b'Palmetto Trail CallingBy Trish JermanDuringthepandemic,manyofuslostourtypicalWalk, Hike, Cycle, Kayakoutlets for exercisethe gym, yoga classes, swimmingBut dont overlook the possibilities close to home!At pools.But many of us found, or rediscovered, the joysleast10ofthe Trailspassagesarewithinanhours of healthy outdoor exercise in nature.driveofColumbia. Thesemidlandspassagesoffera ThePalmettoTrail,whichpassesthroughtherange of hiking, mountain biking, camping, and even MidlandsasitconnectsthemountainsofOconeehorseback riding experiences. They can be as long or Countytothecoastasshortasyouwant. atAwendaw,isoneAfterall,nooneis ofonly16cross-stategoingtomakeyou trailsintheentirehikefromoneend country. The Trail wasofapassagetothe particularlyimportantotheryoucanwalk duringthepandemicas far as you like and since it was one of theturn around! fewfreerecreationalOneMidlandswalk facilitiesthatstayedthatlendsitselfto open,providingsafeanoutandback outdoorrecreationapproachisthePeak inbeautifulnaturaltoProsperityPassage, areas.Manystudieswhichactually have been done on thebeginsattheAlston value of time spent inTrailheadinFairfield nature during stressfulCounty.Youcan periods,andthispastpicnic,orevencamp yearcertainlyhasthere,andsoonwill beensuchaperiod.be able to put a kayak Nationwide,trailsintotheBroadRiver saw much heavier useaswell.Kidswill thanusual,causingenjoy the Kids TRAK theAppalachianTrailConservancytosuggesttheinformation,which PalmettoTrailasanalternativeinordertoreduceencourageslearningandexploration.Thewalk(or crowding and damage on the iconic north-south trail. bikeride)beginswithatripoveraformerrailroad trestle,offeringspectacularviewsupanddownthe ThePalmettoTrailiscurrentlymadeupof31BroadRiver.Ifyoureluckyyoullseeabaldeagle separate passages, some offering spectacular mountainswooping low over the water and turtles sunning on vistas,othersofferinglakeandcoastalaccess,orriver rocks.Many people cross the trestle and come pathways to little-known historical sites.back,butothershikeonintothewoodsytrailin Newberry County. 18IMARA'