About the Eastatoe Passage

Region

Upstate

Difficulty

Length

4.6
Miles

Activities

Eastatoe Passage Update:
Due to the massive rainfall and flooding of the Eastatoe Passage last week in the Jocassee Gorges, the two fiberglass bridges along the passage have been displaced and appear to have some damage. While the trail is not closed, neither bridge is passable. Our crews are still assessing the extent of the damage along the passage and are working on detours this week. We will post updates as they become available. 

 

Help Re-connect the Eastatoe Passage

The 4.6 mile Eastatoe Passage of the Palmetto Trail opened in late 2018. This critical passage takes us one step closer to connecting the entire upstate and being able to #finishthetrail!

Unfortunately, the two fiberglass bridges on the Eastatoe Passage were damaged during a record setting flash flood in April. The bridges were displaced from their footings, but thankfully, they are not beyond repair.

The nature of the damage and the difficult terrain means getting equipment to the area and making the needed repairs is going be both challenging and costly.

We need your help!

Let’s Re-Connect Eastatoe!

Starting immediately, we will begin executing a three-phase plan to Remove, Inspect, and Reinstall the two bridges displaced by the flood. These critical repairs will pave the way to complete one of the longest new sections of the Palmetto Trail in the Upstate.

The Eastatoe Passage offers a perfect walk in the woods — picturesque views and just strenuous enough. The passage travels along Eastatoe Creek upstream from Lake Keowee and climbs through mountain forest in the acclaimed Jocassee Gorges with its abundance of flowers, birds and wildlife.

Interactive Maps Without Wifi

We have partnered with Avenza Maps in order to offer interactive maps that don't require an internet connection. Using the Avenza App, you can download maps onto your mobile device before you hit the trail, so that you locate yourself and be aware of where you are, even in the remotest of places. Offline location helps you stay on track, on the trail, and out of potential danger.

Get the Map
Passage MapClick to Download PDF

Directions

Roy F Jones Road Parking Area

Take US-178 at exit 21 from I-85 to Pickens, SC. Continue on US-178. Take left on WJones Avenue and continue through first stop sign where road name changes to Reece Mill Road.

Take Reece Mill Road to Shady Grove Road. Continue on Shady Grove Road to first stop sign. Turn right on Little Eastatoee Road.

Continue to SC-11 and go 1.3 miles to Dug Mountain Fishing Access on the right after the bridge. The trailhead is down beside the Eastatoe Creek

 

Keowee-Toxaway State Park

Natural Bridge/Raven Rock/ Eastatoe Passage Trailhead Parking

 

From I-85, Exit (21)

Take US-178 at exit 21 from I-85 to Pickens, SC. Continue on US-178. Take left on W Jones Avenue and continue through first stop sign where road name changes to Reece Mill Road. Take Reece Mill Road to Shady Grove Road.

Continue on Shady Grove Road to Crowe Creek Road. Turn right on Crowe Creek Road and go to SC-11. Turn left on SC-11 for 0.1 miles to Park entrance. Turn right onto Cabin Rd for 0.1 miles.

Turn right into the Keowee-Toxaway Visitor Center parking area. The Natural Bridge/Raven Rock/Eastatoe Passage trailhead is near the Visitor Center/Park Office.



Notes

This is a HIKING ONLY trail. No motor vehicles, bicycles, or horses allowed.