Roundtop Passage of the Palmetto Trail

You can park at the Sassafras Mountain parking lot, which also provides pit toilets. Please note that there is no direct road access to either end of the passage itself, so you will need to hike a bit to reach the official start or end of the passage.

While dogs are generally allowed on the Palmetto Trail, this passage runs through SC Department of Natural Resources game lands. It's always best to keep your dog on a leash and be aware of hunting seasons.

The trail is particularly stunning in the fall for its vibrant foliage. Winter offers clearer views of Lakes Jocassee and Keowee through the leafless trees. In spring, the rhododendron and mountain laurel thickets add to its beauty. Summer can be very challenging due to the heat and strenuous nature of the hike.

There are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Roundtop Passage of the Palmetto Trail within the Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area. However, if you plan to be in the area during hunting season, you must wear blaze orange as it passes through game lands.

The terrain is varied, traversing thickly forested areas with mixed hardwoods and pine. You'll encounter sections that follow abandoned woods roads, dense thickets of rhododendron and mountain laurel, and skinny switchbacks. Some parts become mostly flat towards the end, but expect significant elevation changes throughout.

The trail offers scenic vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and in winter, views of Lakes Jocassee and Keowee. A unique feature is the only ground-level spot to view the granite rock face of Rock Mountain. You'll also pass near Roundtop Mountain and can access views from Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina's highest point, from the trailhead.

Yes, the Roundtop Passage is a crucial part of the Palmetto Trail. It connects to the Foothills Trail and the Blue Ridge Electric Co-op Passage, allowing for various loop hiking opportunities, including a 23+ mile loop that extends to Table Rock State Park. The route also passes through sections of the Carolina Hemlock Trail and the Carolina Hemlock Loop (Palmetto Trail).

This passage is generally considered difficult, especially as an out-and-back trek. It involves significant elevation changes, including descents of over 1,200 feet and climbs of approximately 500 feet. The return trip, which requires climbing back up the initial 1,200-foot drop over the last 2.5 miles, is particularly challenging. A section leading to the summit of Roundtop Mountain is notably steep.

The trail is located in a remote wilderness area, and evidence of bear activity has been noted. Venomous snakes are also present in the area, so hikers should be vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

No, mountain biking is not permitted on the Roundtop Passage of the Palmetto Trail.

Given the strenuous nature of the out-and-back hike, especially the challenging climb on the return, consider planning a loop by connecting with the Foothills Trail or Blue Ridge Electric Co-op Passage if you're looking for a different challenge or want to avoid the steep ascent back up. This can offer a varied experience and potentially mitigate some of the difficulty of the return trip.