Harry Easterling Bridge Peak SC 2

by Lisa Wooten

Title

Harry Easterling Bridge Peak SC 2

Artist

Lisa Wooten

Medium

Photograph - Photographs

Description

Built in 1904, this steel truss bridge expands across the Broad River connecting the small town of Peak, SC to Fairfield County. It is 1,100 feet long

Several bridges have been built across this site including one that the confederates burned down themselves to slow Sherman's army passing through. Around 2009, the railroad turned this bridge over to the Palmetto trail and has been made safe to travel by foot or bicycle.
On the bridge you can see a great view of the Broad River and sometimes Bald eagles and other wildlife from the bridge. The old trestle is now on the Palmetto Trail, part of the "Rails to Trails" program that converts old railway lines into trails. The Peak to Prosperity Passage of the Palmetto Trail skirts the north side of town and continues across the Broad River to a stopping point just on the other side in Alston. A walk along the Palmetto Trail across the impressive 1,100-foot-long Broad River trestle provides a spectacular view of the Broad River.
The Palmetto Trail is a mountains-to-sea trail in South Carolina that will stretch 425 miles across the state when completed. Currently there are sections of the the trail that are complete and can be hiked or biked on. One of these sections is in the Midlands of SC and is called the Peak to Prosperity Passage which is 11 miles long.

The Palmetto Conservation purchased this 11 mile section from Norfolk Southern Railroad through the rail-banking process. The trail crosses 20 trestles, including over 14 wooden trestles that cross Crims Creek. This is a wonderful trail for history lovers.

The rail trail begins on the banks of the Broad River at Alston in Fairfield County and continues west into Newberry County, through piedmont forest, into the towns of Peak and Pomaria. But my adventure focuses on the trail head that begins at Alston (across the Broad River from Peak, SC).

Parking is very convenient in a dirt lot just several yards from the train trestle that crosses over the scenic Broad River. Then it's a short distance walk to start walking across the trestle. Bald eagles are often seen from the bridge flying over the river and turtle sunning on the rocks below. Morning time and evenings are excellent for photography, especially when there is fog on the water.

The Alston trail head at the Broad River train trestle also has a canoe launch. I love to take my kayak and put in at the base of the bridge then paddle up the Broad River. Fishing is also popular along the banks or in a kayak or canoe. There are picnic tables and a place for a fire. This is a family friendly adventure with plenty of activities to do!

Those who want more of an adventure, continue hiking the 11 mile trail or try out kayaking upstream on the Broad River to the Parr Reservoir dam. It's definitely one of my favorite adventures! Google

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January 11th, 2017

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