About the Palmetto Trail Statewide Master Plan

The Palmetto Conservation Foundation commissioned the Palmetto Trail Statewide Master Plan, which identifies strategies for closing gaps along the trail’s 425-mile spine and developing spur trails to connect the Palmetto Trail to adjacent communities.  Anyone with an interest in the Palmetto Trail and its future as a dynamic natural, recreational, and economic resource for the state is encouraged to read the plan and become a partner in finishing the trail!

On April 16, 2014, Palmetto Conservation Foundation hosted a Wine & Cheese event to celebrate the completion of the plan. The final plan is posted here. 

The Planning Process

The planning team, which included consultants Alta Planning + Design and Seamon Whiteside + Associates, developed the plan with input from South Carolina citizens and trail users. Community members around the state were encouraged to take an active role in establishing and supporting this statewide vision for a completed, accessible, vibrant, and connected Mountains-to-Sea Trail!

The planning process included four main phases. They include:
  • Phase 1:  Project Kickoff and Existing Conditions Analysis - Spring 2013
  • Phase 2:  Public Involvement and Preliminary Recommendations - Summer 2013
  • Phase 3:  Finalize Recommendations and Implementation Plan - Fall 2013
  • Phase 4:  Final Master Plan - Winter 2013/2014

For more latest information about this project, please see the Community Input and Documents pages of this site.

Project Support

The Palmetto Trail Statewide Master Plan is made possible with the generous financial support of Boeing South Carolina.

Palmetto Conservation Foundation

The mission of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation is to conserve South Carolina's natural and cultural resources, preserve historic landmarks, and promote outdoor recreation through trails and greenways.

Founded in 1989, PCF is a statewide nonprofit organization with offices in Columbia and Glendale (Spartanburg County). We help South Carolina's communities grow and prosper while maintaining local character and quality of life. To further this mission, we seek to protect natural areas through land trust assistance or local government programs, preserve Revolutionary War battlefields, and develop greenways and the Palmetto Trail.

In 2007, PCF began to focus more attention on teaching outdoor skills and enticing people to explore the Palmetto Trail and other natural areas in South Carolina. A wide array of outings, new educational programs, and the Glendale Outdoor Leadership School are the tools we‘ve developed to help people become more comfortable and familiar with the spectacular natural adventures the Palmetto State has to offer.

You can learn more about the organization by visiting their website.