Palmetto Trail: Pennell Road to Vaughns Gap is a 8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Landrum, South Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
The trail is mostly moderate, until the last stretch to Vaughn's Gap. This final stretch becomes narrow, steep, and rocky.
March 21, 2021March 6, 2021February 27, 2021February 10, 2021Beautiful day for a stroll. Trail was in good shape. That last mile up to the gap is tough.
January 29, 2021Great trail for winter . Too many ticks in the summer.
January 14, 2021Easy with gradual elevation gain.
November 27, 2020We enjoyed the hike, especially the uphill trail after the white gate. I probably wouldn't choose it again, because it's a long walk on a fairly flat, often gravel road bed to get to the nice trail! There are a lot of rhododendron bushes close to the top, so maybe we'll go again when they're blooming.
November 6, 2020The trail was very lightly travels up to the gap; it was definitely quite strenuous after turning into a trail rather than old road bed and up to the top (which as stated before is just a sign). The waterfall was nice, and the leaves during the fall were quick nice.
November 4, 2020Dope
October 25, 2020September 25, 2020This was a great hike! Last time I went to the right which is towards the waterfall which was not as challenging but to the left is the Vaughn trail. It is really easy with no incline for the first 1.5 mile but it slowly starts to incline and continues more and more. It was pretty challenging at the end, it was about 3.5 to the “summit”, which is just a sign.
September 12, 2020Neat little trail! I was expecting a more strenuous hike, but I'm content with what I got. This is more of a standard-hard hike with some very nice scenery. Calling this trail strenuous might be an overstatement- NOT for kids or those out of shape, however. Plan accordingly with the weather- few views if there's fog or rain. Worth a shot if you're looking for a fun little day trip with some solid physical exertion. Check out the ponds and waterfall, while you're at it!
September 6, 2020Today being a holiday weekend (labor day) there was no were to park. Most people only walk to the waterfall or the white gate beyond that no people. But very strenuous. So bring your walking stick and power through it! There was a beautiful woman with her Great Dane, hope to meet her again...
September 6, 2020August 28, 2020Once you get past the second metal gate, it gets hard! It’s uphill all the rest of the way. Definitely doable with some lovely creek crossings on the way up. This would be better done when the leaves are off the trees to get better views. Right now, the last 0.1 mile before Vaughn’s gap is covered with nettles. We plowed through it anyway, got a little stingy but nothing terrible and the burn dissipates in a short while but I was glad I had pants on. Also added the loop around the little lake at the bottom and my alltrails recording was closer to 8:5miles and 1700 feet of elevation gain. A great workout close to home.
August 23, 2020The first two miles are on a flat, wide gravel path through the lakes and into the forest—but don’t trust the idyllic scenery because around mile 2.5, it gets real (steep). An awesome last mile up a pretty steep, narrow path in total quiet forest. And brooks and creeks throughout. Beautiful! PSA: the end of this trail is a gravel road, not a summit view. The journey is worth it but just FYI.
July 22, 2020did this trail today. however, there was a huge tree covered with poison ivy just before reaching to Vaughns gap. was unable to complete. no way around it. wasn't going to risk getting poison ivy. overall it was good.
July 4, 2020So underrated! So glad it is only 30min away from the house!
June 25, 2020Great trail starts off slow on a paved trail then it turns in to gravel. The last mile is rocky and steep.
May 10, 2020The waterfall loop is a moderate family hike. The last part to Vaughn’s Gap is definitely NOT moderate! Very steep and strenuous! Nice hike though but not suitable for smaller kids!
May 7, 2020Good hike. After the last stream the terrain gets pretty steep and rugged. A great workout. Once we got to Vaughn's Gap there is no view until you take the road up to Hogback Mountain. At the summit there is a tower and buildings. Definitely a much tougher hike after Vaughn's Gap!!! Loved it though.
May 5, 2020wasn't that impressed with this hike.starting out was on stones .was very uncomfortable to walk,there were no signs letting you know you were actually on the trail .some had 2 trails and it was confusing. waterfalls were pretty tho.
April 17, 2020shit hella sweet definitely harder than moderant
