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.
alltrails/Dominic Walick
The rock and surrounding lands were part of the Lower Cherokee Nation until 1785.
alltrails/Michael Laico
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.
alltrails/Cypress Thongrivong
Each year, scores of hikers and nature lovers make the journey up the endless stairs that lead to the top of Table Rock.
alltrails/Michael Seiler
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.
alltrails/Susan Kettles
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.
alltrails/Sarah Joy
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.
alltrails/Michael Weeks
There are more stairs ahead!
alltrails/Dontae ßanks
Some hikers have returned from this trail to say the stairs are never ending.
alltrails/Sayf Albayati
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.
alltrails/Annie Cashon
The trails in the park are very well marked — even when the trail leads over a huge boulder with stairs carved into the surface.
alltrails/Jaybo Masters
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.
alltrails/Sarah Joy
By the time you’ve reached the summit which is an elevation of 3,214 feet, you’ll have climbed your way up 2,000 feet from the trailhead.
alltrails/Tony Arias
Take a bow and then have a seat and enjoy the victory!
alltrails/Lisa Pengilly
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!
alltrails/Dominic Walick
alltrails/Michael Laico
alltrails/Cypress Thongrivong
alltrails/Michael Seiler
alltrails/Susan Kettles
alltrails/Sarah Joy
alltrails/Michael Weeks
alltrails/Dontae ßanks
alltrails/Sayf Albayati
alltrails/Annie Cashon
alltrails/Jaybo Masters
alltrails/Tony Arias
alltrails/Lisa Pengilly
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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