Palmetto Trail — High Hills of Santee Passage
~1 days · 12.3 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Palmetto Trail — High Hills of Santee Passage is known for
The High Hills of Santee Passage runs about 10 miles along the sandy ridgeline that rises above the Wateree River floodplain in Sumter County, a geological feature that once served as a health retreat for Lowcountry planters seeking higher ground. The route crosses longleaf pine and turkey oak uplands with views down toward the river swamp below. Maintained by the Palmetto Conservation Foundation as part of the ~500-mile Palmetto Trail.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 420 ft to 787 ft over 12.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 3.0 mi · 25%
- Downhill 2.5 mi · 21%
- Flat 6.5 mi · 54%
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 — High Hills of Santee Passage take?
Most backpackers hike the Palmetto Trail — High Hills of Santee Passage in about 1 days (0 nights out) over its 12.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Palmetto Trail — High Hills of Santee Passage?
The Palmetto Trail — High Hills of Santee Passage climbs roughly 407 ft total — about 33 ft per mile, topping out near 246 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.