As far as state park hikes go, The summit trail is a top notch hike it has enough distance/elevation to make you feel like you did something cool! And the views along the way are good, but everyone knows it is all about the summit! And the views from the top of table rock are amazing!
If you hike the table rock hike, just know, its hard, its long, there is a lot of stone steps going up and I mean a lottttt... but its nice, the views are great. If youre looking for a challenge go hike it, if youre looking for a pleasant walk or hike in nature, pick another shorter hike even at table rock, as they have 3 I believe.
I have come back to Table Rock State Park again and again over the years, and it never loses its magic. We camped here as a family when my kids were little, and it’s the place where they learned to fish for the very first time. Those memories alone make it special, but every return visit reminds me why I keep coming back.
The views are absolutely breathtaking, whether you’re standing by the lake in the middle of the day or catching that peaceful moment just before closing, when the sky settles into soft colors over the water. It’s the kind of beauty that makes you stop, breathe, and just be for a minute.
Table Rock is peaceful, well kept, and full of spots that feel almost untouched. It’s a place that grows with you, perfect for families, perfect for quiet reflection, perfect for anyone who wants to reconnect with nature. I’ll always recommend it, and I’ll always keep coming back.
Amazing state Park especially in the fall. Nice sites, very woodsy, kid friendly, nice lake with large sandy beach and swimming area, fantastic hiking. Very hilly so challenging if riding bikes around park. The hiking trails are top notch!!
My wife and I just spent 4 magical days in cabin 16. One bedroom and all the best comfort you could ask for. We will return next year and stay a full week. Hiking and staff are wonderful including the surrounding state parks.
Oh the natural wonders…under construction but as beautiful as ever. Our family went for a short hike, a little waterfall plunge, picnic lunch followed by game time. The weather was beautiful today and the nature center attendant was very nice. The entire deck around the nature center is gone and the trail leading up to the waterfall is a detoured path behind the nature center. The entire area was still very natural and beautiful. They had the construction zone taped off with yellow caution tape. The swimming area was like a deserted island. No one there. That was kind of strange but as we played cards an entire group of children came in with chaperones. The whole trip brought back so many memories of trips made when our children were little. I definitely recommend Table Rock State Park for a day trip or family camping! One other little perk is the free pass provided by our Pickens County Library. With your library card you can get a single pass that gets the whole car load in free. That saved us $24! What a wonderful day and way to spend time with the your loved ones! 💚 The photo of Table Rock was taken at Grant Meadows Overlook, a new area designated for photo opportunities just off Hwy 11 on the way to or from the mountain.
Such a great campsite. We did the “Primitive” camp spots. A little muddy but it’s camping, what do you expect but to get a little dirty? Everything was clean besides that (no litter or grossness), and it’s such a cute area with lots of little country shops nearby and on the way. We did not have a restroom close by so I would avoid the primitive spots if that’s what you’re looking for.
They have done a great job of getting this park back together after the hurrican and fire damage. Trails are back open and it looks pretty good. The cabins are close to the trail head and tge lake. There are several places to buy essentials.
It costs 6 dollars per person to enter the park. We got the park map at the entrance. We parked near nature center and the walked around lake area. Then we did the 1.9 carrick creek loop. It was moderate intensity in some places. Took us around 1.5 hours. Enjoyed the trail.
I went by Table Rock cabins recently, having stayed ten years ago. The open space near Cabin 5, maybe an acre, down a hill, gives some wonderful views of Table Rock and creates a cool breeze. A wooden swing marks the spot!
Very strenuous, steep hike with beautiful views. Bring lots of water and come early—it gets hot, and 2 liters of water is recommended but I ran out by the top of the mountain. Since the fire in spring, much of the natural beauty has been lost, but it is still worth the visit. Wear sunscreen and reapply regularly, though—the loss of tree cover and high elevation is a recipe for a gnarly sunburn, which my group did not escape. Be weary of snakes!
Me and my family went only for the day and we all tremendously enjoyed. We started at the visitor’s center. Staff was help and can I say this was the best priced visitor’s center I have visited. We needed a hat and sunglasses and they were very reasonable. We brought a picnic lunch, which used the picnic tables for and kids could play at playground. Hiked the smaller trail with multiple waterfalls and chances to cool off. The trail was very shaded and much appreciated in the month of June. Ended our day at the beach with cold treats from the snack shop. Everyone was friendly and bathrooms were clean. Highly recommend! Kids range between 6-14.
A great place to visit with the family. The parking lot is a nice size and short walk to the beach area, picnic tables, and the trailhead. Hiking/Trailhead Information Center on site is very helpful. Having to drive to the Welcome Center was a bit out of the way, but worth it to see all the gifts and information about the park. The actual hiking trails are difficult and strenuous for younger children, but the paved walkway to the waterfall was nice. There was a nice open area to wade into the creek and swim at the base of the water fall with lots of seating to change or sit and watch.
What is not to love! One of the best State Parks in South Carolina. This is a great place to take the kids hiking and still see some rugged terrain and adventure, but close enough to the parking lot to be easy. It's also the gateway to the Foothills Trail.
Our family just had a perfect 3 night family vacation at Table Rock State Park. We stayed in cabin 8, a clean, very well maintained, modernized, rustic cabin built in 1930s with a lovely view of Pinnacle Lake and Table Rock. We did the Carrick Creek Trail which was beautiful and moderate in exertion. Take the trail counter-clockwise for the nature rewards on the down slope! The kids did the Lakeside Trail which is very easy. The staff and rangers are very friendly and helpful. We will be back to Table Rock for more unforgettable family memories soon!
There are plenty of hikes, waterfalls and historic sites nearby to enjoy during your stay at Table Rock. And the surrounding countryside in itself is breathtaking.
Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! Rather you spend the day or camp overnight, you will not be disappointed! Absolutely gorgeous views! Staff are friendly at the welcome center and there was a small fee for the day pass ($6). I can’t wait to return when the weather is a little warmer
The Pinnacle trail was nice, with gorgeous 360 views at the top, but also nice places in the forest. The number of uprooted trees was impressive throughout the trail, but the maintenance work was amazing, just the end was closed with a detour.
Beautiful hike up to table rock summit. Just under 8 miles round trip, took me just under 3 hours to complete with 10 minutes at the summit. It's quite steep and would make for a challenging hike for those that are new to hiking. There are several creek crossings at the beginning which I used to cool off.
Table Rock #StatePark is a beautiful place located in Pickens County. I hiked 🥾Table Rock Mountain trail and explored the area. Restrooms are modern and clean. Campground ⛺️ is nice and cozy, bathhouses are also clean. Plenty to see and do at Table Rock 🛶🏃♂️🥾🏊♂️🚴🏼 . Nice visitor center and stores. Staff was professional, kind and helpful. Gaines Lodge is stunning. It was built in 1937 by the (CCC) Civilian Conservation Corps. Playground area, picnic and group shelters are well kept and maintained. Enjoyed the waterfalls. The park was very busy. Glad I had a opportunity to visit. It’s a beautiful world out there—if you know where to look.
Note:
It’s a $6.00 entry fee ‘per person’ to some #SCStateParks. If there are (5) adults in your car, the cost would be $30. You can purchase a yearly pass (Park Passport) for $99. Check #SCStatePark entry fees on their website.
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While at the Table Rock Mountain State Park we hiked the Lakeside Trail in addition to hiking the Carrick Creek Trail (see my review on the CCT).
The Lakeside Trail is marked with purple markers and offers a great view of the mountain and of course the lake. A little less than 2 miles I believe, this loop trail would be considered easy to slightly moderate in parts I would think.
The Civil Conservation Corps started this trail in the mid-1930's and the loop was completed in 2011. The east section around Pinnacle Lake is .75 mile and begins near the boat house and leads hikers past an old stone boat landing, below the historic Lodge, and by the dam and spillway, all of which the CCC constructed.
A small parking area serves as an optional trail access at the dam. The trail drops down below the spillway to where a bridge crosses the creek. From the bridge, the newest section around the west side of the lake is more level and leads .8 mile to the parking area near the picnic shelters.
The walk between the two main trail heads located at the shelters and the boat house is .3 mile and passes through the main day use parking area and by the swimming beach to complete the entire loop.
A hiking registration card is not necessary for this trail.
Great state park. Super friendly staff and Rangers. We met Ranger Adam and he was so cool to chat with. The staff at the Nature Center and general stores were so friendly. Can't say enough. The guys who work at the concession store and boat ramp were super helpful. Lots of parking at the beach. 2 playgrounds near the beach; for little ones and older kids. The visitor center is at the opposite side of the road to the East side entrance and there is also a West side entrance. If you have little ones, I would recommend if you are hiking with them to plan on hiking Carrick Creek...Easy/Moderate that an older toddler 4/5+ can do. We camped in a tent in loop B. Would recommend if you are camping in a tent to have a little padding for the base of your tent. We also tried the paddle boat and that was easy for us to do. Hoping to try kayaking next time. I liked that all hikers had to register at the Nature Center. Highly recommended.
We just went to Table Rock State Park for the second time. We loved being able to walk from our cabin (#7) to the playground, lake and the hiking trails. The waterfalls on the hikes are beautiful. It’s a great place for the kids to play in the water. The playground is mostly shady. The lake was a lot of fun too. We did the paddle boats. The cabin had almost everything we needed. Just make sure to bring charcoal for the little grill outside your cabin, some firewood, and a lighter. We were able to buy those things from a local gas station after we arrived. The weather was really nice when we went last weekend.
This is our second time coming to this state park! Love it!! We went on the table rock trail, which is very strenuous. But it was rewarding💛 and there are so many adorable flowers during this season🌼
Highly recommended!
Last November, we came here and went hiking for the other strenuous trail (pinnacle trail? I guess). The fall color was super pretty! Don’t miss out the fall season at Table rock state park 🍁
Table rock state park is home to the most strenuous,yet extremely awe-inspiring trail,called pinnacle mountain trail which leads up to the peak of the mountain. There are many more trails that are easier,most have a very steep incline and lots of beautiful waterfalls all along your hike. They also have RV camping,cabin rentals,boat rental and a beach/swimming area there. Entrance is 12$ which is steep but very worth it. Beautiful scenery,nature,fresh air and waterfalls as far as your eye can see
Absolutely amazing park with literally every outdoor activity imaginable! Rentable cabins, or camping, paddle boarding, paddle boating, fishing, hiking, overall just an amazing park.
Hiking table rock is no joke, make sure you bring the recommended 2L of water per person if you plan to do the full summit! It is very strenuous and the incline is super intense from start to finish!
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