February 18, 2025
Tamassee Knob Trail
near Oconee State Park near Mountain Rest, SC
Great hiking weather today with cool temperatures, partially cloudy skies and no wind. The trail was in excellent shape with just a few minor blowdowns. The trail is also well marked with good north and south valley views on the ascent to and on Tamassee Knob. The climb up Tamassee Knob is somewhat strenuous and the return back to the trailhead is mostly a gentle uphill. Too early for wildflowers although we spotted some early growth on the slopes with southern exposure. A better time to make this hike is in mid to late March when past experience shows numerous wildflowers.
Today's Hikers: Edwin Pruitt, Ken Pardue, Allyson Aldrich, Angela Evans, Gress Nuessly, Gerald Richardson, Jane Brown, John Cape, Ken Kellerman with Cutie Pie, Jenny Bell & Mike Bell
The route
6.5 mi · 892 ft climbing · 3h 27m out, 2h 57m walking · 1.9 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
14 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (14)
The view to the north from Tamassee Knob. The mountain lake in the background is the Bad Creek Reservoir. Today's Hikers (L-R): Mike, Edwin, Jenny, Ken, Angela, Gregg, Allyson, Gerald, Jane, John and Ken with Cutie Pie Getting ready at the trailhead on FS 716 just a short distance past the entrance to Oconee State Park. Nice trail surface and one of the few blowdowns along our hike. Good trail signage along the way. Trail pup, Cutie Pie, "Hiker of the Day." There are a few short, but narrow, trail sections along a steep ledge as we proceeded up Tamassee Knob. Views to the north and south on the ridgeline up to Tamassee Knob. A first view of Tamassee Knob as we head upward. A single unique fungus on the lower trunk of this tree. "Hang in there." We're almost there. Taking in the view to the north at the top. Watch your step Cutie Pie! A unique "Trail Ends Here" sign, but actually it does go just a short distance further to this rock outcrop without much of a view. Break/snack time before we head back.