Start with the day you want

Think about how much walking you want to do before choosing the view at the end. A short mountain trail can still involve steep climbs, uneven footing, or creek crossings, while an overlook may give you the scenery you want without a summit hike. Leave enough time for the drive, parking, and an unhurried return, especially when combining stops along the mountain roads.

Browse by interest: Hiking & Trails · Parks & Attractions · Lakes & Water Recreation · Scenic Drives & Overlooks · Fishing · Biking · Wildlife & Nature · Family Activities.

Forest walks and shorter hikes

For a walk at Table Rock State Park, compare the park’s Lakeside Trail with Carrick Creek before heading for the trailhead. The official trail guide lists Lakeside as an easy 1.9-mile loop and Carrick Creek as a moderate 2-mile loop. Our Carrick Creek guide takes a closer look at the creekside route; choose it with the climbing and footing in mind, rather than treating every walk below the summit as equally easy.

At Keowee-Toxaway State Park, the Natural Bridge Trail guide introduces another compact outing. The park rates this 1.3-mile loop moderate to strenuous. Its length makes it a shorter commitment, but does not make it a level stroll. For more possibilities, browse the hiking collection and compare the route descriptions with your group’s experience.

Longer hikes and mountain views

When you want a substantial hiking day, start with the Table Rock State Park trail guide and our Pinnacle Mountain feature. The park rates both the Table Rock and Pinnacle Mountain trails very strenuous. Table Rock is listed at 3.6 miles one way, so the distance on a trail listing should not be mistaken for the full walk back to your car. Plan the route and turnaround time before starting.

The Rainbow Falls guide offers a waterfall-focused alternative in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness. For Jones Gap and Caesars Head, use the parks’ own guidance when judging difficulty: both warn that their trails require advanced hiking preparation. A waterfall destination or a shorter mileage figure does not remove that mountain terrain from the trip.

Scenic stops without a summit hike

If the view matters more than the mileage, begin with Grant Meadow Overlook and places to view Table Rock Mountain. These guides help you consider the mountain from outside the summit trail. Build the drive around designated stopping places, with enough time to enjoy each one rather than trying to squeeze every viewpoint into an afternoon.

For a wider look at the region, explore our scenic drives and overlooks collection. Read the access section of each destination guide before committing to a route: the amount of walking, road surface, and facilities can matter as much as the view. If someone in your group needs step-free access, confirm the specific route and current conditions with the managing agency.

Lake days, paddling, and fishing

Lake Jocassee outings begin with planning for Devils Fork State Park. Our Devils Fork family guide and Lake Jocassee swimming guide introduce different ways to spend time there. The official park page posts parking-capacity notices and warns of heavy weekend and holiday visitation. Check it before driving out, especially when the lake is the main reason for the trip.

To compare outings on the water, browse places to kayak and canoe near Pickens County or read about boating at Table Rock. Confirm launch access, rental availability, and weather for the day you choose. Anglers can start with our fishing guides and then check the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for current licenses, seasons, and water-specific rules.

Family outings, bike rides, and small discoveries

A family day can be built around one manageable stop. The swimming and splash guide and printable hiking games offer different starting points, depending on the season and your children’s interests. Look for a route with enough flexibility to turn back, take a snack break, or finish before everyone is tired.

For a ride, browse our biking guides and check whether the route permits bicycles before setting out. Trail difficulty, surface, traffic, and the kind of bike you bring all help determine whether a ride suits your group. For a slower outing, the wildlife and nature collection gives you things to notice along the way, from birds in the trees to plants beside the path. Leave animals and plants undisturbed and enjoy those discoveries where you find them.

Before you head out

Read the managing park or agency’s latest notices, check the weather, and carry a map you can use without a cell signal. Pack water, food, suitable footwear, and a light for an unexpected delay. Tell someone your route and expected return time, and keep the park’s trail-closing time in mind when deciding how far to go.

If a dog is coming along, read our Table Rock pet guide and confirm the rules for each stop; permission on a trail does not necessarily include a swimming beach or indoor space. Our hiking etiquette guide and tick guide can help with practical preparation.

Round out the day with a place to eat, or use Plan Your Visit to put together a longer stay. Choose the outing first, then fit the other stops around the time and energy it needs.

Latest outdoor guides

Explore the newest articles from our outdoor collections. These are ordered by publication date; open a guide for its route, setting, and planning details.