Few trails in South Carolina, with the exception of the 80-mile Foothills Trail, offer the rewards and satisfaction found on the following trail that’s rated strenuous – mostly because it’s all uphill for a strenuous 3.5 miles. If you’ve ever wondered if you have what it takes to conquer the uphill adventure that leads to the summit of Table Rock, then keep reading to get an idea of what’s in store on this (seemingly) stairway to nowhere.
It's easy to see why long before European settlers arrived, the Cherokee saw something special in the area around Table Rock.
Until then, the Cherokee regarded the rock as a sacred sort of place; a spot where the Great Spirit would come to dine. The Cherokee called the area Sah-ka-na-ga which, when translated, means the great blue hills of God.
Some stairs are more hiker-friendly than others. The scramble seen in the photo below isn't typical for the trail but is one of the reasons the state park calls this the most rugged trail in all of Table Rock State Park.
If you take your time and have the fortitude to stick with it and pace yourself, the stairs on the Table Rock trail are doable for novice hikers. I've known people well into their golden years who never hike, yet manage to conquer this trail.
The magical woodland adventure includes a seated overlook built by the CCC in the 1930s and reinforced as needed over the years by the state park. Bring plenty of water and even a snack and enjoy the view from here while you relax and take a breather.
You may agree once you're on the trail! At about the two-mile mark, you'll encounter a split in the trail where you'll go right to get to the summit of Table Rock. Just follow the red blazes and all will be fine.
The trail leads you under some beautiful forest canopies. Hickory and Oak trees galore provide a nice shady hike in the summer and a colorful surround in the fall.
Table Rock Trail is located within Table Rock State Park. The park is open year-round and charges a nominal entry fee. The park opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. during the winter and 9 p.m. during warmer months. Learn more about the park from the South Carolina Parks website, and learn more about the trail from our friends at AllTrails. One more thing: if you’re not an avid hiker, then be sure to get an early start!
Have you climbed the stairway trail to the top of Table Rock? We’d love to hear about it and see your photos in the comments!
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