Table Rock Nature Center — Attraction in Pickens

This is a great park. It's a 3 mile hike (3250 ft elevation) to get to the top of table rock (3 miles one way). Great views, no railings (so don't be stupid). It's definitely a strenuous hike (depending on what shape you are in) so weekend warriors be aware. Bring water, after about half way the streams (if you have a filter) aren't available anymore. Great trails, very well maintained. Lots of rock steps and fairly steep parts here and there, but it's hiking so that's how it goes. Several shorter trails that are easy/moderate and most all trails have waterfalls (small ones) and crosses over the stream a few times (shoes won't get wet). You are asked to check in when you head out just so they get a headcount if you get lost etc. Trails are very well marked so it would be hard to go wrong if you stay on the trails. You may see some wild life but generally on the weekends it's fairly busy. We camped here for several days, the campsite bathrooms were very clean. (at least the one near us) You know it's good when you smell a faint bleach odor when you walk in. Both of the shower heads left a lot to be desired, it was more like a garden hose kind of water flow. But plenty of hot water. Only one hook to hang towel/spare clothes in the first shower and the second one has a stool (handicap) for sitting or putting things on. Camp sites are spaced fairly well in the back area, some seem a little close in the front area. Not a lot of level camp sites, so be warned there might be a slight incline at most sites. But you are on a mountain/hills so that's par for course. Most of the campsites have gravel base to them some bring some cushions for your tent floor if you have to crawl around inside. There's a little camp store with ice for $3 a bag or you can drive to the Exxon station 4 miles away (closest store) and get ice for $2.50. Short drive to the main park and the lake (has swimming and high dive during the swimming season). Swimming area has several life guards on duty as well as a ranger that stays in that area. Small nature center with some reptiles and some nature things for kids to touch (turtle shells, bones, feathers etc) Don't bother trying to bring a stroller unless you like to carry it up and down the mountain in your arms. Great park, great hiking, I've been here many times but this was the first time we...

One of the most popular S.C. State Parks not named Edisto. This spot is the trailhead for Table Rock and Pinnacle Mtn Trails as well as the Foothills Trail, be sure to fill out a hiking permit at the ranger/info station first. These are the most challenging hikes in the state. Table Rock trail is the most hiked trail in SC so come early on the weekend to enjoy cooler temperatures and wide open trails/parking lots. I only hike here so can’t speak to the other attractions but there are cabins for rental and a lake/reservoir that appears to have swimming. The park is full every weekend with families and friends picnicking and grilling and generally enjoying the beautiful surroundings beneath South Carolina’s most iconic and recognizable peak. If you are a hiker the three tallest mountains in the state can all be accessed. It’s 9.5 miles one way on Foothills trail to Sassafrass summit if you want to do an epic long day you could do an out and back or marathon loop all three of the states high peaks. As always, Leave No Trace!

-May the HIKE...

The hike to the top of table Rock was amazing. This was my first time hiking up table Rock and I have heard from some friends that the hike is somewhat challenging. Before we went I saw that the hike was 3 miles up and 3 miles back. I thought this should be pretty easy I can walk up a hill for 3 miles no problem. Well the hike takes you up around 3000 ft in elevation gain. Which is quite a bit over 3 miles. Pretty much you are walking up stairs for most of the hike. But the hike and the trail is very nice. Just be prepared to take your time. It took me and my fiance almost​ 3 hours to get to the top and 1 1/2 to get down. We spend about 5 hours total time at the park. The trails are clearly marked and very...