Lake Marion Passage gave me one of those hiking days that reminds me why I love exploring the Palmetto Trail. On February 7, 2021, I met Beth and Cathy at Packs Landing for a planned 9.5-mile hike through Section 3 of the Lake Marion Passage.

I had never met either of them before, so I wondered how we’d get along for a full day on the trail. As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about. We hit it off almost immediately! I’ve often found that hikers share a special bond—a love of nature, adventure, and discovering places that aren’t always found on the typical tourist map.

And explore we did.

The Palmetto Trail never disappoints me, and this section offered an amazing variety of scenery and unexpected discoveries. We began near Lake Marion, then made our way through pine forests, cypress swamps, and along peaceful creeks.

We crossed several boardwalks and bridges, many of which had recently been built or were still under construction during our hike. These structures make a huge difference when the trail becomes muddy or wet, allowing hikers to cross difficult areas without damaging the surrounding environment.

Along the way, we encountered one surprise after another: old stills, a rusty abandoned car, an abandoned house, a pond, and hundreds of migrating blackbirds filling the trees and sky. We also spotted an amazing variety of mushrooms growing throughout the forest.

One of my favorite moments came when Beth, who is a teacher, shared a clever way she teaches children about fungi and lichen:

“Freddy Fungi and Alice Algae took a lichen to each other.”

How cute is that? I had never heard it before, and it’s definitely one of those little hiking memories that sticks with you. And yes, now I’ll probably never look at fungi and lichen the same way again!

The variety of landscapes was what made this hike so enjoyable. One moment we were walking through tall pine trees, and the next we were surrounded by the mysterious beauty of a cypress swamp. The trail constantly changed, keeping us curious about what we’d discover around the next bend.

I also want to give a huge thank-you to the Palmetto Trail volunteers. We crossed numerous boardwalks and bridges that had been built to help hikers navigate muddy and wet sections of the trail. Some were brand new, while others were still being constructed when we visited.

The work volunteers put into maintaining and improving the Palmetto Trail is easy to appreciate when you’re out there hiking. Their efforts make these beautiful landscapes more accessible while helping protect the surrounding environment.

By the end of our 9.5-mile adventure, I was grateful not only for the beautiful scenery but also for the unexpected friendships. Thanks, Beth and Cathy, for inviting me along! What began as a hike with two strangers quickly became a wonderful day of exploration and camaraderie.

If You Go

• Location: Packs Landing, Lake Marion Passage, South Carolina
• Visited: February 7, 2021
• Trail: Palmetto Trail, Lake Marion Passage, Section 3
• Distance: Approximately 9.5 miles for our hike
• Highlights: Lake Marion, pine forests, cypress swamps, creeks, boardwalks, bridges, ponds, and historic remnants
• Wildlife: We saw hundreds of migrating blackbirds and a variety of mushrooms.
• Historic discoveries: Old stills, an abandoned house, and a rusty abandoned vehicle
• Difficulty: Allow plenty of time for a 9.5-mile hike and be prepared for muddy or wet conditions.
• Trail conditions: Conditions can vary, especially around the swampy sections. Boardwalks and bridges help hikers cross some wet areas.
• What to bring: Plenty of water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes, insect repellent, and a camera.
• Tip: Check current trail conditions before hiking, especially after periods of rain.
• Leave no trace: Stay on the trail and help protect the fragile wetland environment.
• Don’t forget: Take a moment to appreciate the volunteers who build and maintain the Palmetto Trail!

Reference Palmetto Trail, AllTrails also check out my new friend Beth Eberhard’s wonderful log on this same hike

Lake Marion 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