Not many trails in South Carolina offer views of the Blue Ridge Escarpment quite like the Twin Ponds trail found in the Blue Wall Preserve near Landrum. The Blue Ridge Escarpment is best described as the wall, or the sharply dropping edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains as they fall dramatically to the foothills of the Blue Ridge in South Carolina.

The Cherokee called the escarpment the “blue wall” and, looking at the view, it’s easy to see why. Few things compare to the blue haze that clouds the Blue Ridge Mountains!

alltrails/Jordan Davidson

The Blue Wall Preserve near Landrum has been under the stewardship of The Nature Conservancy since 1997. It is a small portion of a mosaic of approximately 20,000 protected acres along the Blue Wall. And lucky for us, it’s open to the public!

alltrails.com/Wendy Feinberg

A 3.4-mile looped trail leads past two ponds and a surprise waterfall. The surface is a combination of natural path and boardwalk.

alltrails/Cole Stilwell

It’s good for kids because it’s short and can be hiked easily in under two hours. What’s more: the family dog is allowed, too, as long as it’s leashed.

alltrails/Jennifer Barksdale

After a short distance on the trail, lakeside views dole out awe-inspiring views up mountain peaks 1,400 feet high. Hogback Mountain is among the tallest.

Google Images/Liz Askins

An informational kiosk is located at the lake with a wealth of information about the Blue Wall Preserve as well as a map that labels the tall mountain peaks of the Blue Wall in view from the very spot.

alltrails/Ed Bedenbaugh

Plan to spend a little extra time enjoying the unexpected waterfall along this hike. It’s so little-known, you may have it all to yourself.

alltrails/Veronika Hofmann

You’ll find the start of the trail in the Blue Wall Preserve on Pennell Road, just off Dug Hill Road in Landrum.

alltrails.com

Find this map and even more information about the Twin Ponds trail from our friends at AllTrails. Learn more about the Blue Wall Preserve here.

alltrails/Jordan Davidson

alltrails.com/Wendy Feinberg

alltrails/Cole Stilwell

alltrails/Jennifer Barksdale

Google Images/Liz Askins

alltrails/Ed Bedenbaugh

alltrails/Veronika Hofmann

alltrails.com

Love discovering hidden bodies of water in the forest? Here’s another: Hike 1.6 Miles To Lake Wattacoo On This Hidden Mountain Trail In South Carolina!

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Address: Blue Wall Preserve, Landrum, SC 29356, USA