Our second hike of 2024 … January 14, 2024
We decided to take the short drive up to the Blue Wall Preserve Area to hike section 2 of the Blue Wall Passage of the Palmetto Trail. One thing I'lI note is that section 1 is a long road walk that F'll be skipping - as I don't consider that safe for Sally & I. To start our hike, we parked in the small parking area off of Pennell Road. This lot is pretty small and it was pretty packed when we got there (I had like 5 inches of space between my driver side door and a tree! It's a basic trailhead with no amenities other than a trail map by the road where you start.
After walking a paved road for a short ways it turns to a gravel road just past a very abused bridge (there's exposed rebar!) and you enter the preserve. You'll pass the first of the Twin Ponds and at the second one we split to the left to stay on the passage. Enjoy this easy going flatness because once you get past the pond ... it starts climbing and doesn't quit until you reach the gap - Vaughns Gap that is! It's a nice section of trail with a few water crossings - but nothing un-manageable! The trail get's steeper in places but once you get to the switchbacks - you'll know you're close to the top! There's a nice rock to sit and enjoy the views in the bend of the last switchback. Once at Vaughn's Gap - we sat a little while just enjoying our accomplishment - particularly since I wasn't really feeling great and had thought about turning around 2-3 times during the climb. The way back down was relatively simple ... but we did take a couple of detours - one was the Waterfall trail - a nice little trail with a beautiful waterfall. And there's another waterfall (not named on any map I currently have) just below the first of the Twin Ponds - just be careful as it's steep if you choose to go down to the base and there's not a lot of room at the top either. But it's definitely worth seeing if it's been raining lately. After that, we made our way back to the car- feeling tired and ready to go home and drink some hot chocolate!
Another note ... there's a pretty significant downfall just before the gap. I found it pretty. easy to get through - but I did have to crawl under one of the trees and was able to go up and over the other (but it's a big step up). There were 4 stream crossings ... at least two of them I ended up with wet feet because I don't do balance challenges while stream crossings - I prefer to have wet feet instead! Overall, nice trail - but if I had to recommend one of the Palmetto Passages to do - Eastatoe Passage is still my favorite!
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