Palmetto Trail Awendaw Passage

The Awendaw Passage of the Palmetto Trail traverses diverse Lowcountry habitats in the Francis Marion National Forest, from longleaf pine savannas to bottomland hardwoods to tidal creek margins. This section of South Carolina’s cross-state trail provides genuine wilderness hiking through landscapes recovering from Hurricane Hugo’s 1989 devastation, now thriving with diverse plant and animal communities. The relatively flat terrain makes for steady hiking, while the varied habitats ensure constant natural interest. The passage can be combined with the Swamp Fox Passage for extended backpacking adventures, or hiked in sections for day trips. This is an excellent introduction to Lowcountry ecosystems and the ambitious Palmetto Trail project.