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Enoree Passage Trail

Sumter National Forest, South Carolina · 3 min read

Distance
8 mi
Elevation Gain
500 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Point-To-Point
Best Season
March through November
Est. Time
4-5 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Palmetto Trail: South Carolina's 500-mile long-distance trail, of which this section is one of the more remote
  • Rolling Piedmont terrain with mixed pine-hardwood and longleaf pine restoration areas
  • Enoree River access at the Woods Ferry Recreation Area
  • Longleaf pine savanna restoration areas with characteristic wiregrass understory
  • Good birding for Bachman's sparrow and red-cockaded woodpecker in longleaf pine areas
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Overview

The Enoree Passage is a section of South Carolina's Palmetto Trail that passes through the Enoree District of Sumter National Forest, covering rolling Piedmont terrain with mixed pine-hardwood forest, longleaf pine restoration areas, and access to the Enoree River. The Enoree District is the easternmost part of the three-district Sumter forest, and it has a quiet, unhurried character quite different from the busy Andrew Pickens foothills.

The 8-mile point-to-point requires a vehicle shuttle. The longleaf pine sections are the ecological highlight: active restoration of one of the most threatened forest ecosystems in North America, with characteristic wiregrass understory and the federally threatened red-cockaded woodpecker using cavity trees on the route.

No permit is required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 3: Woods Ferry to longleaf section. The trail begins at the Enoree River at Woods Ferry Recreation Area and climbs gradually into mixed pine-hardwood forest. The first 3 miles are typical Piedmont trail: rolling terrain, moderate footing, and good songbird diversity in the spring.

Miles 3 to 6: Longleaf pine restoration. The trail enters actively managed longleaf pine forest with wiregrass understory. Cavity trees marked for red-cockaded woodpeckers are visible from the trail. The longleaf pine system is open, with good visibility and the distinctive two-needle pine canopy letting significant light to the ground.

Miles 6 to 8: Forest road descent. The final section follows an older forest road corridor to the far trailhead near Whitmire.

When to Hike

March through May: Best birding season. Spring migration brings warblers through the pine understory, and resident longleaf species (including Bachman's sparrow, a southeastern specialty) are actively singing.

October and November: Fall is the second-best season. The hardwood component of the mixed forest turns color in late October, and the longleaf pine areas are particularly attractive with yellow wiregrass seed heads.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water on this 8-mile route. Creek crossings provide water opportunities but require treatment. Binoculars are useful for woodpecker and warbler watching in the longleaf sections.

Trailhead Access

Woods Ferry Recreation Area is on SC-72 about 8 miles south of Whitmire, in Newberry County. The Enoree District office is in Whitmire, and can provide maps and directions to both trailheads.

Nearby

The Long Cane Creek Trail is in the adjacent Long Cane District with a similar Piedmont character. For more dramatic terrain, the Andrew Pickens trails including the Chattooga River Trail are about 90 miles northwest. See the full Sumter National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles in this longleaf pine restoration area.

Trailhead Parking

Woods Ferry Recreation Area trailhead off SC-72, about 8 miles south of Whitmire. Gravel parking area. No fee.

← Back to Sumter National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Palmetto Trail?
The Palmetto Trail is South Carolina's 500-mile long-distance trail connecting Lake Jocassee in the upstate to Awendaw on the coast near Charleston. The Enoree Passage is one of the trail's interior sections, passing through the Enoree District of Sumter National Forest. The trail is managed by the Palmetto Conservation Foundation.
Are red-cockaded woodpeckers present in the Enoree District?
Yes. The Enoree District has active longleaf pine restoration and management for red-cockaded woodpeckers, a federally threatened species that requires old-growth longleaf pine for nesting. Look for cluster trees marked with white paint rings at the base, which indicate active woodpecker cavities. The birds are most active in early morning.
Is this trail good as a one-day hike or multi-day backpack?
The 8-mile section is comfortable as a day hike for moderately fit hikers. The Woods Ferry Recreation Area camping makes it a convenient base for an overnight trip as well. Vehicle shuttles between trailheads require about 20 minutes.