Hit The Horse Trails Near Newberry, South Carolina

The Newberry area of central South Carolina offers miles of trails for equestrians to explore. Riders may travel over wooded hills and through scenic valleys as they enjoy nature. Some of the trails are designated multipurpose trails and others are specifically designated for horses.

The Palmetto Trail is a multipurpose recreational trail that will eventually allow its users to travel the length of the state from the mountains to the ocean. The longest section of trail near Newberry, the Enoree Passage, runs through the Sumter National Forest. This is a scenic portion of trail passing three lakes and crossing over small creeks as well as the Enoree River. The trail is moderately easy as it winds through forest and over ridges. The northern trailhead of the Palmetto Trail is at the Sedalia Campground in Union County. The southern trailhead is located off Franklin Road in Newberry County.

The Enoree Passage ties into the Buncombe Horse Trail for ten miles. The Buncombe Horse Trail is a 31 mile system of seven loop trails in Newberry County. There is a $3 day use fee to use this trail, which is primarily gravel or clay. Riders will pass several points of interest along the trail, such as plantation sites and old cemeteries. A quiet ride will provide many opportunities to view wildlife. The Buncombe Horse Trail is open year round and primitive camp sites are available. To access the trailhead, take I-26 to Exit 60 (Hwy. 66) and go right for 3.7 miles. Turn right at Forest Service Road 358 and look for the parking area.

Lynch’s Woods Park in Newberry contains another three mile section of Palmetto Trail for equestrian use. A network of other trails branch off the main trail. There are picnic areas, restrooms, and primitive camping areas within the park. Original facilities in Lynch’s Woods Park were developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The park is located off Hwy. 76 just east of Newberry.

Those that don’t own a horse may be interested in the trail rides offered by the Double J Ranch in nearby Whitmire, South Carolina. Riders may book guided trail rides on their well trained, well behaved horses. One hour rides cost $40, two hour rides are $70, three hour rides are $90, and a four hour ride is $100. There is a discount for groups of four or more people. Double J Ranch is located at 195 Alberta Road in Whitmire.
A horseback ride is a great way to explore this scenic area of South Carolina. The surroundings are beautiful, and the designated equestrian trails make riding a pleasure.

By: A. Lanteigne

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Ambria Lanteigne is the Director of Sales and Operations at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Newberry SC Hotel. They are conveniently located at exit 76 off of I-26, about 30 minutes north of Columbia and less than an hour south of Greenville, SC. This Newberry SC hotel has outstanding amenities, including an indoor pool, whirlpool and Fitness Center. For more information visit: www.NEWBERRYSOUTHCAROLINAHOTEL.COM