Hiking Trail

Pinnacle Mountain

(Table Rock State Park)

Description: Before you begin, stop at the Nature Center and fill out a registration form. Drop the white copy in the locked box and keep the pink copy to put in the box when you return. You will begin an adventurous, scenic trek on this well-trodden trail by turning left when you reach the Pinnacle Mountain Trail sign. Follow the yellow blazes (green blazes eventually turn to the right where the Carrick Creek Trail branches off) and you will cross several small foot bridges amid the hardwoods and rhododendron that line the steep mountain slopes. You will encounter a small waterfall to the right and pass beneath a giant rock ledge, before you reach the junction of a 0.4 mile spur trail that leads to Mill Creek Falls. The spur ends at a wooden bridge where you can view the falls. Return to the junction and continue to Bald Knob Overlook. After a steep ascension, the trail levels and joins the Mill Creek Trail for a short distance and then continue hiking uphill to the huge sloping Bald Knob. Your reward is the view as you look out over the distant mountains to see Greenville and beyond. To continue to Pinnacle Mountain, walk uphill to the top of the outcrop and turn right into the forest. The Foothills Trail will branch off to the left and you will ascend steeply to the tree-enclosed apex of Pinnacle Mountain. You can return the way you came, or follow the less strenuous, wooded Ridge Trail, to the Table Rock Trail and back to the Nature Center.

Watch for black bear, turtles, snakes (especially on the rocks), a variety of birds, and other wildlife. Remember to wear sturdy footwear and functional clothing, carry adequate water and first aid supplies, and use insect repellent in warm weather. Pets are permitted on leashes. Restrooms and water are available in the wood building above the Nature Center parking area.

Length: 4.2 miles one-way (from Nature Center).

Directions: From Greenville, drive north on US 276. SC 11 will join US 276 for approximately 5 miles and then branch left. Follow SC 11. Pass the first park entrance on the right, continue across the bridge, and turn right at the West Gate/Camping entrance sign. Drive .5 mile and turn right into the Table Rock State Park entrance. Drive .7 mile and turn right into the parking area across from the Nature Center.

Camping: No trailside camping. Call 1-866-345-PARK (7275) or go online at www.SouthCarolinaParks.com to make reservations.

Park Information: Table Rock State Park, 158 E. Ellison Lane, Pickens, SC, 29671. Telephone: 864-878-9813.