South Carolina

Pickens County

Foothills Trail - Sassafras Mountain

Hike to the top of the tallest mountain in South Carolina

From east to west (as the trail is described here) hikers are led from Table Rock State Park to Laurel Valley.

From the Nature Center in the park, follow the trail along Carrick Creek in the direction of Pinnacle Mountain. At 0.3 mile, Carrick Creek Nature trail splits off to the right; stay left. At 2.7 miles, bear left again where a trail to Table Rock Mountain forks to the right. Bear left yet again where the trail blazed yellow splits to the right at 3.8, continuing along the white-blazed Foothills Trail. The trail leaves Table Rock State Park and descends to the edge of Drawbar Cliffs, then switchbacks down the cliffs to begin climbing Hickorynut Mountain, reaching Hickorynut Mountain Gap at 7.8 miles. After remaining fairly level for a time, the trail begins the ascent to the summit of Sassafras Mountain, the highest peak in South Carolina, reaching the top at about nine and half miles. After enjoying the magnificent views from the peak, hikers descend the mountain, following streams and ravines, finally ending on a dirt road a few hundred feet from Laurel Valley Restaurant and Lodge.

Length: 14.1 miles

Difficulty: 7