Palmetto Trail (Peak to Prosperity Passage)

South Carolina

9 Reviews

The Peak to Prosperity Passage segment of the Palmetto Trail offers an easy, flat route for most of its 10-mile journey. The views from the bridges are beautiful, plus there are ample opportunities for wildlife sightings. A highlight of the route is the Broad River trestle, which spans more than 1,000 feet and provides breathtaking views. The Peak to Prosperity Passage has a rich history; Crims Creek is known as the Dutch Fork due to the immigrants who settled there in the 1700s.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available at the trail's eastern terminus in Alston. From Columbia, take I-26 northbound. Take Exit 97 to US 176 and travel west for 11 miles. Take a right onto SC 213 and drive 3.1 miles. Turn right onto Alston Road (State Road S-20-35), which is the first road after the Broad River bridge. When Alston Road forks, veer right; you'll see parking shortly after crossing railroad tracks.

Another trailhead is available in Pomaria at the center of the trail route. From Columbia, take I-26 northbound. Take Exit 85 to reach SC 202; travel northeast on 202 until the T-intersection with US 176 and turn left. As you enter Pomaria, turn right on Anjella Street and park behind the kiosk adjacent to Wilson’s Grocery.

Alston Trailhead - Taking me back to Nature!

May 2021 bdowlin1_tl

I absolutely love the trail. Mile by mile it is an escape from my busy life. I enjoy spotting birds, including large birds like owls, herons and hawks. Watching turtles on crowded logs while the otters swim and play. And if you like snakes watch closely and you will occasionally find them sunning alongside the trail. I’ve invested in rain gear just so I can see the forest come to life with small streams and waterfalls leading to the busy creeks and feeding the river. And so much more to see!

The Best Trail

February 2021 jayrufc15

Awesome old rail bed trail!

Nice Ride

October 2020 malcolmwheels

What I like about this trail is that it passes through a heavily wooded area passing over streams and rivers. Very scenic. Also i have never seen more than a few other people when I’ve been there. There are two easy road crossings. Unfortunately one of the bridges has no side rails and some of the boards are in need of repair so use caution when crossing. The trail is somewhat rocky but much improved o er what it used to be.

Peaceful & solitary. Trestles need repairs

August 2020 ran2slow

This week I ran from the parking area near I-26 to Route 176 in Pomaria and returned to my starting point. This was 3 miles each way so I know it was a small portion of the overall trail. The trail feels secluded and peaceful once you get away from the interstate. I saw several deer and only one other user of the trail. After lots of rain this week the trail was well drained. As a previous reviewer mentioned, the surface is made of chunky rocks which is very bumpy for runners and cyclists. I rolled my ankle twice but fortunately no sprains. My biggest concern is that the trestle boards are in poor condition. I saw several that were broken through that could cause a pedestrian or cyclist to get hurt. I felt a couple boards crunch under me and I'm not a big person. One of the trestles I crossed used man-made boards and it seemed to be in the best condition. The next time they re-surface the trail I hope they use a finer aggregate which would make it more safer for everyone.