Palmetto Trail (Peak, South Carolina) - Peak, SC
Palmetto Trail Dog-Friendly Hiking in Peak, South Carolina
The Palmetto Trail in Peak, South Carolina, offers scenic, dog-friendly hiking perfect for pet owners seeking adventure or relaxation. This historic rail-trail features easy, flat paths ideal for families (including those with strollers), elderly visitors, and of course, leashed dogs. The highlight is the breathtaking trestle bridge spanning the Broad River, offering stunning river views and access to peaceful picnic spots right by the water and under shady trees. Nature lovers will enjoy spotting local wildlife such as turtles, muskrats, and birds, making every visit unique.
This pet-friendly trail is well-maintained and typically not crowded, providing a serene escape into nature. Multiple parking areas, benches, and picnic tables invite visitors to linger, enjoy a meal, or simply soak in historic and natural vistas. While there are no enclosed dog runs, the gentle trails and river access ensure a memorable outing for you and your pup. For those new to the area or considering an outdoor adventure, the Palmetto Trail is a true hidden gem among dog walks in Peak, SC.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs should remain on-leash along the trail for safety and courtesy to other visitors.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there are no fenced or designated off-leash dog areas at the Palmetto Trail.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are benches and picnic tables along the trail for rest and relaxation.
- Where is the best place to park? There is parking available by the trestle bridge at the Broad River (main trailhead), near Peak Pharmacy, and at the Palmetto Trail parking area in Pomaria near Wilson’s Convenience Store.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the Palmetto Trail offers several access points and miles of connected hiking trails perfect for dogs and owners alike.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, much of the trail is lined with trees offering natural shade, and there are picnic tables and benches throughout.
- Are there poop bags or waste stations provided? No waste stations or trash bins are reportedly present, so plan to pack out what you bring in.
Reviews
Love this place, always a great place to ride or get away for a reset.
Love this place, always a great place to ride or get away for a reset.
Love this place, always a great place to ride or get away for a reset.
Awesome, historic, beautiful section of the Palmetto trail. I love the creepy road leading into it, but also, the place itself is not creepy at all. Though it has few visitors from what I saw, there is a picnic area and a primitive campground. The bridge itself has lots of history. There was a town called Alston, and it was wiped out by a flood – that is why the bridge is here. It’s very historic and when you cross it, you reach the town of Peak, which I did not expect to be so awesome. It is a very small town, but everyone there was friendly and seemed very “human” if that makes sense. When you are on the bridge, if you look north, you will see Hampton Island, which is a very large and mysterious island. Further down that way is the Parr Shoals Reservoir, but you cannot see it from this bridge. I also saw some creepy abandoned elevated structure to the right of Hampton Island on the mainland, and I am unsure what it is. If you are ever in this area, you must see this bridge and the surrounding area and their history!
Awesome, historic, beautiful section of the Palmetto trail. I love the creepy road leading into it, but also, the place itself is not creepy at all. Though it has few visitors from what I saw, there is a picnic area and a primitive campground. The bridge itself has lots of history. There was a town called Alston, and it was wiped out by a flood – that is why the bridge is here. It’s very historic and when you cross it, you reach the town of Peak, which I did not expect to be so awesome. It is a very small town, but everyone there was friendly and seemed very “human” if that makes sense. When you are on the bridge, if you look north, you will see Hampton Island, which is a very large and mysterious island. Further down that way is the Parr Shoals Reservoir, but you cannot see it from this bridge. I also saw some creepy abandoned elevated structure to the right of Hampton Island on the mainland, and I am unsure what it is. If you are ever in this area, you must see this bridge and the surrounding area and their history!
Awesome, historic, beautiful section of the Palmetto trail. I love the creepy road leading into it, but also, the place itself is not creepy at all. Though it has few visitors from what I saw, there is a picnic area and a primitive campground. The bridge itself has lots of history. There was a town called Alston, and it was wiped out by a flood – that is why the bridge is here. It’s very historic and when you cross it, you reach the town of Peak, which I did not expect to be so awesome. It is a very small town, but everyone there was friendly and seemed very “human” if that makes sense. When you are on the bridge, if you look north, you will see Hampton Island, which is a very large and mysterious island. Further down that way is the Parr Shoals Reservoir, but you cannot see it from this bridge. I also saw some creepy abandoned elevated structure to the right of Hampton Island on the mainland, and I am unsure what it is. If you are ever in this area, you must see this bridge and the surrounding area and their history!
We took trail 1 and it was so pretty and felt like I was walking down history path. So many squirrels different trees just got to be careful with that Ivey!!! The bridge was an old railroad track underneath there was a bunch of alligator gar big turtles and even a few muskrats. Water seemed really still made for a bunch of really good photographs if you love nature and walks this is a place you should go!!!
We took trail 1 and it was so pretty and felt like I was walking down history path. So many squirrels different trees just got to be careful with that Ivey!!! The bridge was an old railroad track underneath there was a bunch of alligator gar big turtles and even a few muskrats. Water seemed really still made for a bunch of really good photographs if you love nature and walks this is a place you should go!!!
We took trail 1 and it was so pretty and felt like I was walking down history path. So many squirrels different trees just got to be careful with that Ivey!!! The bridge was an old railroad track underneath there was a bunch of alligator gar big turtles and even a few muskrats. Water seemed really still made for a bunch of really good photographs if you love nature and walks this is a place you should go!!!
EDIT!!!!
DID NOT SEE THE TRESTLE OVER BROAD RIVER BECAUSE I WAS ON THE WRONG TRAIL. I WAS ON THE “”HOPE TRAILHEAD IN “POMARIA” NOT PEAK.” Pomaria was just as beautiful and has a huge marsh and runs along “Crim Creek” WILL NOT LET ME UPDATE. SORRY FOR CONFUSION…
DID FINALLY MAKE MY WAY TO THE PEAK TRAIL KNOWN AS “ALSTON” AND, ITS BY FAR, MY NEW FAVORITE. I WAS ABLE TO SEE A RIVER OTTER (THAT DISAPPPEREAD BEFORE I COULD GET A PICTURE) BUT SAW MANY MANY TURTLES, BIRDS. AND OTHER AMAZING CREATURES HERE. DEFINITELY A MUST SEE SPOT. TRESTLE AND TRAIL ARE RIGHT BESIDE PARKING LOT ALONG WITH SMALL “TENT” CAMPSITES. A MUST SEE AS I WILL BE VISITING AGAIN TODAY!!!
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WAS NOT PEAK..WONT LET ME UPDATE TO POMARIA….
Another amazing stop along the Palmetto Trail. Never made it to the trestle in the picture it shows but walked 2 miles in and it got dark. Definitely need to go earlier than 630PM if you want to walk to the river section. Beautiful place and very clean. Only complaint is NO trashcan anywhere in sight. Even one at the start of the trail would help. I carried a back pack and just put my empty water bottles in there. Was shocked it was so clean considering there are no trash cans. Can’t wait to visit each stop. No way to walk the entire Palmetto Trail unless your good at hiking and can afford 37 days of walking 🤔🤣