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Table Rock Trail


Highlights:

Strenuous hike to summit of Table Rock. Small waterfalls. Magnificent overlooks.
Near:Pickens, SC
Scenery:
Distance:6.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:2433 ft
Hike Time:4 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: The trailhead is just beyond the Nature Center at the edge of the parking lot. Be sure and fill out the self-service trail registration at the trailhead.

The first 0.2 miles is a relatively flat, paved path that parallels a creek. Small cascades and pools are easily accessible from the trail. After the pavement ends, the Table Rock Trail begins its ascent in earnest.

Most of the trail is hard packed clay that holds up well even after prolonged rains. At several points in the last half of the ascent, you must scramble up a rock face. In dry conditions with good shoes these areas don't present a problem. In wet or icy conditions these could be very hazardous.

Once you reach the summit (marked by a sign and a pile of rocks) continue on for a another 0.5 miles. You will pass several nice overlooks on the right and will be rewarded with a magnificent view of Table Rock Reservoir and Slicking Falls at the final overlook. Return the way you came.




Trailhead: From Greenville, SC drive north on US 276. US 276 will merge with SC 11. Continue on SC 11 when it branches off to the left (US 276 continues to the right towards Ceasar's Head). Table Rock State Park will be on the right side of SC 11 about 7 miles from the SC 11/US 276 fork. Enter the West Gate of the park and follow the signs to the Day Use Parking Lot and Nature Center.

Travelers on I-26 can get on SC 11 at Exit 5.

There is a $2.00/person day use fee that is payable at the gate. (Lat:35.03173 Lon:-82.70067)

Trail Guides for Table Rock Trail:
Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: Table Rock State Park - (864) 878-9813
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Wayne Godfrey, who has posted  2 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 2 of 3   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Scott on 8/15/2007
The first half of hike is very tough. Their are a lot of stairs and is increasing in elevation continuously. The second half is not bad their are some more steep climing areas but their are spaced out with a lot of ridge walking. The first big rock face i think has the best view approx. 3/4 the way up.

Reviewed by Greg on 6/14/2007
This was the 4th time I have hiked this trail. I continues to be one of my favorites. This time I spent some time exploring the further reaches of the rock face. On the main rock face you can venture down over the edge to a lower set of rocks. As long as your careful, you can get a much grander and isolated view of the valley. The hike itself was moderately stressful but is still a do-able hike. Bring plenty of water. The only source up on the mountain - its near the shelter at the half way point - was dried up. All of the other sources are near the trail head.

Reviewed by carolinachic on 4/11/2007
Spectacular views!!! Challenging hike. Might need to work-out some before attempting!

Reviewed by TPM on 10/9/2006
As I am 57, this was a once in a life time hike. The view was great, but the thousand steps up and down were tough. We saw many other hikers, but most were much younger and certainly had more energy. Yes you should try it, but do not wait as long as I did :)

Reviewed by Donna on 3/31/2006
I have hiked this trail five or six times in the past eight years. It was very strenuos but well worth it in the end.I hiked it yesterday again with my husband and son. My husband and I are both 50 and I found it more difficult this time but I'll still probably hike it again at least one more time during my lifetime.

Reviewed by Nate on 3/5/2006
I live close to Tablerock and have hiked it about 4-5 times. It's a little bit of a strenuous hike, but the AMAZING views and vistas are worth it. Listen to me, you HAVE to go that extra .5 miles after you reach the top. The final view is breathtaking. You don't want to leave once you're up there.

Reviewed by bethanie on 12/27/2005
this kicked my butt. But I feel a since of accompishment.

Reviewed by Vince on 8/3/2005
Hiked this trail 3 times. Spectacular view of Ceasar's Head and Table Rock Reservoir from the top! Best time to hike is in the fall or winter.(Watch out for ice on the rocks in the winter!) Beware of yellow jackets if you decide to do this hike in the summer.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: South Carolina Hiking, South Carolina Trails, South Carolina Hikes, Pickens County Hiking, Pickens County Trails, Pickens County Hikes

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