Mountain Bridge Passage Trail to Lake Wattacoo is one of South Carolina’s best-kept secrets. It’s located in the state’s glorious Ashmore Heritage Preserve. It is one of the few places for hiking where on a typical day, you may have the trail all to yourself or share with just a few other hikers.
Mountain Bridge Passage Trail to Lake Wattacoo is a 1.6-mile round trip that passes through a wooded forest to a hidden lake. The trail features stunning wildflowers, birds, a nice bridge for stream crossing, and distant waterfalls on the backside of the mountain.
Don Ross/Alltrails
You cannot miss the trailhead from the parking lot. The hike starts with a bit of difficulty due to the 311 feet of elevation gain.
Rainey Chadwell/Alltrails The terrain has two steep inclines and large, loose gravel that a child or your leashed canine friend can navigate effortlessly.
Fortunately, the trail levels out pretty quickly as you near your destination. Note that this trail to Lake Wattacoo is unmarked, so you will want to follow the gravel road when you reach the lower loop portion of the trail. Other than that, it is an easy hike offering tons of photo opportunities.
Don Ross/Alltrails
There is a bridge over two shallow stream crossings that you’ll go over next. Once you reach Lake Wattacoo, the views are gorgeous.
Olivia Neal/Alltrails If you did not get distracted by the side trails, you should see the twin waterfalls from a distance!
If the weather is favorable, take a moment to enjoy Green Mountain acting as the backdrop of the lake. There are many comfortable places around the lake to enjoy the scene of large, shady trees, colorful flowers set against blue waters, all encapsulated by rocks and a mountain.
Debbie Jelks/Alltrails
In the summer, wading in the water is not a terrible idea. You can also enjoy a picnic, read a book, or enjoy music right by the lake.
Scott Jorgensen/Alltrails
Returning to the trailhead is effortless. The steady descent will have you in the parking lot in no time. Have you visited this magnificent oasis in the Palmetto State? Learn more about this great trail from AllTrails.com. Do you have another favorite hike in South Carolina? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!
Don Ross/Alltrails
Rainey Chadwell/Alltrails
The terrain has two steep inclines and large, loose gravel that a child or your leashed canine friend can navigate effortlessly.
Olivia Neal/Alltrails
If you did not get distracted by the side trails, you should see the twin waterfalls from a distance!
Debbie Jelks/Alltrails
Scott Jorgensen/Alltrails
For another short-and-scenic hike in South Carolina, check out this fun excursion.
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Address: Ashmore Heritage Preserve Trail (Chandler Rock), 45 Persimmon Ridge Rd, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
