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Marietta, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT) and the Palmetto Trail hosted a ribbon-cutting today on the Henry Passage, the newest section of the Palmetto Trail in the rugged Blue Ridge Escarpment. The trailhead parking lot is located on Gap Creek Road in Marietta, coordinates: 35.163817, -82.475947.

 

The Henry Passage is a strenuous 1.5-mile out-and-back trail with an approximately 800-foot elevation change. From the parking area to the ridgeline, hikers pass through various forest ecosystems. Locally harvested rocks and locust logs were used to build steps that help hikers navigate steeper sections. Access is currently free, though an admissions kiosk is planned for the future to support South Carolina State Park operations. Parking is limited.

 

The property is part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, which includes Jones Gap and Caesars Head State Parks.

 

“We are grateful to the Palmetto Trail and The Nature Conservancy for making the Henry Passage possible,” said Duane Parrish, SCPRT director. “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 trail is named in honor of Henry Simpson (1907-1992), a Greenville native and founder of Belk Simpson stores who purchased the land in 1950 with the intent of preserving the area. Hikers will find a wayside along the trail recognizing his legacy.

 

“The Henry Passage stands as a true representation of how partnerships drive success,” said Mary Roe, executive director of the Palmetto Trail. “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 only thing better than protecting a new conservation property is seeing one opened to the public to explore and enjoy,” said Dale Threatt-Taylor, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina. “Conservation is a team sport in South Carolina. We were proud to protect the Gap Creek property in 2017 and even more proud seeing the Henry Passage become reality today, thanks to the hard work of SCPRT and the Palmetto Trail.”

 

The Henry Passage will eventually be part of the Gap Creek Passage of the Palmetto Trail, which will ultimately link to the Saluda Mountains and Middle Saluda Passages at Jones Gap State Park, expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation and regional trail connectivity.

 

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