June 2, 2026
Eastatoe Passage and Raven Rock Trail
near Sunset, SC
Another ideal day for hiking with mostly cloudy skies, cool, mid to high 60's temperatures and an occasional breeze. The trails were damp, but not wet and in very good shape with no significant blowdowns or obstructions including the one recently reported by reviews as blocking access to Raven Rock from the east. The hike is just a series of short climbs and descents with none being terribly steep. The two, 150-foot Zeke suspension bridges are in good shape making for a fun crossing. Heather wishes she had a video of her Toby hustling back half-way on the second Zeke bridge to encourage and lead Matt's Toby to complete his crossing when he hesitated at the mid-way point. This was certainly the highlight of the hike that no one will forget. There were a fair number of types of wildflowers seen, but no large masses of any one species. While a fairly lengthy trail when two trails are combined, it was only moderately difficult. Great job everyone.
Today's hikers: Linda Schultz, Betty Smith, Sharon Daughtry, Renee Corbett, Gerald Richardson, Matt Henderson & Toby, Jack Treadman, Heather Wall & Toby, Jenny Bell & Mike Bell
The route
7.9 mi · 1,467 ft climbing · 4h 52m out, 4h 0m walking · 2.0 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
32 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (37)
Heather and Sharon crossing the first Zeke suspension bridge across Eastatoe Creek.. Today's hikers on Raven Rock above Lake Keowee (L-R) Back: Linda, Betty, Sharon, Renee, Gerald, Matt & Toby, Jack & Mike; Front: Heather & Toby and Jenny. Getting ready, but it looks like Renee is getting ready to dance. Nice information for a very nice trail with some interesting features. We get started by following the Eastatoe Creek for a short time. There is overgrowth at the beginning of this trail complete with a bit of Poison ivy and oak. Nice examples of Maidenhair fern and Native hydrangea. One of the few examples of Rhododendron found along this trail. Could this be Starry rosinweed? These Indian-pinks are always an eye-catcher. A bumble bee enjoying this False foxglove. Toby Wall (L) & Toby Henderson (R) making their way across the first Zeke suspension bridge. Photos by Heather Wall. Waiting to cross on the first 152-foot Zeke suspension bridge across the Eastatoe Creek. And here we go. Nice trail signs with the Eastatoe Trail being part of the longer Palmetto Trail. At the second Zeke suspensions bridge over the Little Eastatoe Creek with Jack & Linda crossing. Photo by Heather Wall. Betty is waiting her turn. The Little Eastatoe Creek was a bit muddy from the recent rains. This nice fungus example was one of just a few seen today despite the recent rain. We encountered less than 5 minutes of very light rain just after crossing the second bridge. This Fan clubmoss, also know as Ground-cedar, is an attractive groundcover. Heading on toward Raven Rock. Very nice patch of Butterfly milkweed. The spires of this Black cohosh were really impressive. The very large scales of the bark on this large pine tree were notable. We saw a fair amount of this Striped wintergreen, frequently called Pipsissewa, along our path. We're finally at Raven Rock looking southwest at Lake Keowee. Let's take a break for lunch. As we were at Raven Rock, a large group of young ladies came around from the far side of the island on the right midground. Photo by Matt Henderson. As we leave Raven Rock we pass by this unusual tree whose trunk has taken two paths up through the canopy. We lucked out with this reported blowdown having been cleared before we encountered it. Another view of Lake Keowee as our trail loops back. Sharon pointed out and demonstrated this mushroom, Boletus sensibilis, bruises blue when touched. No picture of that trait made. Two Tobys taking the lead on this section of the trail. We all love our trail dogs! Photo by Heather Wall. We make a stop at Poe Creek Falls where these best of friends enjoy a few minutes in the water. Photo by Heather Wall. Waiting for Mike on top of Natural Bridge. Another view of Natural Bridge but it is obscured, like most views, by blowdown litter.