SC Mountains: Table Rock and Pinnacle Mtn.

It is that time of the year again... time for my all-time favored hike in the area. Some say Table Rock offers the best views in the East.  I don't know if that's true or not, but I can say it's up there.  Come see what you think.  Table Rock Mountain is on the front of the Blue Ridge escarpment in SC, and offers an unimpeded view out across the SC piedmont.

We will begin our hike at the Nature Center in the park at 1160 feet and go via the Table Rock Trail to the top of the park's eponymous mountain at 3124 feet. We start out along some scenic streams, and then go up stone steps installed by men of the CCC during the first Great Depression. After passing Governors Rock, we then continue on to Table Rock.  There, we will have lunch as we enjoy the view out over the piedmont and the Table Rock Reservoir.  On a clear day, we can see Greenville SC as well. Next it is down to Panther Gap, and back up to Pinnacle Mountain at 3425 feet.  This is the highest mountain entirely in South Carolina. After that we head down to Bald Rock Overlook, for another great view of a different section of the piedmont.  Then we have a short side trail we can take to Mill Creek Falls. We complete our loop on streamside trails back to the Visitors Center.

Note:  This hike is twelve miles, and it has a lot of elevation gain.  We will not be rushing through this but please don't sign up for it unless you know you can complete a long hard hike at a fast pace. 

Get on I-85 North and stay on it for 99 miles till Exit 21 in SC. Go West on US 178 for about 15 miles to the Hardees in Liberty, which will be on your right.  This is where we will have our pit stop.  Then get back on 178 and continue about another 15 miles to SC11. Turn right on SC 11 and go 4.3 miles to Table Rock State Park on left. Follow signs to Nature Center.