Table Rock, South Carolina (Hiking, Camping)

Table Rock Mountain provides a towering backdrop for an upcountry retreat at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Table Rock State Park features two lakes, a campground, mountain cabins, meeting facilities and its historic, renovated lodge. The park has been one of South CarolinaÂÂ's most popular since it was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Many of its structures are now on the National Register of Historic Places. Table Rock was home to one of the stateÂÂ's first formal nature education programs and now serves as a trailhead for the 80-mile long Foothills Trail through the wilderness along the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Trails through the forested park also include one that leads to the top of Table Rock Mountain itself. The park also hosts a visitors center near the main gate along S.C. 11, the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway. GENERAL * Web Cam: View Table Rock Live * Wi-Fi Availability: Free Wifi is available at the park visitor center located on SC Hwy 11. * Designation: Table Rock State Park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal Program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The program was designed to provide employment during the Great Depression while addressing national needs in conservation and recreation. The CCC was instrumental in the development of many of South CarolinaÂÂ's state parks. A number of buildings built by the CCC in the 1930's are still in use at this park. The park is listed on the National Register. * Counties: Pickens * Acreage: 3083 * When & How PRT Acquired: In 1935, 2,860 acres were donated by Pickens County and the City of Greeville. In 1975 to 1976, 208 acres were purchased from various owners. In 1991, 15 acres were donated by Elizabeth Ellison. * Pets: Pets are not allowed in the cabins or the cabin areas. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. * Tour and Programs Information: Table Rock is a "DiscoverCarolina Site", which provides curriculum-based science education programs for South Carolina school children. * Pay Phone on Site: Yes LOCATION * Driving Directions: From I-26: Take SC-Exit 5 onto Hwy 11 towards Campobello. Travel for approximately 45 mi. Turn left onto E Ellison Lane. From I-85 at the GA line: Take SC-Exit 1 to Hwy 11 for approx. 55 miles, turn right on E Ellison Lane. From I-85 at the NC line: Travel South to Hwy 11 Exit 92 at Gaffney and proceed on Hwy 11 for approx. 75miles, turn left on E Ellison Lane. * Lake Location: Yes * Mountain Location: Yes * Miles to Nearest Hospital: 16 * Miles to Nearest Town: 12 * Miles to Nearest Grocery Store: 12 http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/park-finder/state-park/350.aspx Friday4pm: Carpool from Asheville to Table Rock State Park. Just chill and relax on the campground. Saturday: " Table Rock and Pinnacle Mtn" Total Distance: 10 miles Elevation Gain: Minimal Trail Type: Loop Skill Level: Most Difficult Duration: Day hike Season: Year-round. Trailhead Elevation: 1,200 feet Top Elevation: 3,400 feet Description: We will start at the Nature Center. We sill take Pinnacle Mtn Trail to Pinnacle Mtn and then take Ridge trail and Table Rock NRT to Table rock and then Table Rock NRT back to Nature Center. Here some description from SC Trails. You will begin an adventurous, scenic trek on this well-trodden trail by turning left when you reach the Pinnacle Mountain Trail sign. Follow the yellow blazes (green blazes eventually turn to the right where the Carrick Creek Trail branches off) and you will cross several small foot bridges amid the hardwoods and rhododendron that line the steep mountain slopes. You will encounter a small waterfall to the right and pass beneath a giant rock ledge, before you reach the junction of a 0.4 mile spur trail that leads to Mill Creek Falls. The spur ends at a wooden bridge where you can view the falls. Return to the junction and continue to Bald Knob Overlook. After a steep ascension, the trail levels and joins the Mill Creek Trail for a short distance and then continue hiking uphill to the huge sloping Bald Knob. Your reward is the view as you look out over the distant mountains to see Greenville and beyond. To continue to Pinnacle Mountain, walk uphill to the top of the outcrop and turn right into the forest. The Foothills Trail will branch off to the left and you will ascend steeply to the tree-enclosed apex of Pinnacle Mountain. You can return the way you came, or follow the less strenuous, wooded Ridge Trail, to the Table Rock Trail and back to the Nature Center. Watch for black bear, turtles, snakes (especially on the rocks), a variety of birds, and other wildlife. Remember to wear sturdy footwear and functional clothing, carry adequate water and first aid supplies, and use insect repellent in warm weather. Pets are permitted on leashes. Restrooms and water are available in the wood building above the Nature Center parking area. Sunday: We will pack up and on the way back home drive north on US 276 to Caesars Head State Park and hike to Raven Cliff Falls Raven Cliff Falls Description: For all the scenic waterfalls in South Carolina, only a few qualify for postcard status, and Raven Cliff Falls is one of them. This 400-foot waterfall always provides a great picture taking opportunity. From either the observation platform below, or from a suspension bridge above; both equally rewarding and worth the moderately difficult hike. Height: Over 400 feet at the point of its most precipitous drop Length of hike: 2 miles (Observation Platform) 4 miles (Suspension Bridge) Time to hike: 1.5 hours (Observation Platform) 3 hours (Suspension Bridge) Difficulty: Moderate Creek or river: Matthews Creek USGS Quadrangle: Table Rock Directions to falls: 1. From Greenville, drive north on US 276 to Caesars Head State Park. 2. Drive past Caesars Head another 1.1 miles and turn right into the parking area for Raven Cliff Falls. Register at the registration box then cross US 176 to the trailhead. 3. Follow the Raven Cliff Falls Trail (red blaze). It runs concurrently with the Gum Gap and Foothills Trails (blue blaze) to a "T" intersection at approximately 1.4 miles. 4. At the "T" turn left to go to the observation platform below the falls.. Or: 5. At the "T" turn right and continue on the Gum Gap and Foothills Trails for 1.6 miles to the junction with the Naturaland Trust Trail. 6. Turn left onto the Naturaland Trust Trail, and the bridge is .4 miles. Happy Camping...