Table Rock Hike Route Map

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Table Rock

With the greens of spring rising from the Piedmont and beginning to splash up into the mountains I wanted to go for a hike where I could witness this lovely changing of the seasons. I had been saving my inaugural hike up South Carolina's Table Rock for just such an occasion...

Table Rock is easily the most famous peak in South Carolina and aught to be more well known outside of it. Safely protected within the confines of it's namesake state park, it towers above its surroundings, standing in stark contrast to the Piedmont which stretches away from it to the south. Standing only 3,124' high it's not all that mighty even by Appalachian standards but the nearly shear rise of 2,000' from its base makes it a formidable climb. I'd be following the most well used route to the top, the aptly named Table Rock Trail which winds its way 3.6 miles from the trailhead, up over the summit of Table Rock, to the cliffs themselves. The trail was built in the 1930's through the sweat and skill of the CCC. Unrelentingly steep, the craftsmanship apparent in its construction has made it an enjoyable and easy-to-travel path despite all its rigors.

So, enough of the talk...come hit the trail with me and discover what I did...one of the most spectacular day hikes in the Southern Appalachians...


Trailhead GPS Coordinates:35.031928, -82.700229


Route Type:  Out-and-back            Difficulty:  EXTREME  (Petzoldt Rating:  12.61 )

Hike Length: 8.0 miles                      Hike Duration: 4:30

Trailhead Temp: 60'F                       Trail Traffic:  100+ people

Min. Elevation: 1,200'                         Max. Elevation: 3,124'

Total Vertical Gain: 2,305'                 Avg. Elevation Gain / Mile: 288'


Trails Used (blaze Color):  Table Rock Trail (red)


4-16-2013

  • Tim Truemper

    on November 15, 2018

    The Ann Frank quote really punctuated the post of this hike which remains on my to-do list