Palmetto Trail — Jocassee Gorges Passage
~1 days · 12.3 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Palmetto Trail — Jocassee Gorges Passage is known for
The Jocassee Gorges Passage crosses the Blue Ridge Escarpment in Pickens County within the Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area, an internationally recognized biodiversity hotspot near Table Rock State Park. The rugged route descends deeply cut gorges carved by streams draining the Blue Ridge front, passing through old-growth hemlock and mixed mesic forest with numerous waterfalls. Maintained by the Palmetto Conservation Foundation as part of the ~500-mile Palmetto Trail.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 3,993 ft to 8,891 ft over 12.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 6.5 mi · 54%
- Downhill 4.6 mi · 38%
- Flat 1.1 mi · 9%
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 — Jocassee Gorges Passage take?
Most backpackers hike the Palmetto Trail — Jocassee Gorges 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 — Jocassee Gorges Passage?
The Palmetto Trail — Jocassee Gorges Passage climbs roughly 3,133 ft total — about 255 ft per mile, topping out near 2,785 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.