The Palmetto Trail: USC Upstate Passage

Went to this trail because it seemed interesting that the last review was about 11 months old, but most of the comments sum it up. The trail seems well maintained at the entrance but the deeper you go in the worse it gets. I began at the entrance and had to stop at the Y intersection because the left side had a couple of fallen trees and the right didn't look much better. There was another small trail on the side towards the middle of the main pathway but I didn't enter since I was solo, and looked sketchy. Other than that, it was ok. There is some wildlife near the trails and the area is pretty secluded. I didn't see anyone else while I was there. I didn't see any benches and tables either. One I left, I found a small sign in the corner saying that the trail was "closed for further notice due to hurricane Helene". Whoops... All in all, it's pretty rough the farther you go in. It's a shame because it would be a decent trail if it was better maintained.

Pros: Nice trails Secluded Plenty of Shady area Cons: Smells like sewage as it runs along a sewer line that some are broken. Trash is overflowing. Wood from bridges, tables & benches are breaking down and not safe.

Nice trail without having to drive to the mountains. It begins at the back right corner of the parking lot. Look for a bench and trail sign. The map is weathered but still readable. The path is wide, flat, and marked with yellow blazes and stakes. A few tenths if a mile in, it T’s. Left is longer in and out and right is shorter, I believe a loop but didn’t go that way. Left runs along a nice wide river which was beautiful. Only 4 stars because it runs along a sewer line so it doesn’t smell great. It also crisscrosses with a frisbee golf course so be mindful. Included one small stream crossing. I would return.

Significant improvement for a natural trail compared to the other off of 85 which I visited less than 2 days ago. The downside is the entrance is a bit foreboding and underwhelming compared to the fairly extensive trails which I barely ran through. In addition the map needs to be updated and cleaned and some of the trash containers need emptying and trash needs to be removed from the trail (a sofa was one item). Despite this, I enjoyed the length of the trail which extends left or right once you go down the wooded entrance. Left takes you about 1.5 miles and fades off into a grassy field by what appears to be the interstate. Right takes you further with a couple of cross paths (needing repair)that aren't meant for the trail. Not sure how far the right trail goes but I plan to return and find out! A bit surprised this site behind USC Upstate and is in this condition - some money could help clean it up perhaps?

The trail follows a stream that is down the hill from the parking area. The loop near the far side picnic area needs some attention. It also runs into a disc golf course at some parts which is cool.