Table
Rock Trails
Table
Rock State Park | Table Rock Trails
| SC State
Parks
Table
Rock Camping | Photos | Weather
All
trails begin behind the Nature Center which, incidentally, is worth
a visit. Take the wooden walkway to the back of the center and follow
the blazes.
Table
Rock Trail
6.8
miles R/T Strenuous This
is the one you came for!
Rated as strenuous, this climb to the top affords some of the best
views in South Carolina. This designated National Recreation
Trail has red blazes and begins on a paved section, behind the nature
center. After a half of a mile and a couple of bridged creek crossings,
Carrick Creek Trail veers left. The
Table Rock Trail then begins it's climb in earnest. The trail travels
through a field of giant boulders, many of them seem as if they
are ready to roll. At 1.6 miles a rain shelter built by the CCC
provides a great stopping point. Views of the surrounding hills
can be enjoyed here, usually with other "recovering" hikers
as company.
After
climbing another .20 of a mile, the Pinnacle Trail bears left at
Panther Gap. The trial here is heavily eroded and can be rocky at
times. Currently volunteers from all over the US are involved in
extensive trail renovations. Soon this National Recreation Trail
will be as good as new!
After
two and a half miles of steep climbing you reach Governor's Rock.
Chiseled steps help your climb up this interesting rock formation.
After another half mile of relentless climbing the trail reaches
the summit of Table Rock. At three and half miles the trail leads
out onto the great white rock face that is Table Rock. Views of
the Table Rock Lake and surrounding mountain-sides are truly breath-taking.
No pun intended!
Pinnacle
mountain Trail
7.2
miles R/T Very Strenuous A hike a little more off the beaten
path, this trail is a little less traveled than the others., The
yellow blazed Pinnacle Trail begins at Panther Gap on the Table
Rock Trail. After leaving the Table Rock Trail the Pinnacle
Trail climbs very steeply. At 2.6 miles the trail reaches Hemlock
Gap. A small connector trail junctions here and leads back down
to the Pinnacle Trail. At 3.6 miles the trail reaches the summit
of the mountain at 3425 feet. Unfortunately there aren't any views
here which is why this rates as a "second choice" hike.
Carrick
Creek Trail
1.8
miles Easy to Moderate This is an easier hike than the other
two and is well suited for those that want an easier walk. The hike
begins behind the Nature Center. The green blazed trail follows
the Table Rock Trail for a half of a mile before turning left. The
trail wanders in a hardwood forest populated with rhododendron
and mountain laurel. A sharp contrast to the sandy soil and pine
forests that are the rule in South Carolina. At one mile the trail
joins the Pinnacle Trail and the Foothills Trail.
Table
Rock State Park | Table Rock Trails
| SC State
Parks
Table
Rock Camping | Photos | Weather
|
