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Gaining access to the Palmetto Trail at Fort Jackson is expected to be easier with a change in procedures for visitors.
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People are now able to apply for a visitor pass online, a procedure not previously allowed. That way, hikers will know if their request for access is approved before they try to get on the trail.
Prior to the change, hikers had to visit a gate at Fort Jackson during certain hours and wait for approval.
Earlier this year, The State newspaper reported on difficulties some hikers said they had gaining access to the Fort Jackson section of the Palmetto Trail.
Sometimes, people who had traveled hours to Columbia said they were denied access when they arrived. When passes were approved, hikers sometimes were directed to access another gate several miles away.
A key upgrade with the new system is that people can apply for a pass well before they actually arrive at Fort Jackson, Palmetto Trail director Mary Roe said.
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“It’s going to make it a lot easier, mostly for through hikers, who can well in advance get clearance and know they won’t have any obstacles when they approach the gate and go through onsite background checks and clearance,’’ Roe said. “This lets people who are planning hikes to know they can have access.’’
The trail is a public mountains-to-the-sea pathway, parts of which are still under construction, that includes parts of Columbia and Fort Jackson.
Nathan Clinebelle, a spokesman for Fort Jackson, said the online request for access also can be used for those wanting to visit other fort amenities.
“We have gone to online visitor pass applications within the last two months, so if you’re coming on post for the water park, the museum or whatever, you also have the opportunity to apply online to get your pass instead of having to go to the Gate 2 visitors’ center,’’ Clinebelle said.
Visitors can apply online up to 30 days in advance, he said. The visitors’ center will still be available for walk up visitors who have not applied online, he said.
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For more information, check this web address: https://pass.aie.army.mil/