Table Rock State Park, found in South Carolina’s portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers hiking, swimming, fishing, water spots, picnicking, and camping. There are also a few waterfalls and multiple cascades throughout the property.
Table Rock State Park
2024 Price: $6 per person
Table Rock
Prior to the Treaty of Hopewell in 1785, this land was part of the Lower Cherokee Nation. They called this place “Sah-ka-na-ga” meaning “The Great Hills of God.” Table Rock Mountain supposedly got its name from a Cherokee legend about the massive rockface serving as a table for a great spirit to eat his meals. The shorter nearby mountain, Stool Mountain, acted as his seat.
There is a small overlook pull-off farther in the park with an information sign explaining the history and pointing out the geologic features.
Another overlook, Grant Meadow overlook, is available outside the park along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway/Highway 11.
Hiking Trails
There are five main trails in the park with additional short spur and connector trails. Avid hikers can also access the 76-mile Foothills Trail and the Palmetto Trail.
I hiked the Carrick Creek Trail, Pinnacle Mountain Trail, and the spur trail to Mill Creek Falls. All trails start at the nature center trailhead except the Lakeside Trail. There is a large parking lot; however, it does fill up quickly on weekends.
Carrick Creek Trail/TRACK Trail
TRACK trails are designed for kids and families as part of the Kids in Parks program.
Carrick Creek Falls is just steps beyond the nature center. The trail to the 15-foot waterfall is a paved pathway and boardwalks but does have steps so it is not universally accessible. A wooden observation desk provides a spot to pause and enjoy the scenery.
Carrick Creek Trail is a 2-mile loop along two creeks. Green blazes mark the moderate path. Shortly after the waterfall is the fork for this trail. I recommend turning left (clockwise) to start – this is also the quickest way to connect to the Pinnacle Mountain Trail.
You have to cross the creek several times on the trail, which would be more difficult if the water flow is high.
I passed multiple beautiful cascades of all sizes.
Pinnacle Mountain Trail
Pinnacle Mountain is the tallest mountain completely within the state of South Carolina – Sassafras Mountain sits along the border with North Carolina.
The Pinnacle Mountain Trail is a strenuous 4.2-mile route. Marked with yellow blazes, it winds along the ridgeline of the mountain on switchbacks and on wooden boardwalks over gullies. The path is narrow in spots.
There is a steep elevation gain from Carrick Creek Trail which levels out a little around the 1.5-mile marker. After this short chance to catch your breath, the trail becomes steep again. Hikers climb wooden, stone, and log steps throughout.
I passed a huge rock ledge and multiple stunning cascades.
At around 3.5 miles, you will reach Bald Knob Overlook. This outcrop has views of Greenville and distant mountain landscapes.
At 4 miles, the Foothills Trail (white blazes) branches off to the left. Shortly thereafter, you will reach the summit of Pinnacle Mountain.
Mill Creek Falls Spur Trail
Just after the 2.5-mile marker on the Pinnacle Mountain Trail, turn left to take the 0.4-mile spur trail to Mill Creek Falls. Look for the pink blazes.
This moderate trail is on a ridgeline like the rest of Pinnacle Mountain.
A fenced observation area at the end gives you a safe way to view and enjoy the second named waterfall in this section of the park. Mill Creek Falls is a narrow 25-foot waterfall.
Looking to hike more? Check out Ceasars Head State Park and Jones Gap State Park in the nearby Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.
interesting commentary as usual Steph. I have a list of parks and waterfalls to see but this one seems
too difficult for me at this time. The pictures are a good alternative to the actual hike. Thank you.