Love all things pertaining to trains as well as nature? Combine a love of all rail fanning things with your love of the outdoors when you explore a former railroad path in South Carolina that now features a total of 20 trestles and footbridges over a span of just 10.7 miles. The Peak to Prosperity Passage of the Palmetto Trail in South Carolina just may be the best segment of the entire hike which covers nearly 500 miles across the state. (But trust us: there are other fantastic segments, too!)
The Peak to Prosperity Passage kicks off with an 1,100-foot trestle over the Broad River from the parking area in Alston (just across the river from Peak). The super long trestle has incredible views of the river and drops visitors right in downtown Peak, population, 64 residents.
AllTrails/Amanda Corder
Here’s a map of the entire trail with all 20 of the trestles marked with blue pins along the trail.
Palmetto Conservation Foundation
Some hikers who are eager to get the full experience will bring an overnight pack and stay overnight at the campsite next to trestle #9.
AllTrails/Randy Erskine
But in truth, Peak to Prosperity is not a strenuous hike and with an early start, it can be done in a day.
AllTrails/Lee Commins Those who wish to hike the full 10.7 miles (one way) will often bring a second car and leave it over in Prosperity at the end of the trail and then drive back over to Alston to pick up the trail at the Broad River trestle for the whole experience.
Much can be said of the calming effect of taking a hike in the woods. But wow… 20 trestles and footbridges in just over 10 miles? It’s like a train lover’s fairy tale hike.
AllTrails/Stephen Griffin
All Trails rates the hike as EASY and lists the total elevation change as being a mere 456 feet over the total trek. With so much to see, kids do well on the trail.
Google/Beth Banco
It’s also perfect for bikers! Think you could ride to Prosperity and back to Alston (Peak) in the span of an afternoon? That’s only 21.4 miles.
AllTrails/Chris Pernot
The Palmetto Trail and its’ showstopping Peak to Prosperity Passage are under the stewardship of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation. Much of the trail is maintained by volunteers but donations are also greatly appreciated.
ALlTrails/Barbara Teusink
You can learn more about the Foundation and how to get involved by visiting the Palmetto Conservation Foundation on the web. Find out more about the Peak to Prosperity Passage trail in South Carolina here, and by visiting our friends at AllTrails.com.
AllTrails/Amanda Corder
Palmetto Conservation Foundation
AllTrails/Randy Erskine
AllTrails/Lee Commins
Those who wish to hike the full 10.7 miles (one way) will often bring a second car and leave it over in Prosperity at the end of the trail and then drive back over to Alston to pick up the trail at the Broad River trestle for the whole experience.
AllTrails/Stephen Griffin
Google/Beth Banco
AllTrails/Chris Pernot
ALlTrails/Barbara Teusink
For more rail fanning fun, hop on a trail near Walhalla that features the ruins of two abandoned train tunnels. Read more about it: The Amazing Blue Ridge Railroad Trail In South Carolina Leads To 2 Unfinished Train Tunnels.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Peak To Prosperity Passage of the Palmetto Trail, Palmetto Trail, Pomaria, SC 29126, USA
