A rock overhang or picnic shelter might seem like the perfect place to escape a thunderstorm while hiking, but neither provides true protection from lightning. Here’s what Upstate hikers should know before the next surprise storm rolls in.
Pinnacle Mountain Trail at Table Rock State Park is a challenging 10-mile adventure filled with massive rock formations, incredible views of Table Rock and Pumpkintown, unexpected storms, wildlife, and an overgrown final stretch. The summit may be anticlimactic, but everything you encounter along the way makes this one of the Upstate’s most memorable hikes.
Construction is underway near the Nature Center at Table Rock State Park, temporarily changing how hikers access the trails. Here’s what visitors need to know about the new deck project, Carrick Creek Falls improvements and temporary trail reroute.
Discover why hiking is one of the healthiest activities you can do. From improving heart health and reducing stress to building strength and boosting mental well-being, every trail offers benefits for both body and mind.
Planning a hike to Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park? This complete guide covers everything you need to know, including trail difficulty, elevation gain, trail markings, what to expect on the hike, the best photo spots, and tips for experiencing one of South Carolina’s tallest and most beautiful waterfalls.
Discover the unwritten rules that make every hike safer and more enjoyable. From yielding on the trail and respecting wildlife to Leave No Trace principles and common beginner mistakes, this complete hiking etiquette guide will help you protect South Carolina’s beautiful trails while becoming the kind of hiker everyone enjoys meeting.
Don’t let gnats ruin your next adventure. These 15 proven tips—from choosing the right bug spray to finding the best place to take a break—will help you spend less time swatting and more time enjoying the trail.
Planning your first hike to Table Rock Mountain? Experienced hikers say most beginners underestimate the steep climb, intense heat, and how much water they’ll actually need. Before you hit the trail, learn what to bring, what to expect, and the mistakes that can turn one of South Carolina’s most rewarding hikes into a miserable experience.
Think you’ve explored all the best hiking trails in Pickens County? Think again. Beyond the well-known paths at Table Rock and Pinnacle Mountain lies a world of hidden waterfalls, scenic overlooks, wildflower-filled forests, and remote wilderness adventures. From family-friendly walks to rugged backcountry treks, these 25 hikes showcase some of the most beautiful and overlooked places in the Upstate. Whether you’re a lifelong local or visiting for the first time, there’s a trail on this list waiting to become your new favorite.
Hidden along Oconee Road near Mountain Rest, Sloan Bridge Picnic Area serves as a gateway to the Foothills Trail, Ellicott Rock Wilderness, and thousands of acres of protected mountain forest. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
