Palmetto Trail opens new Henry Passage in Marietta

The Palmetto Trail in Marietta has a new 1.5-mile addition to its Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.

The Henry Passage was opened by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism and the Palmetto Trail.

Its trailhead begins on Gap Creek Road and has an out-and-back trail with an 800-foot elevation change. Rocks and logs are placed on the trail to help hikers navigate steep sections.

“We are grateful to the Palmetto Trail and The Nature Conservancy for making the Henry Passage possible,” Duane Parrish, SCPRT director, said in a news release. “The mission of stewardship and service that defines South Carolina State Parks is strengthened by partners who share our vision of not only protecting our state’s natural resources and landscapes but also ensuring they are accessible to residents and visitors for generations to come.”

The Henry Passage is planned to be part of the Gap Creek Passages in the Palmetto Trail, which will link to the Saluda Mountains and Middle Saluda Passages at Jones Gap State Park, the SCPRT said.

“The Henry Passage stands as a true representation of how partnerships drive success,” Mary Roe, executive director of the Palmetto Trail, said in the release. “It began with the Simpson family and partners who recognized that conservation is about more than just protecting land. The partnership between The Nature Conservancy and SCPRT envisioned protecting a world-class habitat for the state of South Carolina. The Palmetto Trail creates a sustainable path, ensuring outdoor recreation is accessible to all.”

The property also includes Jones Gap and Caesars Head state parks. According to the SCPRT, access is currently free, but the state plans to add an admission kiosk for funding to help state park operations.