Palmetto Trail Day 18 – Glenn Springs Passage

Started the day planning on getting out of Croft State Park in order to start the next Passage.  Due to my inability to cross the river I called a local outdoorsman and asked if he could pick me up earlier in the State Park, instead of the end of Glenn Springs Passage. I didn’t want to take up anymore of his time and thought he could just take me to the Enoree Passage. I would make up this section at another time. But he wasn’t down for that at all.

Turns out Coleman knows alot of the area, even wondered if I was going to be able to cross in the first place this morning.  This detour would be a nine mile stretch around the river where I am dropped off on the opposite side.  It’s a quick 1/2 mile to get where I was stuck at. Coleman drives back home and will be expecting me to call when I get close to competing this next Passage.

Glenn Springs starts off with a dirt road and switches to pavement all the way to the historic town of Glenn Springs. The area was known for its mineral springs that help people with various health issues as far back as the Revolutionary War. I stopped at the kiosk for lunch and noticed I missed the turn from road to trail. So I took the trail back about 1/2 mile before continuing South.

This was a very pleasant walk and was greatful for Colemans time in not skipping it. I eventually come out onto a hyway and walk it for a short while.  At one point I am rushed by three large dogs. They ran down the hill towards me but not off the property. There was no fence so I was wary, but this distraction would cost me some time.  I didn’t realize it for another 30 minutes or so but my turn back into the woods was opposite the house with the dogs, I completely missed it.

When I find myself off track I send a message to Coleman who calls me back. I explain my fiasco and he tells me not to worry and enjoy myself. This really made me feel much better and the last two miles of the Passage was a very peaceful wooded walk.  Coleman is waiting for me at the end and we load up my pack and started the long drive towards Sedalia campground which starts the Enoree Passage.

One unique part of this Passage is that a majority of the land the trail follows is Private Property. But the landowners have granted an easement for hikers to pass through.  I think it is important that a special thanks should be given to these landowners. Those who do use the trail ensure that it stays as good as you found it.

The reason I was looking for a shuttle after this Passage was because there was a 16 mile gap between two Passages.  In the middle of this gap is the Blackstock Battlefield Passage,  which Birdy and I hiked after visiting Congaree N.P.  a few weeks ago. Coleman agreed to take me straight down to the next Passage and I was very greatful that he did. A hats off to this gentleman who took the time for most of the day to shuttle me around as well as tell me about the area and the trail in general.