When I booked our campsite at Table Rock State Park, I didn’t know much about it. I just knew it was in upstate South Carolina, within easy driving distance of Sassafras Mountain (which was still on our highpoint bucket list and beckoning for a visit).
Spending a week hiking in this 3,000 acre park really surprised me though. The trails were among the most enjoyable I’ve been on in 2019. So here’s the top 10 reasons you head over to Table Rock State Park the next time you’re hanging out in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
#1 – The Palmetto Trail
One of the park’s assets is its access to so many great trails. The trailhead for a 12.3 mile section of South Carolina’s Palmetto Trail, starts from the Mountain Laurel campground on the north side of the park, and extends along the Jocassee Gorges and over Horse Mountain.
I previously wrote about my affinity for the 500-mile Palmetto Trail HERE, and this section doesn’t disappoint. So whether you’re in the mood for a hike, a trail run, of just checking off another section on the Palmetto Trail, this trail has plenty to offer.
#2 – The waterfalls
You can’t walk 100 feet from the park’s Nature Center before you begin to encounter the dozens of waterfalls that run along the trails and rivers. There’s grand picturesque ones, small ones, large ones… There’s even one you can actually walk behind if you head a few miles up the Pinnacle Mountain Trail.
Many of these waterfalls spill into shallow pools too. And those charming spots look as if they were designed for a refreshing dip after hiking on a humid summer day. So what are you waiting for?
#3 – A picnic on Table Rock’s summit
Getting to the top of Table Rock Mountain isn’t easy. It requires a very challenging 3.6 mile hike from the Nature Center, and over 2,000 feet of vertical elevation gain. But, once you make it to the summit, the views go on for miles.
The Cherokee Indians referred to Table Rock it as Sah-ka-na-ga, and they believed this ridge is where their god sat down to eat, using the mountain as his table. As this legend suggests, this mountain ledge is the perfect spot to just sit for a bit, and enjoy the picnic you carried to the summit.
#4 – Wild flowers
Hiking in the spring will put most people in a joyful mood. The trees are in blossoming and there’s small flowers dotting entire hillsides. Table Rock’s trails are a prime spot to explore this natural beauty.
If you decide to hike here in the spring, plan for some extra time though. You’ll might find yourself repeatedly stopping to take photos of all the different varieties of flowers in bloom. Dogwood trees, wild irises, wisteria vines, serviceberry, the list goes on and on.
#5 – River crossings
If you’re like me, you’re probably not a big fan of fording rivers, particularly if it means getting your shoes and socks soaking wet. The trails in Table Rock State Park traverse a few rivers, but don’t fret. The crossings are all delightful.
Some of the rivers have well-maintained bridges. Others require hopping from rock to rock. Yet, there is no real worry that you’ll end up with wet socks. The trail crews placed wide boulders at these crossings to make it feel more like an easy game of hopscotch.
#6 – Kick-ass terrain
Easy hikes are fine, but the truth is, the best views are the ones you real have to work hard for. You’ll earn a dose of humility if you choose to hike the 10.5-mile loop of created by the Table Rock Trail, Ridge Trail, and Pinnacle Trail.
Your calves, quads, and lungs will be burning by the end. Yet all that hard work is worth it. The solitude up up high, so far away from all the noise of everyday life, is priceless. So why not get away from the hubbub, and take the really hard trails?
Note: Make sure to fill out a hiker registration card at the Nature Center if you plan to attempt a long hike on these trails. This card will let the park rangers know who’s out on trail, and serve as a safety measure if you’re injured and don’t return when expected.
#7 – Pinnacle Mountain
Lots of hikers will be clamoring over to get to Table Rock. But, if you want the quieter more serene peak, opt for nearby Pinnacle Mountain instead. Both peaks share the same trailhead, and when everyone else veers right toward Table Rock, you can head off on your own to the left.
The Pinnacle Trail is 4.2 very challenging miles (one-way) from the Nature Center, which scares off a lot of less committed hikers. But, there’s so much to see along this route. Take your time. Bring lots of water. And press on to the summit. Because the views are sublime – and if you look east, you’ll get bonus views of Table Rock too.
#8 – Wildlife in Table Rock Park
Expect to see and hear plenty of wildlife during your visit. You’re bound to hear dozens of varieties of birds serenading you, and you’ll observe more butterflies than you can count.
If you’re looking a great outdoor adventure to let children experience truly diverse flora and fauna, a hike on the Carrick Creek Trail won’t disappoint. It’s an easy 2-mile loop that begin and ends at the Nature Center.
A word of warning – there are some black bears in the area (you’ll notice the bear-proof trash cans throughout the park to detract them). Most black bears are scavengers looking for berries to eat, not people. They don’t tend to become aggressive unless you threaten their cubs. Still, it’s important to note their potential presence and give them a wide berth if you see one.
#9 – Well-marked & maintained trails
You have to give some serious credit to the trail maintainers in this park. The trails here are some of the best-marked and well-maintained anywhere. The trail markings are not intrusive, but they are spaced close enough together to ensure you’re always confident you’re on the right trail.
If you are bushwhacking anywhere in the park, it’s a sign you’re definitely off trail – because the park employees take their job seriously. Whether it’s implacing water breaks for good drainage, adding stone steps to prevent erosion, or building bridges – a lot of effort went toward your enjoyment of this park.
#10 – A lakeside stroll
Table Rock State Park has two lakes – Pinnacle Lake and Lake Oolenoy – both of which are surrounded by mature trees. For an easy 1.9 miles stroll, try the Lakeside Trail. Just opt outside, and just surround yourself with plenty of fresh air and beautiful views.
Want to know more about Table Rock State Park?
Check out these resources:
- Table Rock State Park
- A list of the park’s trails
- Palmetto Trail (Blue Ridge Electric Co-op Passage)
- AllTrails.com