During the 2020 COVID quarantine, I desperately needed to get out of the house and spend some time in nature. My son and I decided to head to the Palmetto Trail: Enoree Passage in South Carolina for some much-needed nature therapy.

Getting outside felt especially important during such an unusual and uncertain time. The fresh air, peaceful woods, and simple rhythm of walking the trail provided a welcome break from being cooped up at home. Sometimes a few hours surrounded by trees are exactly what you need to clear your head.

We started along the trail and encountered one group of hikers near the beginning. After that, the trail became remarkably quiet. We didn’t see another three people until we were about four miles farther along. The solitude made the hike feel even more peaceful and gave us plenty of time to enjoy the forest without the crowds.

We hiked 3 miles out and then 3 miles back, for a total of approximately 6 miles. The hike also registered about 12 floors of elevation gain, providing just enough challenge to make us feel like we’d gotten a good workout without making the outing overly strenuous.

The Enoree Passage offered exactly what I was looking for that day—trees, fresh air, quiet surroundings, and a chance to simply walk and enjoy being outside. The forest was beautiful, with plenty of greenery and natural details to appreciate along the way. There wasn’t any pressure to accomplish something extraordinary. We just needed a beautiful place to walk, talk, and breathe.

Looking back, this hike stands out because of the timing. During the uncertainty of 2020, opportunities to safely get outdoors felt particularly valuable. Trails became places where we could escape the walls of home for a few hours while still maintaining distance from others. The Enoree Passage gave us that opportunity.

I was grateful to share the experience with my son. Hiking together gave us time to reconnect while enjoying a beautiful part of South Carolina. It was a simple adventure, but sometimes those are the ones that matter most. The quiet miles gave us a chance to reset, appreciate the outdoors, and return home feeling refreshed.

If you’re looking for a peaceful section of the Palmetto Trail where you can enjoy the woods and get some exercise, the Palmetto Trail Enoree Passage is worth exploring. Just be sure to check current trail conditions and access information before heading out.

Stay safe, y’all!

If You Go

• Location: Enoree Passage, Palmetto Trail, South Carolina
• Distance: We hiked 3 miles out and 3 miles back for approximately 6 miles total.
• Difficulty: The route provides a moderate workout with some elevation changes.
• Highlights: Quiet forest, peaceful surroundings, and the opportunity to enjoy a less-crowded trail.
• Best for: Hiking, nature therapy, photography, and getting away from the busyness of everyday life.
• What to bring: Water, comfortable hiking shoes, snacks, and insect repellent during warmer months.
• Trail etiquette: Be respectful of other hikers and leave no trace.
• Tip: Check current trail conditions and access information before your visit, as conditions and access can change.
• Photography tip: The forest scenery and changing light beneath the trees provide plenty of opportunities for nature photography.

Web site Enoree Passage

South Carolina Hiking and Attraction Map

Other Palmetto Passages Blog Posts:

• Awendaw Passage
• Middle Saluda Passage
• Poinsett State Park & Wateree Passage
• Blue Ridge Electric Co-op Passage
• Lynch’s Woods Passage
• Peak To Prosperity Passage (Pomaria Trailhead)
• Peak To Prosperity Passage (Alston TrailHead)
• Enoree Passage
• Capital City Passage (Columbia Riverfront)
• Blue Wall Passage
• Lake Marion Passage, Section 3
• Lake Marion Passage, Section 1
• Palmetto Trail to Tamassee Knob