HIKING TRAILS

Carrick Creek Loop Trail, Table Rock State Park, Pickens

This trail is a moderately strenuous 1.8-mile trail loop. On this trail Carrick Creek winds its way in and out of your path. You will see old growth forests, trilliums in the spring, and other various wild flowers throughout the seasons. This trail will take approximately 1 hour to complete. The first part of the trail is paved with asphalt. On this section of the trail there are a couple of waterfalls. Continuing on the trail you will come to a wooden bridge. After crossing the bridge you will find a well-marked trail for Carrick Creek and Table Rock Mountain. The Carrick Creek Trail is marked with green markers throughout the trail. (864) 878-9817.

Pinnacle Mountain Trail, Table Rock State Park, Pickens

This trail is a fairly strenuous 3.3 miles (one way) trail. Before starting, you should register at the Nature Center, and remember to take along plenty of water for the hike. The Pinnacle Mountain Trail begins at the Nature Center. You will take the Carrick Creek Trail to the left when you get to the sign for Carrick Creek and Table Rock trails. You will follow this trail along Carrick Creek. When you see the sign for Pinnacle Mountain, go to the left. From this point you will follow the yellow marks. You will find this to be an adventurous trail with downed trees and rocky passes that you will have to climb. Along this trail you will be able to see Mills Creek Falls and Mills Creek Pass Trail (look for signs) on your right. If you continue uphill, you encounter Bald Rock. From this point you will be able to look out over the mountains to see Greenville in the distance on a clear day. The Pinnacle Trail continues uphill toward the left on a less trodden trail. The Foothills Trail will branch off to the left just before you reach the orange blazed stack of rocks. You can return the same way you came or take the less strenuous Ridge Trail to the Table Rock Trail. This will lead you back to the Nature Center. (864) 878-9813.

Table Rock Trail, Pickens

Table Rock Trail is a very strenuous 3.4-mile (one way) trail. This trail ascends 2,000 feet to the summit of the most recognizable mountain in the Upstate. Table Rock Mountain is 3,157 feet high and composed mainly of granite. To get to the trail you will start at the Nature Center inside the State Park. Follow the trail to the sign for Carrick Creek Trail and Table Rock Trail. Take the trail to the right. Follow this until you see a sign for Table Rock Trail. You will then branch off to the right again and follow the red marks. There are a couple of lookout areas where you can rest and have lunch or just take in the view.

Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve Trail, Pickens

This is a moderate 1.7-mile (one way) path that takes you to the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve. You will also see many wildflowers and some ferns found only in this area of North America. Following the yellow blazes on the trail can be difficult at times, but the end of the trail is well marked with a triple blaze. The trail is fairly easy for most of the way, but drops steeply to the gorge for the last .5-mile. There are switchbacks and stairs to help make the hike a little easier. Following a rain, this section can become very slippery. You will return the same way you came. To get to the trail from Pickens, take Hwy 178 North past Hwy 11 until you get to a bridge that crosses over the Eastatoe Creek (approximately 1 mile past the Rocky Bottom Community). Cross over the bridge and turn left at the Laurel Valley Lodge sign. Bear to the right onto the unpaved fork (the sign reads Horsepasture Road, but is frequently knocked down). Continue to the Foothills parking area on the left. Follow the yellow blazes for about .1 mile and turn left onto an old logging road marked by a cable gate. Hours are from dawn to dusk. There are no facilities in the preserve. There is camping available at the end of the Eastatoe Creek Trail and along the Foothills Trail.

Natural Bridge Trail, Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area, Sunset

This is a moderately strenuous 1.5-mile loop trail. The trail is marked with tags on the trees. On this trail you will see lots of wildflowers, mountain laurel, some wildlife and the natural bridge over Poe Creek. This trail offers you a chance to get in touch with the forest. The trail is fairly steep in a few sections and will be very slippery in the fall and after a rain. (864) 868-2605.

Raven Rock Trail, Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area, Sunset

This is a moderately strenuous 4.2-mile loop. You will begin on the Natural Bridge Trail and continue until you reach Poe Creek. When you cross the natural bridge at Poe Creek you will turn right onto the Raven Rock Trail. You will climb up and down McKinney Mountain to a rocky area near the top where you will get a breathtaking view of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west. Continuing on the trail you will come to another overlook that lets you see Lake Keowee. You will begin a steep ascent up to ridges with great views of the lake. You will then descend again to Poe Creek where you will meet up with the Natural Bridge Trail again for your return. (864) 868-2605.

Foothills Trail, Table Rock State Park, Pickens

This is an 80-mile footpath extending from Table Rock State Park at its eastern terminus to Oconee State Park in the west. Its route takes the hiker through the heart of the Jocassee Gorges tract, to mountain crests with scenic views, to shady gorges and coves with special botanical features. Along its route the Foothills Trail crosses or follows most of the major streams and rivers of the Jocassee Gorges and adjacent conservation lands including Eastatoe Creek, Laurel Fork Creek, Toxaway River, Horsepasture River, Bearcamp Creek, Thompson River, Whitewater River, East Fork Creek, and Chattooga River, among others. The Foothills Trail Conference coordinates activities associated with the Foothills Trail. For information about the trail, purchasing a guidebook, and/ or membership in the Conference, write to The Foothills Trail Conference, PO Box 3041, Greenville, SC 29602, or call the Conference office at (864) 467-9537.

Indian Creek Trail, Issaqueena Lake, Clemson

This trail is .9 mile long, and has a double creek crossing. There is plenty of uphill climbing involved. It is located at Issaqueena Lake in Clemson, SC. The recreation area is on SC Hwy 133, north of Clemson.

Mill Creek Pass Trail, Table Rock State Park, Pickens

The Mill Creek Pass Trail connects the Pinnacle Mountain and Ridge trails. If you ascend the rugged Pinnacle Mountain Trail to the sign just above Mill Creek Falls, you can turn right and follow the Mill Creek Pass Trail to the Ridge Trail. You will intersect with the Ridge Trail midway between the Pinnacle Mountain and Table Rock Trails. You can turn left and climb to Pinnacle Mountain, or turn right toward the Table Rock Trail, where you can either turn left to climb Table Rock Mountain, or turn right and return to the Nature Center. 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 is 0.7 mile. (864) 878-9813

Ridge Trail, Table Rock State Park, Pickens

This is a rugged, strenuous trail. It is a connector between the Pinnacle Mountain and Table Rock Trails. If you ascend Pinnacle Mountain Trail to the orange-blazed stones at the apex, the Ridge Trail provides an alternate descent. Look for a leaf-covered, winding, dirt path and you will begin the quiet, less trodden Ridge Trail. As you walk along steep slopes through a mixed wood habitat, watch for bear, snakes, birds, and a variety of other wildlife. You will pass Mill Creek Pass Trail (another connector back to the Pinnacle Mountain Trail) about midway to the Table Rock Trail. At the Table Rock Trail you can follow the signs up the mountain, or turn right and descend to the Nature Center. Remember to wear sturdy footwear and functional clothing. Carry adequate water and first aid supplies, and insect repellent is recommended in warm weather. Pets are permitted on leashes. Restrooms and water are available in the wood building above the Nature Center parking area. This trail is 3.3 miles one way from the Nature Center. (864) 878-9813.

South Carolina Botanical Garden, Clemson

Hiking, walking/jogging and nature trails are in the garden totaling 3.4 miles; on 295 acres, some paved, some gravel, some earth; generally level, but some hills. Woodland Wildflower Garden/Belser Nature Trail features many species of native woodland wildflowers, bog plants and ferns growing in a natural setting. There is also the Heusel Nature Trail. First Friday Nature Walks are provided. Dr. David Bradshaw, the Garden's naturalist, leads a fun and informative walk in the Garden every first Friday of the month. Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate dress. Walks last between one and two hours and are free. Meet at the Red Caboose. April-October 7AM November - March 9AM. The SC Botanical Garden is located in Clemson, SC. (864) 656-3405. Visit us at www.clemson.edu/scbq.

Treaty Oak Trail, Issaqueena Lake, Clemson

Treaty Oak trail is .4 of a mile long, and is located at Issaqueena Lake in Clemson, SC.

Sassafras Mountain, Pickens

The summit is open to the public without restriction (other than having to walk 100 yards up a paved trail.) Four states can be viewed from here: Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. It straddles the North Carolina border. While the peak is a drive up, if you choose to walk, you could find yourself on one of the most rugged trails in the Eastern United States. Sassafras Mountain is 3560 feet high and is the highest point in South Carolina. Contact Table Rock State Park for further information. (864) 878-9813

Town Creek Trail, Pickens

Located adjacent to the Pickens Playground of Promise on Homestead Road, Town Creek Trail offers beautiful vistas along Town Creek and a nice leisurely stroll through the woods. An easy 2.5 mile walk, the trail showcases native plant and animal life as well as picturesque shoals in the creek. From downtown Pickens, take Hwy. 178 North about half a mile from Main Street (Hwy. 183). Turn left on Homestead Road, then after a quarter of a mile, turn left into the parking lot of Jaycee Park. Park next to the tennis courts and walk around the tennis courts to find the beginning of the trail. For more information call Pickens City Hall (864) 878-6421.

Cherokee Interpretive Trail, Keoway-Toxaway State Natural Area, Sunset

This is an easy quarter-mile loop trail located in Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area. The history of the Upper Cherokee Indians, who once lived in this area, is re-created in the park museum and four outdoor kiosks. (864) 868-2405.

BIKING

Issaqueena Lake and Dam Trail, Clemson

All roads and trails within the park are open to hikers and bicyclists; horseback riding on existing roads; vehicles, including motorcycles, confined to main road. The recreation area is on SC Hwy. 133, north of Clemson. (864)656-7502

Lawrence Trail, Clemson

This trail is 2.2 miles. It is a part of the Clemson University Experimental program located at the Anne Springs Close Greenway on the Santee Cooper property.

Historical Downtown Ride, Pickens

Easy 5.5 mile bike ride suitable for the entire family around downtown Pickens. Call (864) 878-3258 for more information

Historical Mill Loop, Pickens

20 mile ride - A beautiful ridge meandering through the Pickens countryside with excellent views of the mountains and featuring several historic mills of our area. Call (864) 878-3258 for more information.

Cultural/Historical Loop, Pickens

28 mile ride - This loop covers much of the same ground as the 20 mile loop, but adds a literary site to the ride - the setting for Ben Robertson's "Red Hills and Cotton". Call (864) 878-3258 for more information.

EXPLORING BY CAR

Jocassee Gorges Scenic Driving Tour, Pickens

The Jocassee Gorges tract is a large and rugged forested area characterized by various forest community types, swift mountain streams, waterfall settings, rare plant habitats, dry rocky ridges, and moist dripping rock faces that combine to give the area its unique biological character and scenic beauty. Much of this area is wild and has limited access for the casual visitor. The SC Department of Natural Resources will send you a brochure describing a driving tour of the Jocassee Gorges area. Space does not permit detailed directions in this article, but the following will give you an idea of the 70-mile drive. The tour begins and ends in Pickens County and crosses into North Carolina, and will take a full day if you make every stop. If you enjoy hiking, allow time to experience several recommended trails along this driving tour. You will drive first through impressive hardwood forests in the Rocky Bottom area. After you cross into North Carolina, you can park at different locations and walk short distances to view Toxaway Falls, Drift Falls, Turtleback Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Whitewater Falls. An overlook on NC Hwy. 281 allows you to see the expanse of the Jocassee tract in North and South Carolina, including Pinnacle Mountain. You will drive back into South Carolina where you will find views of Bad Creek Reservoir, Lake Jocassee, Lower Whitewater Falls, and another stunning view of the Jocassee Gorges. Continue to Devils Fork State Park on the banks of Lake Jocassee. Then visit Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area and learn the history of Cherokees who once lived in this area. Call (864) 654-1671 for a brochure.

Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway (SC Hwy.11), Pickens

Once known as "Keowee Path" or "Cherokee Path," this 130-mile road was the route used by the Cherokees and English and French fur traders. It now provides a scenic alternative to Interstate Hwy. I-85 through South Carolina. As you travel through Pickens County on Scenic Hwy. 11, you will have easy access to Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area, Eastatoe Falls, and Table Rock State Park. Table Rock Visitors Center is located on Hwy. 11, beneath a beautiful view of Table Rock. The southern end of Hwy. 11 is at the South Carolina/Georgia state line, and the northern end of Hwy. 11 is near Gaffney, SC. I-26 (running north and south) intersects Hwy. 11 about 4 miles south of Landrum, SC, and about 15 miles north of Spartanburg, SC. Other major intersecting highways are Hwy. 123, Hwy. 178, and Hwy. 25.

HORSE TRAILS

Eden Farms, Dacusville

Just a short drive from downtown Easley and Pickens, Eden Farms is open to the public and offers an affordable, unique, and beautiful setting for gatherings of almost any kind. Miles of trails throughout the 160 acres are perfect for hiking and camping as well as riding. Eden Farms is handicap accessible and has extraordinary equestrians providing therapeutic riding for the disabled. Lessons are available in this new modern facility. Call (864) 898-0043 for details. Eden Farms is located just 10 minutes north of Easley on Hwy 135. For more information visit www.edenfarms.net.

Table Rock Equestrian Center, Pickens

Travel over thousands of acres on horseback with a guide while enjoying scenic views of the Upcountry's magnificent mountains. Tours are offered by the hour, half day or full day. Groups large or small. Open year round. Call for reservations (864) 878-2896. The Equestrian Center is located at 103 Sliding Rock Rd., Pickens.

 

T Ed. Garrison Arena

The T. Ed Garrison Arena at Clemson University is recognized as one of the premier multi-purpose livestock facilities in the Southeast. The arena is South Carolina's only full service, public facility designed to promote the state's billion dollar livestock industry.

Operated by the Cooperative Extension Service in the division of Public Service and Agriculture, the arena provides opportunities for shows, sales, exhibits, and educational programs, which benefit those in agriculture and agribusiness and the youth of South Carolina. These events draw thousands of visitors to Clemson and South Carolina, boost tourism and contribute to economic development no only in the upstate, but also throughout the entire state of South Carolina. For more information please call 864-646-2717.

 

HIGH FLYING ADVENTURES

Pickens County Airport, Liberty

Once you touch down at Pickens County Airport you'll immediately see why many people say that this is one of the most beautiful airports around. As a backdrop to our 5002 foot runway, we have a sky painted with scenic mountains and colorful trees. Nestled within this panoramic scenery are some of the most breathtaking lakes, streams, and resort areas in the Southeast. Pickens County Airport is a great place to base your aircraft, but even if you are only passing through, you'll enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and hospitality here 365 days a year. Even if you're not a pilot, visit Pickens County Airport and experience the spectacular landscape from the air with a scenic flight. We have excellent facilities that include a pilots lounge, flight planning area with weather service, and a snack bar. If you are staying for a longer period of time, we have overnight and long term aircraft tiedowns. The 5000 ft. paved and lighted runway serves general aviation and corporate aircraft. Fuel and maintenance available. Located on Hwy. 178 about 2 miles north of downtown Liberty and about 5 miles south of downtown Pickens, the airport personnel welcome you to call them at (864) 306-7610.

WATERFALLS

Eastatoe Falls/Twin Falls, Pickens

These beautiful waterfalls are nestled in the Eastatoe Valley. They are an easy hike of about 1 mile. The falls consist of two falls. The larger of the two is about 75 feet high. Both falls cascade over massive slabs of granite to create the Reedy Cove Creek. To access the falls, take Hwy 178 North out of Pickens. Continue past Hwy 11 to Cleo Chapman Road (Bob's Place is on the corner). Turn left on Cleo Chapman Road and go about 2 miles. At the "T" intersection take a right; then turn right onto Waterfalls Road. Go to the end of the parking area. The trail starts at the end of the parking area. It is a short hike to the waterfalls, but it can be very slick. Please hike responsibly.

Laurel Fork Falls, Pickens

Spills 80 feet directly into Lake Jocassee. Located at the head of a narrow cove at the northeastern tip of Toxaway arm of Lake. (Lake maps available at area stores.) May be reached by a 30 minute boat ride, or by an 8-mile hike along the Foothills Trail from U.S. 178 at Rocky Bottom.

HUNTING AND FISHING

SC Wildlife Management Areas

Pickens County is in District I, and Dan Rankin is the contact for this area regarding fisheries, 153 Hopewell Road, Pendleton, SC 29670. (864) 654-6346. The contact person for Region I (which includes Pickens County) is Sam Stokes. He will be resourceful regarding mountain hunting. 153 Hopewell Road, Pendleton, SC 29670. (864) 654-1671. There is also a toll-free hotline for hunters and anglers to pursue their sport. 1-800-ASK-FISH (275-3474) gives an up-to-date fishing report for South Carolina's major lakes as well as information on fishing regulations. For information on South Carolina hunting and fishing rules, regulations and license fees, contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202. Call (803) 734-3886 or (864) 654-6346 for fisheries; (864) 654-1671 for game.

Lake Jocassee

Completed by Duke Power Company in 1973, Lake Jocassee's 75 miles of shoreline and 7,565 acres of water have been a valuable source of energy and recreation in northwestern South Carolina. Jocassee is the only lake in South Carolina offering both trophy trout and smallmouth bass, and has become a favorite fishing spot for anglers throughout the Southeast. The deep, crystal clear water provides an excellent habitat for many species of fish, including brown trout, rainbow trout, white bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill and black crappie. Named "Place of the Lost One" because of the legend of the Indian maiden, Jocassee, who was said to have drowned herself in grief over the murder of her lover, this popular recreation area is surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. Located in Pickens and Oconee Counties.

Martin Creek Landing, Twelve Mile Park and Twin Lakes, Clemson

offer boat access in Pickens County. Lake Hartwell affords rewarding fishing opportunities for the avid sportsman. The lake has an abundance of species including largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill bream, hybrid bass, walleyed pike, white and striped bass, and chain pickerel.

Lake Hartwell, Clemson

There are five commercial marinas on the lake. All of the marinas have launching ramps, and some have boat rentals available. In addition there are dozens of launching ramps dotted throughout the shorelines of the lake. The lake comprises nearly 56,000 acres of water. It was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1955 and 1963.

Lake Keowee, Pickens

This lake is an extremely popular fishing area. With thousands of acres of cool, clear water and hundreds of miles of shoreline, the lake provides a number of species, including rainbow and brown trout; small, large and white bass; black crappie; bluegill and threadfin shad. Boat access Crowe Creek, Mile Creek Park, Warpath Landing, Gap Hill Landing.

Lake Oolenoy, Pickens

A boat ramp provides private boat access to the 67-acre Lake Oolenoy. Private boat restrictions apply; only private boats with electric trolling motors allowed. Rental canoes, kayaks and pedal boats are available at Lake Pinnacle during the summer months contingent upon the availability of lifeguards. Anglers enjoy fishing in Pinnacle Lake and Lake Oolenoy for bass, bream and catfish. A South Carolina fishing license is required. A handicap accessible fishing pier is located on Lake Oolenoy. These lakes are part of Table Rock State Park, which is located twelve miles north of Pickens on SC 11.

Eastatoe River, Pickens

The Eastatoe River is part of the Jocassee Gorges. It offers fishing opportunities for those who enjoy fishing trout streams. Eastatoe River is one of the most popular trout streams. Fishermen enjoy catching coldwater trout here. Eastatoe River is in the Eastatoe Valley.

GOLF

Boscobel Golf Club

Architect E. Freeman, 18 holes, par 71, slope 121, Pro distance 6,459, Bent greens, both walk and cart available. Located on Highway 76 in Pendleton, SC. For more information, please call (864) 646-3991.

Pickens Country Club

Architect W.B. Lewis, 18 holes, par 72, slope 126, Pro distance 6,220, Bent greens, cart only. Located at 1018 Country Club Road, Pickens SC. For more information, please call (864) 878-6083.

The Rock at Jocassee

Architect R. Breeden, 18 holes, par 72, slope 114, Pro distance 6,430, Bermuda greens, both walk and cart available. Located at 171 Sliding Rock Road, Pickens, SC. For more information, please call (864) 878-2030.

Rolling Green Golf Club

Architect W.B. Lewis and K.H. Dacus, 27 holes, par 72, slope 120, Pro distance 6,116, Bent greens, both walk and cart available. Located at 386 Hester Store Road, Easley, SC. For more information please call (864) 859-6698.

Southern Oaks Golf Course

Architect W.B. Lewis, 18 holes, par 72, slope 127, Pro distance 6,710, Bermuda greens, both walk and cart available. Located at 105 Sern Oaks Drive, Easley, SC. For more information, please call (864) 859-6698.

The Walker Course at Clemson University

Architect D.J. DeVictor, 18 holes, par 72, slope 137, Pro distance 6,911, Bent Greens, both walk and cart available. Located at 110 Madren Drive, Clemson, SC. For more information, please call (864) 656-0236.

Woodhaven Golf Club

Architect J.P. Gibson, 9 holes, par 29, men's distance 1,580. Both walk and cart available. Located at 215 Woodhaven Drive, Pendleton, SC. For more information, please call (864) 646-9511.