May 31 - June 2
Join Palmetto Conservation Foundation (PCF) at Poinsett State Park to celebrate National Trails Day on the Palmetto Trail. Family-friendly activities include guided hikes, bike rides, kayaking, camping, a night hike and campfires with S'mores. This event is free and includes all activities, a campsite and meals.
Register for the whole weekend or just join us for the day on Saturday. Either way, there will be plenty of fun and adventure for the whole family. Poinsett State Park, known as the mountains of the midlands, is one of the most unique parks in South Carolina, with a variety of ecosystems and recreational opportunities. PCF staff, volunteers and park rangers will be on hand to guide the morning hikes, kayaking, camp set-up and evening activities. Midlands SORBA will be leading the afternoon bike rides along with Brian Curran and staff from Outspokin' Bicycles.
Please Note: Registration for PCF members opens April 15th. General registration opens April 22nd.
Register Online
Friday, May 31
4-7 p.m. Check-in and set-up camp
7 p.m. Dinner
8 p.m. Campfire
Saturday, June 1
6:30-8 a.m. Breakfast
8-9:30 a.m. Check-in continues
9:45 a.m. Depart for guided hikes
11 a.m. Kayaking and Swimming opens
12-1:30 p.m. Lunch, games and activities for kids
2-6 p.m. Depart for afternoon bike rides
6:30-8 p.m. Dinner
8:30 p.m. Campfire & S'mores
8:30-9:30 p.m. Night Hike with owl calls and spider sniffing
Sunday, June 2
7 a.m. Breakfast and breakdown/clean-up
Guided Hike Descriptions
Beginner Hike (Coquina Trail, 1.5 miles)
Put on your shoes, fill up your water bottle, and join one of Poinsett’s rangers for a fun-filled 1.5-mile hike around Poinsett State Park's Lake on the Coquina Trail. Hikers will walk up and down and all around this section of the High Hills of Santee Passage of the Palmetto Trail. The hike will move at an easy pace while participants learn about the plants and trees on and around the trail. Participants will also learn about Coquina, a kind of sedimentary rock, and its significance to the park.
Intermediate Hike (Multiple trails, 4 miles)
Hit the trail for a 4-mile intermediate hike through some of the most beautiful and undiscovered sections of Poinsett State Park. Participants will follow the Coquina Trail, the Hilltop Trail, the Knot Trail and the Splice Trail for an invigorating morning walk. Hikers will travel from lowland, swampy areas to tall mountainous bluffs during this trek. Come discover Poinsett’s diverse beauty and enjoy what each trail has to offer.
Advanced Hike (Wateree Passage of the Palmetto Trail, 7 miles)
Join a local historian for a hike on the Wateree Passage of the Palmetto Trail. The trail crosses through Manchester State Forest and along the old SC Railroad before ending at the Wateree River. This passage is one of the most diverse sections of the Palmetto Trail, traversing a variety of landscapes, from near mountainous terrain down to a magnificent river swamp. After two miles, the trail begins the ascent to the High Hills of Santee at one of the highest elevations in Sumter County. The High Hills provide spectacular vistas of the swamp and Richland County. Learn about the nearby battles of the Civil War and the variety of trees and plants along the trail for a perfect blend of natural history.
Bike Ride Descriptions
Beginner (Scout Trail, 2 miles)
Hop on your bike and ready the pedals for a nice easy ride on part of the Palmetto Trail and Poinsett State Park Scout Trail. Enjoy a scenic 2-mile ride that will take riders on a double-track trail and then a bit of pavement for smooth travel. This route is perfect for families with younger children or anyone who prefers an easier cruise.
Intermediate (Wateree Passage, 6 to 8 miles)
Those looking for a bit more of a challenge with some moderate climbs and a few twists and turns are sure to enjoy this ride along the Wateree Passage. Riders will begin along a dirt road, climb to a mountain ridge, and finally head back down to the old South Carolina Railroad bed. Participants will cross a number of scenic trestles offering pretty views as they ride through the wetland swamp towards the Wateree River.
Advanced (The Knot Trail, 6 miles)
Take a turn pedaling the most mountainous terrain south of the NC border! Riders will join experienced guides from Midlands SORBA for a fast and exciting afternoon as they try to tame the Knot Trail. This ride is recommended for advanced cyclists due to steep climbs and twisting turns.
Camping
Camping is included in this free weekend event. We will be utilizing the primitive group camping area at Poinsett State Park. This large open space has plenty of room for each group/family to set up their own tent. There are restroom facilities located in the group camping area. Showers are available in the adjacent camping area.
There are no electric hook-ups in the group camping area. If you wish to have a campsite with electricity, you can call the park's reservation hotline 1-866-345-PARK or go online to reserve and pay for a site with electric hook-ups.
We have a limited number of tents and sleeping bags/pads available for use. If you need to borrow gear, please call our office for more details (803)771-0870.
Event Menu*
Friday
Dinner on Friday will include hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, fruit, and dessert
Saturday
Breakfast on Saturday will be cooked by a local boy scout troop, dutch oven style.
Lunch on Saturday will be a picnic style lunch with a variety of sandwiches and sides.
Dinner on Saturday will include a full BBQ feast with all the fixings.
Sunday
Sunday breakfast will be a simple and easy continental style breakfast.
*The menu is subject to change. Updates will be posted on the event website.
What to Bring
If you are camping for the weekend:
If you are coming for the day on Saturday:
Contact Kari Hanna:
(803)771-0870
kari@palmettoconservation.org
Click Here to Register
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