Join Conserving Carolina and Polk County Parks and Recreation on Friday, April 13, for an approximately 10-mile moderate hike along the Palmetto Trail, from Orchard Lake Campground trailhead to the Blue Wall Preserve. 

The hike will follow the Palmetto Trail along the state line and along the northern perimeter of the Greenville Watershed, down Brushy Ridge, along Hogback Mountain Road, down Vaughns Gap and into the Blue Wall Preserve.

The Greenville Watershed is one of the most significant wilderness areas in South Carolina and a unique natural habitat for rare plants and animals.  The watershed property was acquired by the Greenville Water System in the 1950s and has been carefully protected since then. 

Polk County Parks and Recreation has two to three vans, and will provide a shuttle for the hike.  The shuttle can accommodate 35 passengers; therefore, preregistration is required to guarantee a seat on the bus. 

If we run out of seats, you are still encouraged to participate, but you will have to provide your own carpool and shuttle.  Please contact Pam Torlina at Conserving Carolina’s southeast office at 828-697-5777, ext. 300, or email pam@conservingcarolina.org to reserve your seat.

Those interested are asked to meet at the Tryon Antique Mall and Market Place, across the street from the entrance to Lake Lanier at 8:30 a.m. From there, we will carpool to the Blue Wall Preserve parking area (with limited parking) to load the buses and begin our journey to the trailhead at Orchard Lake Campground.

For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear; bring a bag lunch and/or snack, and plenty of water. Please be sure to bring any personal medication that you may require. 

In case of inclement weather, please contact Conserving Carolina’s southeast office by 8:15 a.m. on the day of the hike, or check the Conserving Carolina Facebook page to see if the hike will take place.

– Submitted by Pam Torlina