Table
Rock State Park, South Carolina
|
Difficulty: |
Moderate
to Strenuous |
|
Water: |
A
small spring between Governor's Rock and the summit of Table
Rock |
|
Pros: |
Views,
Civilian Conservation Corps history, National Recreation Trail |
|
Cons: |
Very
steep |
|
Notes: |
Bring
a picnic lunch, you'll want rest after you make it to the
top! |
Table
Rock Photos | Directions | Weather
Table
Rock Trails | SC
State Parks
Table Rock
For those of
you who thought that there weren't any mountains in South Carolina,
this one is for you. The highest elevation in the park is
a 3425 feet, and the views here are just incredible. The mountains
rise suddenly near the North Carolina border, climbing three thousand
feet in just
a few miles. The local people here refer to the resulting wall of
mountains as the "Blue Wall". Because of this rapid ascent,
the views from the leading edge of mountains are truly unique and
the precipitation is unpredictable. From the top of Table Rock,
the views over the flatter, lower elevations of South Carolina are
"one of a kind" . This is an excellent introduction to
the South Carolina mountains or as the local residents call it,
the "Upcountry".
Old
Resort
A
hotel and resort was built here in 1840, establishing this area
as a vacation destination. Since then, the area that is now the
park has always been a get away for the citizens of Greenville and
beyond . The park  land
was a gift to the state of South Carolina from Greenville
and Pickens counties. The depression era Civilian Conservation Corp
developed the land and in 1940 the Table Rock State Park opened
to the public. Due to a close attention to detail and quality, much
of what was developed in the thirties is still present today. Until
recently, the trails had not received any major overhauls and many
of the original buildings stand today.
Highway
11
The
drive to Table Rock is also part of this overall experience. Highway
11, one of South Carolina's scenic drives, allows the best view
of this region from the lower elevations. The well maintained highway
winds below the edge of mountains known as the "Blue Wall".
Highway 11 travels through a pastoral countryside that is an endless
scene of farms and private residences. There is a conspicuous lack
of commercial development here. The state of South Carolina
has developed a system of parks that are evenly spaced along this
little known two lane highway. So, if you decide to take this
route to Table Rock, you will be rewarded with a relaxing scenic
drive through South Carolinas upcountry.
Table
Rock Photos | Directions | Weather
Table
Rock Trails | SC
State Parks
|
