How do I prepare correctly for a hike on the Palmetto Trail?
Hiking begins before you reach the trailhead.
While it’s natural to want to jump into the car on a whim and drive to a favorite hiking trail, doing so is not necessarily the wisest of choices. Hiking is a lot like painting a house in that the preparation is just as important as the actual activity itself. So before you head out, follow these tips:
Let people know where you’ll be hiking and when you expect to return.
This is important whether you are going on a day hike at a nearby park or on a multi-day hike. On a backpacking trip, plan where you’ll be camping each night as well as the section of trail you’ll be hiking each day, in case you need to be pinpointed for an evacuation. The best insurance is a written reminder with all your information left behind with someone who is not going and who is expecting you back or to check in by a certain time.
Study your maps before you begin the trip.
Have a good idea of which route you will hike. Look for possible emergency exit points as well as places where water refills are likely. Identify more than one water spot since dry spells can be unpredictable.
Time control plan.
Predetermine where you ought to be at certain points of the day using your map. Factor in your walking speed based on the number of people on the hike as well as their fitness level. Also, for every 1000 feet of elevation you gain, add about an additional hour of hiking time. Remember that when traveling as a group, you are only as fast as the slowest person in the group.
Graph your route.
Highlight the route you will be taking. Mark potential campsites, water stops, and major road intersections.
Check the weather and pack accordingly.
Keep in mind that the weather at the base of a mountain and halfway up a mountain can be vastly different. Rain gear (one of the 10 Essentials) should be brought even if no rain is predicted, as wet clothes can cause a person to become hypothermic even with temperatures in the 50’s.
Source: American Hiking Society
The 10 Essentials for hiking
1. Appropriate Footwear
Happy feet make for pleasant hiking. Think about traction, support, and protection when selecting well-fitting shoes or boots.
2. Map and Compass/GPS
While phones and GPS units are handy, they aren’t always reliable in the backcountry; consider carrying a paper map and compass as a backup and know how to use them.
3. Water
(and a way to purify it)
As a guideline, plan for half a liter of water per hour in moderate temperatures/terrain. Carry enough water for your trip and know where and how to treat water while you’re out on the trail. If you’re traveling with your dog, remember water for them as well.
4. Food
Pack calorie-dense foods to help fuel your hike, and carry an extra portion in case you are out longer than expected.
5. Rain Gear & Dry-Fast Layers
The weather forecast is not always right. Dress in layers to adjust to changing weather and activity levels. Wear moisture-wicking items and carry a warm hat.
6. Safety Items
Have means to start an emergency fire, signal for help (whistle), and see the trail and your map in the dark (light).
7. First Aid Kit
Supplies to treat illness or injury are only as helpful as your knowledge of how to use them. Take a class to gain the skills needed to administer first aid and CPR. The Palmetto Trail offers Leave No Trace courses throughout the year.
8. Knife or Multi-Tool
With countless uses, a multi-tool can help with gear repair and first aid.
9. Sun Protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing should be used in every season regardless of temperature or cloud cover.
10. Shelter
Protection from the elements in the event you are injured or stranded is necessary. A lightweight, inexpensive space blanket is a great option.
*Bonus – Trash Bag
Pack this 11th essential to ensure that the Palmetto Trail you love stays beautiful for generations. A ziplock bag is a great option for keeping the trash you pick up along the trail separate from the rest of your Gear. Level up by including a pair of disposable gloves to use when picking up less-pleasant litter.
Source: American Hiking Society
Remember your trail etiquette
What is and what is not allowed on the Palmetto Trail?
✅ The entire trail is open to hiking and backpacking.
⚠️ Only designated areas are available for mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping.
Please review the trail notices on each passage’s detail page on this website or the signage on the trail. The Palmetto Trail follows the rules and regulations of the associated agency, department or landowner on which the trail is on.
❌ No motorized vehicles
❌ No metal detectors
❌ No magnet fishing
❌ No destruction/removal of archaeological or historical artifacts
❌ Dogs must be on a leash at all times