trail.  The Enoree Passage ties into the Buncombe Horse Trail and shares the trail for ten miles.  The northern trailhead of this section is at the Sedalia Campground in Union County, and the southern trailhead is on Franklin Road in Newberry County.

A third section of the Palmetto Trail in Newberry County is the Peak to Prosperity Passage.  Phase one is a 6.5 mile section that opened in 2009. It can be accessed a few miles east of Newberry in the town of Pomaria and runs to the town of Alston in Fairfield County.  This unique section of trail is a rail trail, located on right of way that was purchased from Norfolk Southern Railroad.  This is a scenic hike that crosses 14 wooden trestles over Crims Creek and an 1100 foot long bridge over the Broad River that provides a spectacular view.  Phase two of this passage will eventually include another 4.5 miles of rail trail.

Many people regularly enjoy the opportunity for exercise and recreation along the different sections of the Palmetto Trail. Newberry County residents and visitors eagerly await the completion of additional sections of the trail.

Buckhall landing Palmetto trailhead - Awendaw, SC This is the start of a cross state, 425 mile backpacking trial that I walk 0.94% of. Gotta start somewhere #palmettotrail #southcarolina (at Buck Hall Recreation Area)

So it was cool enough today to Hank along for hike. All was good until the mud bath. I was trying out the retractable leash, because I like him having a little more room on the trail. OK, I like him having enough room that I don’t trip over him all the time… However, I didn’t catch it quick enough. So he was able to cool down. I haven’t had the courage to check the back seat of the car yet. I will remember towels next hike. #palmettotrail #hiking #hikingwithdogs (at Poinsett State Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQEle5CACNF/?utm_medium=tumblr