The 21st passage of the Palmetto Trail was officially opened Saturday, National Trails Day, at the Alston Trailhead in Fairfield County. The ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly decked railroad trestle over the Broad River and the newest park in Fairfield County opens six and a half miles of hiking and biking trail through Piedmont forest, farm fields, and over the zigzagging Crims Creek.

Board of Directors member David Anderson recounted the long hard road it has taken Palmetto Conservation Foundation (PCF) to get to this point.

The non-profit organization that is building the Palmetto Trail from the mountains to the sea first got involved with Norfolk Southern in 1995. Eventually the 11-mile inactive line was railbanked which means that it can be used for recreational purposes until such time as a railroad company wishes to re-establish an active line.

PCF bought the right-of-way from Norfolk Southern in 1999. After resolution of a lawsuit, work finally began when two trail volunteers stepped forward offering to deck and build handrails for some of the 15 wooden trestles on the rail line. A grant from SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism allowed PCF to hire Benchmark Trails to deck and build handrails for the 1100-foot bridge which was completed in March.

Fairfield County agreed to use PARD funds to develop the trailhead at Alston, which was completed in May, and provides parking, picnicking, canoe access and camping. The remaining four and a half miles of trail will be decked as money becomes available and developers hope to open that portion of the trail in 2010.

The two volunteers, Charles Weber and Furman Miller, were recognized for their labor of love in decking eight trestles, developing a campsite, working with Eagle Scouts on trail projects, clearing, mowing and grooming the trail, and being trail ambassadors to the local communities.

Natalie Cappuccio Britt, executive director of PCF, marveled at what the small non-profit accomplished in building the Palmetto Trail since the idea was first conceived in 1994.

She said, “PCF, working in partnership with many governmental entities and corporations, has built over 290 miles of the Palmetto Trail. Not only does the trail connect communities like Peak and Pomaria, but it highlights the rich heritage, natural beauty, and geographic diversity of the Palmetto State.

“Our hope is that many more people will come to appreciate the scenic beauties and historical contributions of South Carolina through their experiences on the Palmetto Trail. One of the best views on the trail is right here looking up and down the Broad River.”

When complete, the cross-state trail will run about 425 miles, forming a spine for a network of trails and bikeways in South Carolina.

PCF was founded in 1989 with a mission to conserve the state’s natural resources, preserve historic landmarks, and promote outdoor recreation through trails and greenways. PCF preserves Revolutionary War battlefields, has an outdoor leadership school and two outdoor centers, and works with local governments on land conservation programs and easements.