The Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op Passage of the Palmetto Trail stretches 12.6 miles through the spectacular and rugged Jocassee Gorges in Upstate South Carolina. With waterfalls, wildflowers, towering boulders, mountain vistas, and fascinating history, it is one of the most scenic sections of the Palmetto Trail.

On April 2, 2022, I drove to Upstate South Carolina with the Ladies of the Palmetto Trail to explore a section of this beautiful passage. Our hike leader had obtained permission for our group to begin on a private trail that connects with the Palmetto Trail.

According to the passage map, we started around mile 5, hiked to approximately mile 7, and then took a connector trail between the Palmetto Trail and the Foothills Trail (FHT) toward High Rock, also known locally as Petroglyph Rock.

Our round-trip hike covered approximately 7 miles, with about 900 feet of elevation gain, reaching an elevation of roughly 1,800 feet.

The trail rewarded us with beautiful scenery throughout the hike. We encountered colorful wildflowers, two gorgeous waterfalls—one of which was on private property—dramatic mountain vistas, enormous boulders, and even a few horseback riders enjoying the trails.

I also ventured a little farther along the Foothills Trail toward Lighthouse Campsite to photograph some of the impressive boulders.

A Surprising History Lesson at High Rock

This hike turned out to be as educational as it was enjoyable.

While we were at High Rock, my new friend Lisa explained something I had never heard before. The mysterious circles we noticed on the mountainside were believed to be petroglyphs associated with historic Native American use of the area.

Lisa had learned about the process during a previous hike with a naturalist from Clemson University. According to what she shared, the markings were connected to the historical production of turpentine, involving the collection of sap and exposure to heat.

I was fascinated. Who knew that our hike would include an unexpected history lesson?

Naturally, I had to investigate further when I got home. I searched for information about the process and included a reference below for anyone interested in learning more.

Be sure to check out my video to see the fascinating markings for yourself.

The Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op Passage gave us a wonderful combination of challenging hiking, spectacular Jocassee Gorges scenery, waterfalls, wildlife, and history. It was one of those adventures where every turn seemed to offer something new to discover.

If You Go

• Location: Jocassee Gorges, Upstate South Carolina.
• Trail: Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op Passage of the Palmetto Trail.
• Note: I received questions about the trailhead, since the one we took was private, I can’t refer you to it. Brad Caldwell kindly provided information on alternate -albeit longer ways to reach the rock. I hope you find it helpful: To get to Petroglyph Rock, you can start either at Sassafras or Table Rock on the FHT (about 5 miles 1 way) or come up from Alewine Rd to PT to Whalesback/Long Ridge, which is about 4 miles 1 way.
• Passage Length: 12.6 miles.
• Our Hike: Approximately 7 miles round trip.
• Our Visit: April 2, 2022.
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 900 feet.
• Highest Point on Our Route: Approximately 1,800 feet.
• Highlights: High Rock/Petroglyph Rock, waterfalls, wildflowers, mountain vistas, boulders, and Foothills Trail connections.
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging depending on the section and route taken.
• Access: Some connecting trails cross or begin on private property, so be sure you have permission before using them.
• What to Bring: Plenty of water, sturdy hiking shoes, snacks, and trekking poles if you prefer extra stability.
• Photography: Spring wildflowers, waterfalls, boulders, and mountain overlooks provide excellent photography opportunities.

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Reference Palmetto Trail Blue Ridge Electric Co-op Passage, Trail map, Ladies of the Palmetto Trail, PalmettoTrail Hikers, Making Turpentine from SAP

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South Carolina Hiking and Attraction Map

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You might enjoy these posts nearby:

• Big Rock Mountain & Cedar Rock Trails, SC
• Hagood Mill Historic Site
• Beech Bottom Falls, SC
• Sassafras via NC 178
• Estatoe Narrows
• Beech Bottom Falls
• Blue Ridge Electric Co-op Passage
• Furman University Campus, SC
• Hiking Sassafras to Table Rock

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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

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