The Awendaw Passage (Palmetto Trail)

The Awendaw Passage section of the Palmetto Trail takes you along tidal creeks, through lowland vegetation and pine forests. Starting from the Rosa green Road Canoe launch parking lot gives you immediate access to the scenic tidal creek with frequent marsh views. As a family we like to start here since our young hikers max out at about 3-4 miles and we only hike  a  portion of the trail and then turn back. But if you have a child in a carrier you could do the entire section which would be an 8 mile hike out and back. (The Awendaw passage is 4 miles, point to point between the Rosa green road canoe launch and the Buck Hall landing trail head) You can also get a nice view just by hiking however far/for as long as you can. 1 mile or even 30 minutes is still well worth it! There are a few sections of trail along the creek bank with 10-20 ft drops to the water below, both those are brief and hand holding is usually sufficient to keep young children from the edge. A number of foot bridges cross over water at various points as well, but the majority of the trail lends it self to kid safe exploration. Mud and large puddles are common after periods of rain, so plan for the possibility of wet feet. (Adults can typically  avoid getting wet feet, but young children may not)  Mountain Bikes are common on this trail, so an all terrain stroller will often work, however mud and roots could create obstacles at times. This is a fairly popular trail and at peak times the Rosa Green Road parking lot can overflow. There are no facilities at this parking area though. You can choose to park at the Buck Hall landing parking area, where there are bathrooms, however, from that direction the first 2 miles of trail are simply through tall pine forests without water views. Tip: Since there are no restrooms I reccomend stopping somewhere on the way out to the trail head. (gas station etc.)