Table Rock Trail
at
Table Rock State Park
Table Rock State Park is located in northern South Carolina and offers many options for outdoor activities. By far the most challenging, is the hike to the top of "Table Rock", the large rock formation that rises up from the landscape, looking very much like a table. As challenging as the hike to the top of this geological formation is, it is equally rewarding (maybe more so!) with the view one is treated to at the top.
The above picture is what you get for 3 hours of uphill hiking .... a view of Table Rock Reservoir, and the protected Greenville watershed surrounding it.
 Click on the above map for a pdf version
Map provided by www.SouthCarolinaParks.com
The map above is probably as good of a map for hiking in the park as any. The trails in the park are very well labeled, as well as heavily used, so you will not have any problem finding trails and/or turn offs.
Most of the topo maps I've found are very, very old, not even showing the main highway (Highway 11) that leads to the park. If you want to check elevation gains and such, check any of the on-line topo maps available such as MyTopo.com.
Enter the park at the West Gate Entrance. (Even if you are coming from the east this is the easiest route to the parking area and trailhead). South Carolina charges a $2.00 per person day use fee ($1.25 for SC residents 65 and older, disabled residents, and National Guard members), paid at the park entrance.
The parking area is easily located on the right (if coming from the West Gate Entrance). It is adjacent to Pinnacle Lake, which offers a beach and swimming during the summer months.
The trail to the top of Table Rock starts from the Nature Center, located across the road from the parking area. Restrooms are also located here.
The first 100 yards or so are a delightfully landscaped, PAVED (!) trail running along Carrick Creek. This area of the park offers a lot of options for families and individuals who do not want a 3 hour uphill hike, but rather just a fun place to play by water.
Table Rock Trail
Begin at the Nature Center, and follow the main, paved trail. You soon come to the first of several junctures --- the lower portion of the 2 mile Carrick Creek loop bears left. The trail to Table Rock goes straight. Sign boards with a map of the park and directional signs are located at each juncture.
The next juncture is with the upper portion of the Carrick Creek loop. Again, sign boards complete with a park map, and signs direct you --- the trail to Table Rock goes straight ahead.
At the two mile (approximately) point, one comes to a trail shelter, built in the 1930's by the CCC. (An informational poster at the Nature Center states that most of this park's trail system was built by the CCC workers). At this point, you have climbed over 1,000 feet (over 300 meters) in elevation gain, so the views to the south are quite impressive.
The CCC Shelter provides a welcome rest spot, but don't tarry too long, or your leg muscles will cool off and you'll have to get them going from scratch again!! You've still got a lot of uphill to go!
The next major spot you come to is Panther Gap. This is located on the ridge line created by Pinnacle Mountain and the Table Rock summit.
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There is a sign board here, but as you can see from the photo,
the map that should be on it is missing. |
At Panther Gap, you'll find a trail going both to the right and left. Turn right to get to Table Rock (going left takes you to Pinnacle Mountain).
For the next little stretch, you actually get to hike on level ground, even going slightly downhill. All this does is make the next section seem even more steep than it already is!! However, your legs will greatly appreciate this stretch! Just remember, more uphill to come (approximately 600 more feet/180 meters in elevation)!!
After a very pleasant half mile or so walk along this more or less level stretch, you once again start climbing in earnest, this time heading for Governor's Rock.
The lower left photo shows the beginning of the climb that eventually brings you out at Governor's Rock
(seen in photo to the right).
Partway up this trail one sees one of the many "trail goes straight ahead" arrows located along the trail, but at this point, all I could thing was,
"Yup ... still going up!!"
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Once you ascend to the top of Governor's Rock, you are well rewarded for this latest bit of climbing:
The above photo was taken in mid April ... spring's greenery was just beginning to come out!
Many hikers make this their turn around point (trust me, you will be plenty tired at this point). However, resist the urge ... if you've made it this far, you've already climbed over 90% of the elevation gain needed to get to the summit ... at this point, make yourself continue on ... less than 200 feet in elevation to go!!
The next portion of the hike takes you into a pine forest, a nice break from the sun if you do this on a sunny day. In a quarter mile or so, you finally reach the Table Rock Summit at 3,124 feet in elevation (952 meters):
Whatever you do, don't stop here, thinking this is the end of the hike!! (I have heard horror stories of folks who've climbed to this point, and thinking this is the end, turned around!!) This happens to be the SUMMIT, but definitely NOT the high point of the hike!!
Continue on about another half a mile, to the visual grandeur that awaits you for your 3 hours of climbing:
 The lake you are looking down on is approximately
1600 feet in elevation lower.
Looking a little further north,
you see Slicking Falls, seen below.
The photo on the right is zoomed in from the one on the left.
Be sure to allow plenty of time to rest, lunch, and enjoy the view here!!
To return, either backtrack the way you came, or if you're up to an additional couple miles, when you get back to Panther Gap, head straight, and head over to Pinnacle Mountain, and return to the Visitor Center via Pinnacle Mountain Trail.
I actually find returning to the parking area via that trail easier on the knees than returning via the Table Rock Trail. It adds approximately 2 more miles to the total loop.
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