Mary Spearman

Memories

Growing up with the peak of Table Rock Mountain off in the distance, just ten miles from home, meant learning to swim in Pinnacle Lake and splashing in the creek at the foot of the mountain. I received a pretty severe sunburn while visiting the swimming hole at the foot of Table Rock.

As kids, we hiked, fished and played in the waters at the bottom of the mountain every summer. We hiked to the top on days when we were well prepared with snacks and drinks if the weather was cooperative. I remember once making it to the halfway shelter, and stopping for breakfast with a thermos of coffee, water, and some bacon sandwiches I had packed from home. By the time we stopped to eat our sandwiches; we were both starving. I think those were the best tasting sandwiches I can remember.

Hiking

I hiked the Table Rock Trail, the hardest trail, a few times in my life, and at my current age and abilities, I would not make it. So if you are younger, and your knees still work,it is worth the trip. The Table Rock Trail is the most challenging of six trails at the park that range from easy to very strenuous. If you are able to complete the very strenuous trail, you will be rewarded with one of the best and most iconic views in the State of South Carolina, if not the whole Southern United States. I hope I don’t sound biased here, but we live in a beautiful place and one trip on any of the trails will confirm that. So, if you are not up to the most strenuous, try an easier trail. My recommendation is to study the website and trails before going. Know where you want to hike, and go prepared and remember to take plenty of water.

Camping

A quick look at the website for Table Rock State Park, and you will find there are cabins and campsites for rent. https://southcarolinaparks.com/table-rock.

I can think of no better time than a crisp fall break at Table Rock. The air feels cool and calm and the leaves change almost overnight. The cabins are rustic and charming. They do have modern amenities, but they don’t allow pets. Table Rock State Park is the kind of place you can go to reconnect to nature and get off of technology for a while. It is a great place for children, and there is much to do from swimming, paddle boats, kayaking, hiking or just looking at leaves and beautiful scenery while reading a good book, Table Rock can’t be beat.

Adventure

If you stay a little longer, and want to venture out of the park for dinner or lunch, Table Rock State Park is just a short drive from Pickens. There are a couple of places to eat along highway 11 as well. Another option, ride over Caesars Head, stop at the top of the mountain, and take in the view of the back side of the Table Rock and the Foothills of South Carolina, and then swoop down to Brevard for a quick lunch and shopping. Whatever you do, if you are not used to mountain roads, be sure you take your time and don’t rush. The roads are curvy for a reason, and that slows down the traffic. Just take it easy and enjoy the scenery.

History

Before 1933 there were no State Parks in South Carolina. Think about that! Of course it was even more rural and very undeveloped back then. Thanks to the CCC and the New Deal of the 1930s, the National Park System would oversee the development of sixteen parks within the state on mostly donated land. As a visitor to these parks, I never really stopped to think about when and how things began or were developed, and why. Through the website nationalregister.sc.gov. Information can be found about how Table Rock and other parks were started. There are pictures and links that might be of interest as well.

Beauty

Recently one evening at sunset, we decided to take a drive up to the new Grant Meadow Overlook on Highway 11. It is a pull off that allows you to take in one of the most iconic views in the state. Knowing the history of this meadow at the foot of the mountain, it too has been donated to be preserved for future generations so that they can enjoy what I think is, the most iconic view in the Upstate of South Carolina, Table Rock Mountain. Even if you just want to drive by the mountain, stop and take a picture of the Fall leaves, it is worth the trip. As I get older, places like Table Rock have special meaning. What a gift the landowners gave to our state when they donated this land. And the contribution of the CCC workers from that era who actually built most of the buildings, roads, lakes and dams is unmatched in our lifetime. They deserve all the credit.

http://www.nationalregister.sc.gov/pickens/S10817739021/index.htm.

https://southcarolinaparks.com/table-rock