Upcoming Hike on Thursday, March 26:
Twin Ponds Trail at Blue Wall Preserve
On Thursday, March 26, leaders will introduce Holy Hikers to the Blue Wall Preserve that is located near Landrum, SC. It has been designated by the Audubon Society as an important bird area where 114 bird species have been identified. "Blue Wall” refers to the name the Cherokee gave the Blue Ridge Mountains, and this foothill trail features views of both the NC and SC peaks that inspired that name.
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We will hike the Twin Ponds Trail​ that creates a “lollipop loop” around two ponds. This 3.1-mile trail is rated easy with an elevation gain of 347 feet. The majority of the trail follows an old logging road. No special hiking equipment is needed; however, water-resistant shoes with good tread are recommended since some areas are muddy after rains. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash.
​We will begin our hike at 11:00am, so pack a lunch and water. Because parking is limited, carpooling is recommended. Plan to arrive at the Parish Hall parking lot no later than 10:10am if carpooling or convoying from the church. The trailhead is located 23 miles from St. John in the Wilderness in the Blue Wall Passage Parking area (Dug Hill Rd & W Lakeshore Dr, Landrum, SC 29356). While GPS estimates drive time to be 34 minutes, add some extra time due to construction on the I-26 Green River Bridge. Please do not take Highway 176 since portions remain closed due to Hurricane Helene. See below for driving directions from St. John in the Wilderness.
Directions from St. John in the Wilderness
Click here to see directions on Google Maps.
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From Rutledge Drive, turn left onto Greenville Highway, towards Pinecrest Presbyterian.
At the light, turn right onto N Highland Lake Rd.
With the Ingles on your right, continue straight through the intersection onto Upward Rd.
In 1.3 miles, turn right to merge onto I-26 E.
In 12.5 miles, take exit 67 for NC-108 toward Columbus.
At the traffic circle, take the first exit onto NC-108 W (W Mills St.).
In 3.4 miles, continue straight onto N. Trade St.
In 1.1 miles, turn right onto Jervey Rd.
After crossing in to South Carolina, in 0.4 miles, take a slight right onto Caledonia Rd.
In 0.6 miles, turn left to stay on Caledonia Rd.
In 0.3 miles, turn right onto W Lakeshore Dr.
In 0.7 miles, turn right onto Dug Hill Rd.
In 0.3 miles, take a slight left onto Pennell Rd. The destination comes up quickly on the left.
Save the Dates: 2026 Holy Hikes
January 14
February 26
March 26
April 23
May 21
June 25
July 23
August 16
September 24
October 25-28
(Retreat)
November (TBD)
December (TBD)