About the Eastatoe Passage

Region

Upstate

Difficulty

Length

4.6
Miles

Activities

Eastatoe Passage Receives a New Bridge!

The Zeke wilderness trail bridge construction was completed on December 28, 2020 by The American Adventure Service Corps, Beanstalk Builders and Palmetto Trail staff. The bridge is now ready for public use!
LOCUST POLE SUPPORTS 
The X frames supporting the bridge span are locust which has been debarked and stained. Each leg of the X frame is 2’6” below grade. The base of each leg is supported by 6” of gravel mixed with cement. The remaining 24” in the foundation hole is tamped gravel. The pole junctions are connected with a 1” bolt. The tops of the poles are stained and sealed with Roof Seal. A stainless steel hose clamp encircles the top of the pole and is hidden with a lash rope. This technique lessens natural occurring checking.
DECKING 
The bridge decking consists of three 1”x6”x10’ locust boards. Four 4”x4” cross beams support each section. A keeper 2”x4” board locks the cables in the grooves. All materials are locust.
The ramps on each end of the bridge have galvanized lath screening to provide better traction. The lath is connected to the deck boards with sets of 3 lath screws.
SPANS 
The main span over the creek is 95’. The ramps are 20’ and 30’. The approximate drape of the main span is 2-3%.
CABLES 
The bridge is supported by eight 1/2” galvanized aircraft cables. Each cable terminates at a ground screw anchor ( 1”x5’ ) with an 8” plate.
NETTING 
The side netting is polyester. The bottom edge of the netting has a 3/4” nylon rope hem screwed to the locust deck boards. The upper edge is connected with 1/4” polyester lashing cord to the upper hand cable.
FLOOD LEVEL 
The main span of the bridge is at least 5’ above the recent flood level that destroyed the previous bridge. The bridge is designed to have minimal exposure in the event of future flooding. The end of the ramps reach the ground with two locust posts supporting the cables. The cables terminate at the ground screw anchors. The posts and anchors are possibly exposed to high water, but they are very far away from the main creek channel ( approximately 40’ and 60’ ) and are protected by numerous trees and vegetation on the upstream sides. The four legs of the two X frames are located closer to the main channel, but they are also protected by upstream trees.
SIGNAGE 
Signs are attached to the vertical locust posts on each side of the bridge. The signs indicate to visitors that maximum bridge capacity is limited to 2 persons.

If you have questions regarding the newly installed bridge or hiking the Eastatoe Passage, please contact: 

Rob Achenberg, Upstate Region Coordinator   rachenberg@palmettoconservation.org

 

About the Eastatoe Passage:

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.