| Today’s hike was in Table Rock State Park in NW South Carolina. We hiked the Table Rock Trail from the Nature Center to the summit of Table Rock Mountain and on beyond to the rock cliffs overlooking the Greenville watershed lake.
HIKERS – John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Terry Doyle, Pam Euliss, Alan Herrin, Dave Hinson, Bill Hunt, Linda Johnson, Bruce O’Connor, Jeanne O’Connor, Don Preece, Donna Presley, Tony Presley, Joe Raguckas, Vic Robson, Dan Ross, Doug Russell, and Carole Wintle. TRAIL INFORMATION – Parking at the trailhead behind the Nature Center of the state park, we hiked the Table Rock Trail 3.6 mi. to the summit of Table Rock Mountain and beyond to the cliffs overlooking the Greenville Watershed lake. The trail is in excellent shape with excellent trail maintenance. It is a very strenuous hike as you climb to the mountain top but the views are magnificent and the trail is beautiful as you wind your way up the boulder-filled mountain. There are many great viewpoints all the way to the top. Directions: From Walhalla, SC take Scenic Highway 11 for 28 miles to Table Rock State Park. Turn left into the park entrance and drive to the Nature Center and lake. There is a daily use fee of $2 per PERSON. Another great day for a hike! Partly cloudy and mild with temperatures ranging from the upper 50’s to the upper 60’s F. Hiking distance – 7.5 miles. FLOWERS IN BLOOM: – Trout Lily BIRDS IDENTIFIED: Raven, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, American Crow, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse and Dark-eyed Junco. Others: Grey Squirrel |
 As we enter the State Park, we get this view of our hiking destination. |
 The view from the lakeside parking lot. |
 Sign at the Nature Center |
 All hikers must register here before starting. |
 Lots of trail options. |
 The start of the trail follows beautiful Carrick Creek. |
 Large boulders all along the creek. |
 A nice new bridge over the creek. |
 A strenuous hike up the mountain brings you past hundreds of massive boulders. |
 The first large rock overlook is named “Governor’s Rock”. |
 As we get closer to the summit, we get this view from “Butt” Rock. |
 The summit! |
 The massive granite cliff overlooking the Greenville Watershed. Our lunch spot for the day! |
 You can see Caesar’s Head across the way. upper left |
 Great place to take photos! |
 The OFHC gang for today’s hike. (l-r front) Linda Johnson, Chuck Crisp, Pam Euliss, Bruce O’Connor, Donna Presley, Vic Robson and Bill Hunt. (l-r back) Jeanne O’Connor, Dan Ross, Carole Wintle, Terry Doyle, Don Preece, Joe Raguckas, John Bellamy, June Bellamy, Dave Hinson, Doug Russell, Alan Herrin and Tony Presley. |