b'AverydifferentterrainisprovidedbytheWatereeSmall Businesses Benefit Passage,whichbeginsnearEastover,whereRouteTheTrailservesthoseinterestedinactiveoutdoor 601meetsOldBluffRd.Youcanhikeintotherecreationthroughoutthestate,butisalso wetlands and forests surrounding the Wateree River.economicallybeneficialtothecommunitiesit traverses.Especiallyinruralareas,smallgroceries, mom and pop gas stations and other small businesses seeanincreaseinbusinessasTrailpassagesare opened, and hikers stop to purchase gas, water, snacks and other supplies. So when youre using the Trail, be sure to stop and purchase locally. ThePalmettoConservationFoundation,which develops and maintains the Palmetto Trail, hopes to encourageagreaterappreciationofthestatesrich Dont worrythere are bridges and walkways to keep your feet dry!Some of the best views are from the suspensionbridgeovertheWatereeswampafew miles into the walk, but many users choose to follow thetrailallthewaytoPoinsettStateParkonthe opposite side of the river.natural resources and breathtaking beauty, of course. Ifanurbansettingismoreyourstyle,theCapitalButitalsowantstoimprovepublichealthand CityPassagewindsfromFortJacksonsGate1wellnessbyencouragingactiveoutdoorrecreation. through beautiful and historic downtown Columbia.TrailCoordinatorswillhappilyarrangeforguided Another urban passage begins just outside downtowngroup hikes, and offer advice.To arrange an outing Newberry, winds past historic sites, a Japanese garden,foryourorganization,ortovolunteerassistancein restaurantsandcharmingshops,beforeenteringtrailmaintenancetasks,contactthePalmettoTrail SumterNationalForest.LynchesWoodsPark,andofficeat803.771-0870.Moreinformationisalso the Palmetto Trails Lynches Woods Passage, are alsoavailable at www.palmettoconservation.org in Newberry. This area offers miles of hiking, cycling and even some equestrian trails. IMARA19'