Hike to Table Rock Mountain
Pickens, South Carolina
Details
Distance
7.2 miles
Elevation Gain
2433 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Ian Shannon
This out-and-back hike takes you up to 3124 feet elevation where you have beautiful overlooks into the Piedmont Foothills combined with scenic views of Table Rock Lake Reservoir, Pinnacle Lake, and Lake Oolenoy below.
While the Piedmont Foothills may sound deceptive, this is no easy trail. The first two miles of the Table Rock Trail take you soaring through the trees at a rapid pace. The trail is extremely well kept, but harsh and tough. A little before the two mile marker is a wooden shelter which is a great location to stop and get your first breath-taking view of the Piedmont area.
There is a fork in the road on the trail after the two mile marker. Keep right towards the Table Rock Trail and the terrain begins to flatten out and begins to be kinder to the feet. After a half mile stroll through the trees, you begin to have a more technical hike. The first more technical part is climbing up Governor's Rock. Governor's Rock is situated at 2854 feet elevation and gives you views into the back country of the Piedmont.
Continue climbing past Governor's Rock and after another half mile you will have reached the summit of Table Rock Mountain. This does not end your trail though, continue on the path another half mile or so and you make it to the overlook for Table Rock. This is a wonderful spot to relax and have lunch. Bring snacks because all you will want to do is stare off into the beauty of he mountainous terrain around you.
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Reviews
Very nice hiking area in Upstate South Carolina
5.0
This hike quickly became one of my favorites in the SE. The distance is perfect for a half-day hike, but the elevation gain is big enough to really give you a great workout. This hike is definitely not easy, but there are not many super steep sections, so most people would be able to do the hike at their own pace. The waterfalls and creek at the beginning of the hike are very beautiful and often overlooked by the mission to get to the top of the mountain. Mid-hike, the trail passes by several really cool boulder fields. Some of the boulders here are as big as a house, so it is definitely cool to look at while you make your way up the mountain. The views from the top of Governors Rock and the Table Rock Overlooks are simply incredible. From both viewpoints, you have an unobstructed view for miles. This is due to the steep granite faces, which are a real luxury in terms of the views you can get out having so much clear space to have a picnic/snack and enjoy the view. The hike on the way down is fine, but the descent was pretty tough on my knees. Next time I am definitely bringing hiking poles.
5.0
Watch out for pop up thunderstorms in the afternoon.
4.0
Beautiful long trek with amazing look outs along the way. Our hike read closer to 8 miles since once you reach the summit you want to continue along the path all the way to the end for a beautiful view of lakes below.
5.0
If you want to go on the best hike in SC, hike to table rock. It's views are unbeatable. Did this hike once a year with my family and still go back! Great stuff
5.0
Nice length. Some nice stretches of incline. Great views. Highly recommend going on rainy days.
4.0
A great day hike with amazing views. It is, however, crowded along the trail and at the summit.
4.0
Awesome hike with nice views, but it was pretty crowded.
4.0
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Nearby
Backpack the Foothills Trail through the Southeastern Appalachian Mountains
Summit Sassafras Mountain
Paddle on Lake Oolenoy
Hike the Asbury Trail to Moonshine Falls
Wildcat Wayside Nature Trail
Take in the View from Caesars Head Overlook
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