South Carolina’s state parks are among the most beautiful in the nation. And we would be hard pressed to pick a favorite for viewing fall colors. But the Table Rock Trail to the summit of one of our state’s most recognizable natural landmarks is a must for immersing yourself in the splendors of the fall season.
Table Rock State Park was among the very first state parks to open in the Palmetto State. It’s been open for recreational fun since 1935.
Google Maps/Rebecca Leclair
At the heart of the park is a mammoth rock juts out of the earth rising to an elevation of 3,124 feet above sea level.
TripAdvisor/Kristin B
The park’s more than 15 miles of trails offer bountiful opportunities to explore the park’s 3,083 acres. And the Table Rock Trail just may be the most challenging hike of them all.
alltrails/Pete Ackerman
Rated as “hard” by our friends at AllTrails, the hike taps into the stamina of even the most avid of trekkers. The 3.8 miles it takes to reach the summit (and that’s a one-way number only) are primarily all uphill.
alltrails/Tom K
Don’t count on handrails to steady your efforts, either. This is one hike where walking sticks are highly recommended if you have them.
alltrails/Mano Chockalingam
Most people set aside an entire day for the hike to the summit at Table Rock State Park. Even though it’s only 7.6 miles round trip, the hike up the mountain takes much longer, especially in the fall when you’ll want to take your time and enjoy the immersive experience inside the canopy of fall colors.
TripAdvisor/Guillaume B
And if you think the views along the trail are gorgeous… then just wait until you reach the top of the mountain!
Google Maps/Jennifer Nelson Table Rock State Park is open year-round, with shorter seasonal hours in the winter.
Admission to the park is $6 for adults, $3.75 for seniors 65+, $3.50 for kids age 6-15, and free for kids under the age of 6. Learn more about Table Rock State Park on the official website. And find out more specific information about the trail to the summit of Table Rock from this link on AllTrails.
Google Maps/Rebecca Leclair
TripAdvisor/Kristin B
alltrails/Pete Ackerman
alltrails/Tom K
alltrails/Mano Chockalingam
TripAdvisor/Guillaume B
Google Maps/Jennifer Nelson
Table Rock State Park is open year-round, with shorter seasonal hours in the winter.
Can’t get enough of the gorgeous fall colors this year? We feel ya! For a complete road trip to view fall foliage in South Carolina, see this previous article! And for more South Carolina goodness, keep scrolling down this very page.
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Address: Table Rock State Park, 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
