Breathtaking Blue Wall Passage: A Colorful Fall Hike Through the Upstate, SC

Blue Wall Passage was the perfect place for a fall hike when I joined the ladies of the Palmetto Trail for an outing in November 2019. Back then, carpooling was still part of our hiking adventures, and we enjoyed a beautiful day exploring a portion of this scenic trail near Landrum, South Carolina.

The Blue Wall Passage is approximately 14 miles long and travels through an incredibly beautiful part of the Upstate. We didn’t hike the entire passage, but the section we explored was relatively easy and offered plenty of gorgeous scenery along the way.

We parked off Dug Hill Road and headed into the Nature Conservancy’s Blue Wall Preserve. Almost immediately, we were surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the forest. The timing of our visit couldn’t have been better because the fall foliage was putting on an incredible display.

Brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow, and gold covered the trees, making the trail look like something from a painting. Every turn seemed to offer another beautiful view, and I found myself stopping frequently to take photographs. The photos really don’t do the scenery justice.

There is also a waterfall located off the main trail, and naturally, we wanted to see it. Unfortunately, the waterfall wasn’t particularly impressive during our visit, likely because of the water conditions. Still, the waterfall was a fun addition to the hike, and the surrounding forest made the detour worthwhile.

For me, however, the fall colors were definitely the star of the day. The forest was so vibrant that it almost felt surreal. Hiking beneath the colorful canopy was peaceful and refreshing, and it was easy to forget that we were only a short distance from nearby communities.

After completing our hike, we headed to the charming town of Tryon, North Carolina, for coffee. Tryon is a lovely little town, and I couldn’t resist taking a few photographs while we were there. You’ll find some of those photos at the end of this post.

One of the things I love about hiking the Palmetto Trail is discovering how many different landscapes are found throughout South Carolina. The Blue Wall Passage is a wonderful example, combining forest scenery, waterfalls, mountain views, and beautiful seasonal color.

If you’re looking for a peaceful fall hike in the Upstate, the Blue Wall Passage is definitely worth considering. Visit during peak foliage if you can—the colorful forest transforms an already scenic trail into something truly spectacular.

If You Go

Location: Landrum, South Carolina
Visited: November 2019
Trail: Blue Wall Passage of the Palmetto Trail
Length: Approximately 14 miles for the full passage
Our hike: A portion of the passage
Difficulty: The section we hiked was relatively easy.
Access: We parked off Dug Hill Road and entered the Nature Conservancy’s Blue Wall Preserve.
Highlights: Fall foliage, forest scenery, waterfall, and peaceful trails
Best season: Fall, when the surrounding forest is ablaze with color
Photography tip: Allow extra time for photographs. The colorful foliage creates beautiful compositions throughout the hike.
Nearby: After your hike, consider visiting Tryon, NC, for coffee, food, or a stroll through its charming downtown.
Tip: Check current trail conditions, access information, and parking regulations before heading out.