Palmetto Trail High Hills of Santee Passage

High Hills of Santee Passage is a Palmetto Trail “mountains-to-the-sea” connector through Poinsett State Park and Manchester State Forest near Wedgefield, South Carolina. Expect sandy ridges/rolling sandhills terrain threaded with mature forest.

Plan on a point-to-point day hike of about 11.4–11.7 miles (3.5–4.5 hours typical). The grade is generally moderate, but deep sand can make forward progress harder, especially in warm conditions.

On the ground, the passage is a double-track dirt and sand path through red cedar, oak, and pine stands. Terrain can include occasional muddy patches depending on season.

The route is shared-use: hiking is allowed throughout, and biking and horseback riding are part of the broader passage use pattern. Motorized vehicles are not part of this passage.

When you move through the park/forest, you’ll pass old features tied to earlier land use, including multiple old mill ponds in the Poinsett area.

Water is available from natural sources along the corridor, but it requires treatment before drinking.

Build your logistics around land-management constraints: there are no equestrian allowances within Poinsett State Park itself, while horseback use is allowed on the Manchester State Forest side of the passage. Also note there’s a scheduled motorcycle race affecting Manchester State Forest on February 7–8, 2026; check for access changes before you commit.

For the hike day, scout/inspect any wet or sandy sections you’ll traverse—deep sand and muddy spots can change effort level quickly. Bring and pack out waste and keep dogs leashed, consistent with the route’s posted rules.

More information: Official website, Palmetto Trail: Poinsett State Park & Wateree Passage, SC, High Hills of Santee Passage - The Palmetto Trails