Most visitors come to Table Rock State Park for the hiking trails, waterfalls, and mountain views. But one of the park’s most relaxing experiences can be found on the water.
Nestled beneath the towering cliffs of Table Rock Mountain, Lake Pinnacle offers visitors the chance to rent canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats while enjoying some of the most scenic views in the South Carolina Upstate. The calm water, mountain reflections, and peaceful setting make it a perfect activity for families, couples, and anyone looking to experience the park from a different perspective.
Paddle Beneath Table Rock
Lake Pinnacle is a beautiful 36-acre mountain lake located in the heart of Table Rock State Park. From the water, visitors can enjoy unique views of Table Rock Mountain, the surrounding forests, and the historic stone structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s.
Unlike larger lakes crowded with motorboats, Lake Pinnacle offers a quiet, relaxing atmosphere that invites visitors to slow down and enjoy nature.
Boat Rental Options
Table Rock State Park offers several ways to get out on the water.
Canoe & Kayak Rentals
Rental canoes and kayaks are available year-round on Lake Pinnacle.
- $5 per half hour
- Available year-round
- Rentals available from the Park Visitor Center year-round
- Seasonal rentals available from the Lake Pinnacle Boathouse
- Life jackets are provided and must be worn at all times
Pedal Boat Rentals
For families with younger children or visitors looking for a leisurely ride, pedal boats are also available.
- $7 per half hour
- Available seasonally from March 1 through the Sunday after Thanksgiving
- Rentals available from the Visitor Center and seasonally from the Lake Pinnacle Boathouse
- Life jackets are required at all times
Rental Hours
Boat rentals are typically available:
- 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during Eastern Standard Time
- 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time
All rentals are weather dependent and subject to availability. Visitors are encouraged to contact the park before making final plans.
Important Information Before You Go
- A person at least 16 years of age must be present in the boat at all times.
- The park supplies life jackets that must be worn while on the water.
- Swimming from rental boats is not permitted.
- Day-use visitors renting boats must also pay park admission.
- Rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A Great Family Adventure
Not everyone wants to tackle the strenuous hike to the top of Table Rock. Canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats offer a fun alternative, allowing visitors of all ages to enjoy the beauty of the park.
Early mornings often bring glass-like reflections across the lake, while afternoons offer excellent opportunities to spot turtles, fish, and birds along the shoreline. Pedal boats are especially popular with families looking for a relaxed outing on the water.
Experience Table Rock from a New Perspective
Thousands of people hike Table Rock every year, but relatively few experience the park from the water. Whether you choose a canoe, kayak, or pedal boat, Lake Pinnacle offers one of the most peaceful and scenic experiences in the Upstate.
Sometimes the best view of Table Rock is not from the summit.
It is from the middle of the lake.
Location: Table Rock State Park, Pickens County, South Carolina
Rental Information: Available through the Table Rock State Park Visitor Center and seasonally at the Lake Pinnacle Boathouse.
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