This Iconic Hiking Trail In South Carolina Is One Of The Coolest Outdoor Adventures You’ll Ever Take

One of the things many South Carolinians love most about living here is that our climate affords us the ability to enjoy the outdoors year-round. There's even a widely accepted statement we often use when complaining about the weather during a colder or hotter spell, and it goes something like this, "Well, here in South Carolina if you don't like the weather today just wait a day or two and it will change." In fact, even as this article is being written, we're in the midst of an atypically cold period, with the forecast showing the high in four days is expected to be in the lower 70s! Because of the generally milder winter weather we enjoy, the winter season is a favorite time for hiking for those who don't love the hottest summer days, and our state has countless options for trails to enjoy. One that you may not be aware of, however, is an incredible trail known as The Palmetto Trail in South Carolina that, when complete, will stretch all the way across the state!

We're going to take a look specifically at one section of the South Carolina Palmetto Trail, the Capital City Passage. Here you can see a map of this portion of the Palmetto Trail:

The Capital City Passage was the ninth of 31 passages to be completed and the first urban segment, utilizing city sidewalks along much of the trail.

This passage begins at Riverfront Park and the Broad River.

It's considered an easy route of about 10 miles, and you'll find Palmetto Conservation trail sign markers along the way.

You'll probably want to make this a day trip adventure so you'll have time to stop and smell the roses – or other flowers and fresh or local goods at the weekly (Saturdays) Soda City Market along Main Street.

And then, there are also a number of delicious restaurants you could stop and grab a bite to eat at along the way as well. If you're opting for a winter adventure, you could have the unique experience of dining in a heated igloo at Market on Main!

As you continue along the Capital City Passage of the Palmetto Trail, you'll pass by some of the iconic landmarks in the state's capital city of Columbia, such as the Statehouse ...

... and the famed Horseshoe of the University of South Carolina, which is the site of the original campus, 11 buildings forming a U-shape. Also a part of the Horseshoe are the South Caroliniana Library, which was the first freestanding college library in the country, and the brick wall that served as a line of protection during the Civil War.

This fascinating adventure also includes passage through some of Columbia's oldest neighborhoods and ends at the main entrance of Fort Jackson.

The Palmetto Trail will total around 500 miles once the remaining sections are completed and will be an incredible opportunity to hike through the entire state.

Visit the Palmetto Trail Capital City Passage page on the Palmetto Conservation website for more details on this passage as well as the others that have been completed and updates on trail closures.

Have you visited the Capital City Passage of The Palmetto Trail in South Carolina yet?