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Summary: The trailhead is just beyond the Nature Center at the edge of the parking lot. Be sure and fill out the self-service trail registration at the trailhead. The first 0.2 miles is a relatively flat, paved path that parallels a creek. Small cascades and pools are easily accessible from the trail. After the pavement ends, the Table Rock Trail begins its ascent in earnest. Most of the trail is hard packed clay that holds up well even after prolonged rains. At several points in the last half of the ascent, you must scramble up a rock face. In dry conditions with good shoes these areas don't present a problem. In wet or icy conditions these could be very hazardous. Once you reach the summit (marked by a sign and a pile of rocks) continue on for a another 0.5 miles. You will pass several nice overlooks on the right and will be rewarded with a magnificent view of Table Rock Reservoir and Slicking Falls at the final overlook. Return the way you came. Trailhead: From Greenville, SC drive north on US 276. US 276 will merge with SC 11. Continue on SC 11 when it branches off to the left (US 276 continues to the right towards Ceasar's Head). Table Rock State Park will be on the right side of SC 11 about 7 miles from the SC 11/US 276 fork. Enter the West Gate of the park and follow the signs to the Day Use Parking Lot and Nature Center. Travelers on I-26 can get on SC 11 at Exit 5. There is a $2.00/person day use fee that is payable at the gate. (Lat:35.03173 Lon:-82.70067) Trail Guides for Table Rock Trail: Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Table Rock State Park - (864) 878-9813 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Wayne Godfrey, who has posted 2 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review Very nice hike. I was in exercise mode, so I made the trip up and back in 2.5 hours. Came about 5 feet away from stepping on a rattlesnake that was crossing the path in front of me, so keep your eyes open up there. The views are amazing at 3 different spots on the trail. The trail itself is beautiful with huge granite boulders in several locations. We completed the ascent to the rock with spouse Mary and son Danny in 90 minutes last night. We only saw three other hikers in our 3 hours on the Table Rock Trail, perhaps as the temperature was 90 degrees. There were a few bathers sliding in Carrick Creek. I am always amazed at how well the CCC built this Table Rock trail 75 years ago when times were tough. Squirrels were plentiful and we found a friendly fat fence lizard on the rock. The locusts were so loud that one could not hear the birds. At the end of the hike, fireflies serenaded us back to the lake. really nice hike loved it made it to the summit in little under 3 and a half hours but didn't make it to the view just the the summit sign but its so nice um on the giant rock before the summit good place to rest before going taking the 20 or 15 min walk to the summit but it nice hike with wonderful views i am going to hike it every year so goodluck on the 3124 foot accent to the top The trail description correctly lists the elevation GAIN as 2433. it is 3124 feet please correct it on the page. it was gr8 go wid a group I'm a 61 year old guy, in ok shape but nothing special. I thought the hike was great!! It took me 4 hours. It is physically challenging - I huffed and puffed going up, but paced myself by keeping my HR in the 130's. I drank about 70-80 oz of water - the temp was about 75. I took poles, but never used 'em. I'll leave 'em in the car next time. Steep places have steps. The views at the top offer gratifying reward. Consider hopping into the lake when you get back down - a refreshing additional reward! This Trail was hiked on a recent Monday when few people were on the trail and in excellent weather making for ideal hiking conditions. Having crowds would have made the hike considerably longer and significantly less enjoyable. I would have to say that the Table Rock Trail hike is physically challenging due to the elevation gain -- but -- very rewarding because of the expansive views at the top. My hiking partner and I made the ascent to the top in 75 minutes and the return trip took approximately the same time. I would highly recommend this hike, however, treking poles will come in handy (no pun intended) as well as plenty of water. Bring a camera so you can document the spectacular views at the top!!! I've hiked this one at least 5 times, and the top has one of the most awesome views I've seen. There are tough spots; the terrain gets pretty steep only a little bit into the hike. Fortunately, most of the steeps don't last too long, except one rock staircase feature I like to call "the stairmaster" (hike it, and you'll see why). There is a really nice, old wooden pavilion a little more than half-way to the summit, located in a spot with a breathtaking view. Again, the best view is near the top, a large, sheer rock-face (Table Rock). From it, you get an incredible view of Table Rock Reservoir below, and far, far beyond. Hawks like to circle the area of the rock-face as well. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: South Carolina Hiking, South Carolina Trails, South Carolina Hikes, Pickens County Hiking, Pickens County Trails, Pickens County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||