Solo Backpacking 120 Miles on The Palmetto Trail in South Carolina \ Episode 1 of 2

Episode one showcases my experience on the Awendaw and Swamp Fox Passages and part of the Lake Moultrie Passage during my 5 night, 6 day backpacking trip in mid February 2022.
You can watch episode two here, Lake Moultrie to the end of the Santee Passage: • Solo Backpacking 120 M...
2023 Section Hike on 7 Passages:
Lake Marion and High Hills of Santee: • Backpacking 130 Miles ...
Wateree, Boyd (aka Cook's Mtn) and Fort Jackson: • Backpacking 130 Miles ...
Capital City, Peak to Prosperity and part of Newberry:
0:00 Intro and trail history
1:33 Awendaw Passage Day 1
6:30 Swamp Fox Passage Day 2
12:33 Swamp Fox campsite at mile 9.5
17:17 Nicholson Creek campsite on Swamp Fox Passage mile 25
18:01 Witherbee Rd. Campsite on Swamp Fox Passage mile 30
25:31 Swamp Fox Passage Day 3
37:34 begin the Lake Moutlrie Passage and finish Swamp Fox Passage
40:39 Watermark Bar and Grill in Bonneau
43:57 Lake Moultrie Campsite at mile 9
45:58 Looking ahead to what's in store in the next episode

[@cookiepirate2249]

The prairie things are marsh. They are all over the lowcountry and coastal south. There are off of brackish rivers that flood during high tide and are still wet, but not covered during low tide. They are filled with plug mud, oysters, fiddler crabs, marsh, and other things and are an essential part of our ecosystem. The oysters help filter the water and other things and the marsh protects our coastline and provides food and a habitat for many organisms.

[@cmcallister5593]

THE best introduction online to these passages. You've done a great service to fellow backpackers for inspiration and planning.

[@jasonwish-]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I really enjoy showcasing the trails that I hike on for others to see and to help in their planning process. And it gives me a way to not only enjoy the outdoors, but to express my creativity through this outlet.

[@Johnleslie82]

Hi,Jason Wish. I really enjoy watching your KZbin videos. I became a subscriber to your channel in 2023. Thank You for your Inspirational Videos.😊

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks John! I really appreciate the kind words!

[@DragonRoams]

Great Video nice look at the trail.

[@jasonwish-]

Thank you! Can't wait to experience some more of that trail!

[@CharlieB.-]

What a great looking trail! Loved this video and the extra history facts and info on the Woodpeckers

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! I currently have 5 videos of the first 250 miles and hope to finish it all during 2024.

[@sandpine99]

I came across your channel when you did ONF in Florida. I have added the Palmetto to my Future Hikes list. Thanks for sharing.

[@jasonwish-]

Awesome, thanks! I’m heading back to the palmetto trail in mid February to pick up where I left off…trying to knock off about 120 mile section each year. Hope to thru hike the entire FT eventually.

[@JoshEbersole]

You always find the coolest places to hike in the winter.

[@jasonwish-]

It was so nice not to be freezing like Bryce was in the Sodds 🤣

[@hikesome]

Great and inspiring video Jason! Thank you so much for sharing. Looks like an incredible outdoor adventure to do. I would love to go there one day and shoot a hiking film too. Hopefully, we will get part 2 soon ;) Take care out there. Best wishes, Mario

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks Mario! Hope to have part two out next Sunday. I am so ready to go back and knock out a section on the Western side of the state....maybe this fall!

[@michaelstutzman27]

Love all the conifers on this section…makes me want to hit this trail some time in the middle of winter.

[@jasonwish-]

My absolute favorite hiking is in conifers! Smells good and soft on the feet!

[@JourneyontheTrail]

Great job on this video bud! I’ve been wanting to hit this trail for years. I was really amazed by the quality of the campsites. Thanks for sharing this awesome video and looking forward to the next part.

[@jasonwish-]

I'm so glad I chose this trail over the Florida trail this year....I had a couple big road and swampy sections coming up on the FT that I wasn't looking forward to. Its a great winter hike, thanks AJ!

[@RedeemedPrepper]

I saw you hiking here in SC!! Great video!!

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed it. Where did you see me hiking?

[@RedeemedPrepper]

@jasonwish- I believe you were heading to part of the Palmetto Trail near Eutawville, SC. I saw you and one of my friends told me you made YT videos.

[@SinchuwusOutside]

Thank you for sharing Jason! I always enjoy your videos, full of information and history. Thanks again, -dave

[@jasonwish-]

So glad you enjoy them! It was certainly much easier for me to film my experience by taking my time and not rushing through it so quick like I normally do. Thanks Dave!

[@joelcarminati7822]

Nice video Jason. Always nice to go to a warmer spot in the winter months. Looking forward to next ones. Thanks

[@jasonwish-]

It was so nice being warm in February! I just got done watching Bryce Newbold freeze his tail off at Dolly sods and I was just laughing the whole time thinking about how warm I was in South Carolina ha ha. Thanks Joel!

[@ervinslens]

Outstanding work bud, shots as well as narrated part are fantastic. Hats Off!!!

[@jasonwish-]

Thank you for the kind words, glad you enjoyed it! Part two and the rest of my journey will be out Sunday night.

[@OutdoorOperator]

Nice intro overview of the trail. Looking forward to part 2!

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks! I'm really looking forward to experiencing some more of this trail very soon!

[@KevinFryAdventures]

I really enjoyed this video & trip so far. I want to do something like this next winter. Thanks for the idea!

[@jasonwish-]

I will probably never enjoy winter hiking and backpacking especially as I age...I would prefer a warm sandy beach anyday! Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks Kevin!

[@anthony_privett]

Great video. Looks like a beautiful trail. Looking forward to the next video.

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks! It was a great place to backpack in the winter for sure!

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

I bet this felt like a real treat after all the cold and snow! Makes me super excited for spring. Great video, Jason!

[@jasonwish-]

It certainly was! Just what I needed! I am ready for spring as well...maybe we can finally make this LBL hike happen! Thanks Samuel!

[@BluegrassBackcountry]

@@jasonwish- would love to get back on trail with you again! Keep me in the loop!

[@backpackingadventures4813]

Awesome video Jason! I love this trail. Very beautiful. I’m getting ready to go out on my last winter trip of the season and I was just wishing for weather like you had. Nope, we had a snow storm. Lol. Spring is almost here. Im adding this trail to my to do list.

[@jasonwish-]

I think the weather has finally broke for good here in Ohio....feels great! I hope to get over to the Black Forest trail this year. Thansk Dan!

[@backpackingadventures4813]

@@jasonwish- awesome! I’m going to do the Black Forest trail this April. I did it before. Great trail but one of the toughest, if not the toughest, in PA. Very scenic. You will really enjoy it. 👍

[@TheBane1979]

Looks like a great candidate for some bike packing.

[@jasonwish-]

For sure! For me it’s a great place to escape the cold in the north during the winter…I hate backpacking in snow and ice.

[@GrittingEagle]

That was a great video. I like your fkt videos but I love your videos where you take time to show us the beauty of the trail.

[@jasonwish-]

It was so nice to slow down and have time to share more of my experience and fly the drone! Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks James.

[@tonyabrowninghikes]

I love South Carolina. Never heard of this trail. I was looking for a place to backpack down there. This might just do the trick! Cant wait for part 2

[@jasonwish-]

I just happen to see it while driving by it while RV camping with my wife last year. I had originally planned on doing another 100 mile section of the Florida Trail this Feb but with all the road walks I would have had and the more expensive airfare I decided on the Palmeto and have no regrets! I plan to go back and finish the entire 500 mile trail over the next few years.

[@tonyabrowninghikes]

@@jasonwish- I love finding new places while out on the road! Something catches my eye and I'm on all trails or hiking project making it for later research. So glad you enjoyed it and plan on going back.

[@Columbia.Hiking.Club.29212]

Just make sure you time your trip for cooler weather. The trail can be oppressive during warmer months with high temperatures/humidity and mosquitos.

[@jasonwish-]

@@Columbia.Hiking.Club.29212 absolutely! I would only have time to be on the trail in November, December or February.

[@dougrobertson8364]

I was going to say, looks like Ocala at times. Nice!, Thanks for another great video.

[@jasonwish-]

Many sections that reminded me of Ocala...I definitely want to go back and do Ocala again someday, or at least the part I skipped from Alexander Springs to Paisley.

[@dougrobertson8364]

@@jasonwish- Last month I started another hike thru Ocala. I started in Paisley and made it to Alexander, started feeling sick and having pains down my back, another kidney stone, lol. Turned around and walked back, Live to hike another day.

[@jasonwish-]

@@dougrobertson8364 dang! What did you think of that section, is it worth doing or is it any different than the other 50 or so miles north of it? I want to do another 100 mile or so section next year but I dont' want to walk roads or hike through swamps so will probably end up back at Palmetto instead.

[@dougrobertson8364]

@@jasonwish- That section does have a few nice areas with elevated walk ways thru some beautiful green ferns and large trees but other than that it's the same. Here in Sarasota we have Myakka State Park and connecting Carlton Reserve. If you combine them both you'll get 100 + miles of trails and lots of wild life.

[@jasonwish-]

@@dougrobertson8364 I've been on part of the Myakka trail several times for day hikes while on vacation at Lido Key. This sounds like a good option, thanks!

[@Brolosolo80]

Friendly dogs is always a plus especially after the sheltowee

[@jasonwish-]

Yes, no kidding, I thought the same thing!

[@Smokeybeesnatural]

I remember seeing signs for the Palmetto trail while shuttling on the Foothills Trail. Looks beautiful! Would be perfect for a thru-hike in February or Late October/Early November!

[@jasonwish-]

I can't wait to get to the Western side of the state and into the Mountainous regions. When I did the Foothills Trail I remember seeing signs for the Bartram Trail...its 115 miles and I plan to do it this fall. So when are we going to go knock out the LBL?

[@Smokeybeesnatural]

@@jasonwish- not sure, but I've got a week in April and May that don't have specific plans.

[@jasonwish-]

@@Smokeybeesnatural I can probably make it happen if you want to, keep me in the loop.

[@TylerCampbellOutdoors]

Different than any overnight hiking I've done. Would be a nice get away from winter in Ohio. Enjoyed the video.

[@jasonwish-]

I still enjoy the mountains but during the cold winter months I really enjoy these lowcountry trails, thanks Tyler! Time for some kayaking now!

[@DMSAdventures]

YES! I've been looking forward to this one and I definitely recognized at least one thing for sure. The Mysterious Bays Board. I commented on it too! I went looking on current maps and i couldn't find the designated campsite I stayed at so I wonder if they rotate areas to keep them wild. I think it was called Harrelson Dam Campsite. It was about a mile or two past where you mentioned those permanent tents cause I remember those too. My 2nd day had that bright blue sky like you had. I only had one really straight section but it looks like that is pretty common throughout! Those CAN get boring! Those campsites are awesome though wow! When we go to visit family down there again I've GOT to get on another section of that! Maybe make the lake my end point or something cause that was pretty! Loved the drone shots over top of the trees and IN the forest! Loved installment #1 and looking forward to #2 as always!

[@jasonwish-]

I believe Harrelson Dam campsite was the nice ones I walked through at mile 9.5 with the three fire rings, benches and tables...it was a beauty! You should definitely check out another section of swamp fox, it was the best by far if you like being off of the road and in the woods. Just don't stay at Witherbee campsite if you can avoid it, it was very noisy. I need to get a second drone battery for more footage...it drains the power bank quick when recharging! Thanks Mark, hope to have part two out Sunday!

[@hazardhound4514]

Those were cypress trees and stumps/knobs/roots. When you got to the lake, I live in the area that kinda pokes out into it on the left called Overton. Don't do this from spring to early fall without snake boots btw. Deadly snakes, made me nervous watching lol.

[@jasonwish-]

I only have time and interest in hiking the Palmeto in early February so not a concern for me. I've completed 250 miles so far and will be back for another 100-130 more in a few months! Thanks!

[@hazardhound4514]

@@jasonwish- That's awesome! I wish I could hike it but my back is trashed, but I can still bike it!

[@jmupp2876]

Great video! One critique, could you add some more footage of you using your gear etc? I find it helpful.

[@jasonwish-]

Absolutely! I love doing that kind of filming but usually I'm crushing so many miles that all I have time to film is what I see while walking and then its normally dark when I get to camp. I will try to start focusing on filming my gear more in the future...thanks for the input!

[@cgriggsiv]

Another awesome video my good man Did you say it's 550 MI or 1,550 MI I know I can do the first in a couple of days about 4 days maybe five at the most if I take my time on certain sections I'm pretty good with riding bikes so when you said it was bike friendly that Peeked my interest real quick

[@jasonwish-]

500 mile

[@user-sq3sr1mf9e]

I really appreciate this video. The map shows a camp site at the transition from Swamp Fox to Moultrie. Near where you pointed out Canady Creek. Did you remember seeing that one? Just wondering because I didn’t see it in the video and I’m planning to use it when I hike this.

[@jasonwish-]

I don’t recall whether I saw it or not but I feel like there was plenty of area to set up a stealth camp if needed if there was not a designated site, but if the map shows there is one there more than likely there is. other than a little road noise seem like a very nice area to camp.

[@jasonwish-]

Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks!

[@Mattkat0410]

Jason, i plan to do multiple trips to ohio this year for kayak camping. What are your favorite spots? Also i love these long format videos from you!

[@jasonwish-]

I really enjoy answering these type of comments. Here’s a list of kayaking rivers that I am aware of, but I know there are many more. The mad river, West liberty, 50 miles, not many places to camp. The Kokosing in Mount Vernon, 36 miles, several campgrounds. The little Miami river, yellow Springs, 90 miles, empties into the Ohio river. Ohio brush creek, southern Ohio, empties into the Ohio as well. The only one that I have done is the Mad River, seem like we always go out of state. I would check some of the Facebook groups like Ohio kayaking campers or kayak Ohio or Central Ohio kayaking.

[@rosesmith6208]

cypress trees? those are root knobs to get oxygen, not dead trees, I had to laugh when you said they were dead tupelo trees, I have a tupelo tree in my yard, when I used to run around in north carolina near emerald isle when I was a teen (please dont ask my age lol) I loved those big huge pine cones, they were just bigger than I had ever seen up here in ohio. I do love the look of those palmetto palms when I was at the cape hattaras light house the buxton trail I took pictures of them and when I came back took pictures of the same ones to see how they grew, I have to say the south has some interesting trees, but I do find that in north carolina there there were more scrubby trees not very pretty, but I do love those southern pines they are beautiful. my neighbor across the street he has five acres, planted a bunch of white pine, blue spruce, etc and they are beautiful too. I walked to his house once to ask him something and when I came home my hubby said what kind of purfume is that I said I dont use perfume, and it was the smell from the pines it saturated my clothes it smelled so good. I miss the days when I could hike trails tho never to the distances you cover, no where near but i would be happy to hike a 3 mile trail just so I can get out and about and see all the plants and animals. my hubby seems to miss the days when I could hike with him. in akron near the cascade park they used a country club land to build a very nice trail and they planted all kinds of flowers it just opened I believe last year. very nice.

[@jasonwish-]

I guess I need to study up on my trees a little haha. They looked very similar to the tupolo trees we saw on the Edisto River when kayaking there a few years agao so I just assumed they were the same tree. Sounds like you have some great memories of those areas. I too love the smell of fresh pine...it was so pure and fresh smelling when in Yosmite National Park, a smell I will never forget! Thanks for comment!

[@Columbia.Hiking.Club.29212]

@@jasonwish- Cypress trees are prevalent throughout the Lowcountry region and into the midlands. When the early settlers arrived, there were many huge cypress trees that were felled for lumber. The wood from these trees is very rot and insect resistant. The large pinecones are from longleaf pines.

[@jasonwish-]

@@Columbia.Hiking.Club.29212 thanks for that information, very interesting.

[@shadowleep]

Hey, I've got limited time to hit the trail. I've been thinking about doing this trail. What do you think about the possibility of being able to do the lower sections on a recumbent trike? Any suggestions would help.

[@jasonwish-]

Sorry for the delayed reply, I definitely think a recumbent trike would work in most areas of those lower passages. Obviously there’s gonna be some spots where you may have to walk it over a bridge or a narrow area. I think Lake Moultrie and Santee passages would be phenomenal for a trike. Awendaw probably wouldn’t be too bad and a majority of Swampfox as well.

[@shadowleep]

​ @jasonwish- Thanks, man. That really helps settle my mind. I've done long distances of over 50 miles on some trails on it in a day, and that's all human power.

[@palmettopastor]

Not prairies, that's the salt marsh it is tidal water that flows in and out of the ocean. The grass you see is called spartina. If you could get above it you would see the creeks from the side it looks like a field. It is not

[@jasonwish-]

Yeah, I realized that once I got home and started editinig...I should have stopped and flone the drone over it but it was getting dark on me quick during the Awendaw Passage. It's a very unique and interesting environment!

[@palmettopastor]

I love near that trail and was a nature guide for years. If you have questions about what you walked through lemme know.

[@jasonwish-]

@@palmettopastor OK thank you! Anything special or interesting I should be aware of during the next 100 miles Beyond the Santee passage?

[@TheRealPontificator]

Bonneau: the locals prounounce it "BUNN-uh". Go figure.

[@jasonwish-]

I had to look up how to pronounce it properly for episode two 😁

[@hazardhound4514]

We pronounce the town name "bun-OH"

[@jasonwish-]

Yeah, I had to look it up when I returned home 😁

[@cgriggsiv]

And I am first

[@jasonwish-]

Good job CG 😉

[@cgriggsiv]

@@jasonwish- Normally the kernel is first very rare do I even get in a first comment

[@jasonwish-]

@@cgriggsiv indeed, the ol' Colonel is slipping 😂