Palmetto Trail — Blue Wall Passage landscape

Photo: Photo by Jacob Reinikainen on Unsplash

Palmetto Trail — Blue Wall Passage

~1 days · 13.1 mi · easy · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance13.1 mi
Days out1
Elevation gain738 ft
Gain / mile56 ft
High point2,592 ft

What the Palmetto Trail — Blue Wall Passage is known for

The Blue Wall Passage traverses the dramatic Blue Wall Preserve escarpment in Upstate South Carolina near Landrum, where the Blue Ridge front drops sharply toward the Piedmont. The route crosses forested ridges and stream hollows along about 12 miles, passing near seasonal waterfalls and offering views from the exposed cliff line. Maintained by the Palmetto Conservation Foundation as part of the ~500-mile Palmetto Trail.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Palmetto Trail — Blue Wall Passage on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 2,851 ft to 8,504 ft over 13.1 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 3.2 mi · 24%
  • Downhill 7.5 mi · 57%
  • Flat 2.4 mi · 18%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Palmetto Trail — Blue Wall Passage take?

Most backpackers hike the Palmetto Trail — Blue Wall Passage in about 1 days (0 nights out) over its 13.1 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Palmetto Trail — Blue Wall Passage?

The Palmetto Trail — Blue Wall Passage climbs roughly 738 ft total — about 56 ft per mile, topping out near 2,592 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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