September 30, 2025
Blue Ridge Historical Railroad & Palmetto Trail Loop
near Walhalla, SC
It was a perfect day for a hike with cool 60-70's temperatures and overcast sky. This was an easy hike except for the steep descent to the bottom of Issaqueena Falls. That section of the trail was quite challenging with a wet, overused trail over slippery rocks and roots and slick packed clay. Otherwise, all of the trails on the loop are in excellent condition with evidence of ongoing maintenance. No significant blowdowns were encountered. The Jorro Spiders seemed to be getting ready for Halloween by building numerous webs across our path, particularly on the outbound section of the railroad trail. Thanks to Pam and Renee for clearing the way. Just a few late season wildflowers.
Today hikers: Jenny Bell, Beth Hawkins, Claudia Pardue, Jane Voss, Gregg Nuessly, Jack Treadman, Ken Pardue, Daren Voss, Charles Hawkins, Pam Hembree, Renee Corbett, Angela Evans, Lynn Steele & Mike Bell.
The route
5.4 mi · 692 ft climbing · 3h 45m out, 3h 13m walking · 1.7 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
24 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (25)
A massive cut in the rock at the southern beginning of the Blue Ridge Historic Railroad Trail. Photo by Jane Voss. Today's hikers (L-R) Back: Jenny, Beth, Claudia, Gregg, Jack, Ken, Darren, Pam, Renee, Angela, Lynn; Front: Jane, Charles & Mike Getting started from the parking area adjacent to Issaqueena Falls The legend of Issaqueena Falls A very nice covered bridge leading to the overlook and Issaqueena Falls A view of Issaqueena Falls from the overlook. A view from the bottom of Issaqueena Falls. A very difficult descent with today's wet conditions. This vertical panoramic photo by Jane Voss makes it appear the trees are about to fall into the waterfall. The "to the bottom of the falls" hikers today. Someone should teach me a better way to take a group selfie. Thanks to local Scouts for their work on this trail. This trail is quite nice with just bit of overgrowth in a couple of places. Photo by Jane Voss. Just a few wildflowers today like this Lobelia (L), White snakeroot (UR) & Blue wood aster (LR) This trail map posted along the way shows this trail does really follow the planned railroad path. We paused at each end of the middle tunnel, but did not try to actually see these openings. Fruit of Heart’s a burstin (L) & Jack-in-the-pulpit (R). Photo by Jane Voss. Another vertical panoramic photo of a unique tree formation atop a large rock pile. Jane Voss sems to have taken a liking to this, one of many, Jorro Spiders. We are scratching our heads on how this large rock pile fits into the history of the Blue Ridge Railroad. A hillside along the trail was covered by these beautiful Maidenhair ferns. A very nice metal bridge was our turnaround point for this leg of the hike Lots of trail signs on the Palmetto Trail and connecting mountain bike trails. A very large, 12-15 inches) mushroom just off the trail. Headed across the dam on the Walhalla Reservoir. Pollock Falls on Cane Creek as we head back on the Palmetto Trail. A group of turtles sunning on a log as we finish the hike.