Palmetto Conversation plans for National Trails Day
Everyone who shares a love for hiking and bicycling in South Carolina is invited to celebrate National Trails Day® and the Palmetto Trail, Saturday, June 3, with Palmetto Conservation Foundation (PCF).
The PCF is hosting weekend celebrations at Croft State Park in Spartanburg County and Poinsett State Park in Sumter County. The Palmetto Trail passes through both parks on its journey from the mountains to the sea. Saturday-only activities are planned in Charleston County on the Awendaw Passage of the Palmetto Trail.
Registration is required for all events, and organizers recommend registering as soon as possible, as space is limited. National Trails Day events are free to Palmetto Conservation members. The registration fee for nonmembers includes a year’s membership. Activities, schedules and registration forms can be found at www.palmettoconservation.org.
“National Trails Day is a fun way to celebrate the great outdoors,” PCF Executive Director Natalie Britt said.
American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® 2017 will bring together enthusiasts for the 25th annual celebration of America’s magnificent trail system, including South Carolina’s Palmetto Trail. National Trails Day is celebrated in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. More than 2,000 events will take place nationwide to celebrate trails of all sizes and shapes, and to recognize the countless supporters and volunteers who build and maintain them.
Guided trail activities are planned for beginners through intermediates at all three locations, and will appeal to families. Other activities at the state parks include overnight camping, community campfires with s’mores, and more. PCF has reserved primitive camp areas at both parks. Lunch and dinner will be provided by PCF on Saturday, as well as breakfast on Sunday, to registered participants at the state parks. On the Awendaw Passage, a Saturday lunch will be offered for registered participants
The Palmetto Trail, one of only 16 cross-state trails in the nation, showcases South Carolina’s diverse natural beauty, fascinating history, and rich cultural history. At present, PCF has built 28 passages of the 500-mile trail, which stretches like a ribbon across 14 counties from Walhalla in the Blue Ridge Mountains to Awendaw on the Intracoastal Waterway. Multiple trailheads provide easy access within two hours from anywhere in the state. Various trail passages accommodate hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, camping, and horseback riding, offering active outdoor recreation for all ages and skill levels.
“Whether you are a Trail newbie or seasoned user, the Palmetto Trail is an excellent way to explore the state’s history and enjoy its natural beauty,” Britt stated.
For additional information about Palmetto Conservation’s National Trails Day celebration, contact Mary Roe at mroe@palmettoconservation.org or call 803-771-0870.
The mission of the PCF is to conserve South Carolina’s natural and cultural resources, preserve historic landmarks, and promote outdoor recreation through trails and greenways. Founded in 1989, PCF is a statewide nonprofit organization with offices in Columbia and Glendale (Spartanburg County). PCF’s largest and best-known project is building and maintaining the Palmetto Trail. Supporting Trail use is the Glendale Outdoor Leadership School, a PCF program. GOLS teaches courses in wilderness medicine (certified first aid and first responder) and active recreational sports, including rock climbing, mountain biking and kayaking.