March 7, 2023
Table Rock Trail
near Pickens, SC
At the urging of a more experienced hiker, we took on the challenge of this hike. While a bit harder for some than others, our mostly 70+ year old group of nine hikers completed this hike with well-deserved satisfaction. This was an almost continuous uphill climb over a dry, well used trail. Considering its extensive use, this trail was in good condition. The initial section is paved, quickly transitioning to rock and timber steps, some requiring a tall step up. The mid portion of the trail prior to reaching Governor's Rock was mostly a rock and bolder hike, passable, but requiring more care and effort. The first part of the trail offers an almost continual view of small cascades along Carrick and Green Creeks. At the 2-mile mark we began to have views of the valley below. In addition to Governor's Rock, there were several overlooks of the terrain to the east beyond Table Rock Summit. The summit is just a trail sign. . . but the overlooks were well worth the effort. With the warmer weather, there were more wildflowers this week, some of which we have not seen before. All-in-all, a great hike on a beautiful day...and best of all, we all made it safely to the top and back down!!
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The route
7.6 mi · 2,333 ft climbing · 6h 35m out, 4h 48m walking · 1.6 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%
29 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (39)
The vista from the northernmost overlook on Table Rock. There's smoke from a controlled burn obstructing a clear view. Today's hikers (L-R): Jack, Mike, Ray, Heather, Matt, Renee, Rich, Jenny, Jane & Squirt Getting organized. Lots of cascades and Carrick Falls (top) along the first section of the hike. This was a unique water flow with the water flow running downstream only to be diverted 90 degrees across the large flat rock in the center of the photo. Violets anyone? The "little brown jugs" at the base of Wild Ginger made Ray's day. More of several cascades/falls along the trail. More of the trail further up the way. Typical trail at the front end of the hike. Are we there yet? Not even close! A fair amount of Blood Root seen today. And Daisy Fleabane, too! Boulders anyone? Headed up through some large rocks in the mid-section of the hike. A first view of the valley and mountains to the southwest. A short break under the shelter at 1.9 miles. Turning northeast at Panther Gap for the final ascent to Table Rock Mountain summit. There were some short, level and not rocky sections of the trail. A beautiful Serviceberry. Some large, gnarly oaks that caught our eye. Ray making the final ascent onto Governor's Rock. A panoramic view to the southwest and Pinnacle Mtn. from Governor's Rock. Taking another break on Governor's Rock. Rich Brown shot this photo from Governor's Rock. He explains "The white in trees is new growth. Infrared cuts through the haze to show the view." Just a sign, but no overlook at the summit. The weather appears to have taken its toll on these small pines up the trail from Governor's Rock. Anyone know what this plant is? Found along the trail, just past the summit. A view from the first overlook past the summit. Another plant we can't quite identify. Help !!! Finally, the last overlook. Took 4 hours to get here . . . whew! Matt contemplating the waterfall across the valley and smoke covering much of the terrain to the southeast. Ray, are you waiting for the cog-train for a way back down? Squirt says, "Let's go home!" Headed down and off the summit. A cryptic sign along our return path. Anyone interpret this? Going down wasn't that easy either! Four legs would help. This lizard wishing us "good riddance" on our way back. Good job everyone! Time to celebrate!