On Saturday, July 11, 2020, we decided to stay local and hike the Fort Jackson Passage of the Palmetto Trail, a long, mostly wooded segment running parallel to Leesburg Road in Columbia, South Carolina. Because of Covid‑19 precautions, we met at the trailhead at Gate 5, which was easy to find thanks to the directions on the Palmetto Conservation website.

We headed west toward Fort Jackson, following a wide, clearly marked path through peaceful pinewoods. The trail was easy to navigate and felt wonderfully quiet, with only the sound of wind moving through the trees. As we continued, we noticed more cobwebs across the path—always a sign that a section may be less traveled. Once we reached the lake, we decided to turn around rather than continue deeper into the passage.

Before heading back, we walked around the lake and explored the reception house, adding a bit of variety to the outing. By the time we returned to the parking lot, we had completed about 5 miles—a comfortable distance for a hot summer day.

The full Fort Jackson Passage stretches roughly 16 miles, offering plenty of opportunities to explore both east and west from Gate 5. Next time, we plan to wander eastward to see more of this long, forested corridor.

One important note: bug repellent is essential. This area is known for ticks, though thankfully we didn’t encounter any during our visit.

The Fort Jackson Passage is a quiet, easy, pine‑scented stretch of the Palmetto Trail—perfect for a local outing when you want nature without a long drive.

If You Go

• Start at Gate 5 — Easy parking and clear access to the Palmetto Trail.
• Hike west to the lake — A peaceful pinewoods walk with minimal elevation.
• Explore the reception house — Adds interest to a short outing.
• Expect cobwebs — Some sections are lightly traveled, especially in summer.
• Bring bug repellent — Ticks are common in this area.
• Try the eastern route — The passage is long; plenty left to explore.
• Plan for heat — July humidity can make even easy trails feel strenuous.
• Check Palmetto Trail updates — Conditions and access points can change.

Web reference Fort Jackson Passage

Fort Jackson Passage Photos

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