Known for its beaches and the historic southern city of Charleston, South Carolina may not seem like the state to find tough trails. But I have some news for you. While the southern areas of the state may be flat, up north there are some climbs that will challenge any in the south. So let’s check out the hardest hikes in South Carolina!
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina may not be known for its mountains, but it offers challenging hikes with rewarding views, waterfalls, and unique features.
- Some of the hardest hikes in South Carolina include Sassafrass Mountain via NC 178, Pinnacle Mountain Trail, and Table Rock, all known for their tough climbs and scenic rewards.
- The Sassafras Mountain Trail to Table Rock View Point connects the state’s highest point with the best view, offering a stamina-testing trail with multiple vistas.
- The Rim of the Gap trail to Jones Gap Trail is unique, featuring technical climbs, waterfalls, creek crossings, and beautiful scenery.
- Table Rock Ridge via Pinnacle Mountain Trail is one of the toughest trails in South Carolina, with a challenging loop route that includes waterfalls, caves, and exposed cliff views.
- The Table Rock to Sassafras Viewpoint Loop is a demanding hike with significant elevation gain, waterfalls, slick rocks, caves, and cliff views, making it a tough yet rewarding trail.
A List of The Hardest Hikes in South Carolina
Sassafrass Mountain via NC 178
Distance: 8.2 Miles
Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 2,100ft
All Trails Link: Click Here
Features: Small waterfalls and views from the lookout tower.
Description:
You know that South Carolina’s highest mountain would have to make the list. Featuring incredible wild flowers when in bloom. The hike overall is tough but very straight forward. Heading up and down from the peak. And while the views on the way up are nothing to write home about. You will be treated to a viewing platform at the top that will help lift you above the trees that block the view from the rest of the mountains.
Pinnacle Mountain Trail
Distance: 8.4
Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 2,335
All Trails Link: Click Here
Features: Partial views from the top.
Description:
Another tough climb located in the Table Rock State Park. The Pinnacle Mountain Trail is located not far from many of the other trailers on our list. Featuring a straightforward southern climb to the top. You get roughly 2,300ft of gain in roughly 4 miles. With payoffs that include a small waterfall and some great un-obstructed views. That said, if views are what you are looking for I would recommend the Table Rock trail. Or go big or go home and check out the combo.
Table Rock
Distance: 7 Miles
Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 2,300
All Trails Link: Click Here
Features:
Description:
Table Rock is a South Carolina classic and one that I take most people to when visiting the state. Located in Table Rock State Park, there are a couple great climbs in the area but if you’re looking for a tough trail that ends in great views. Then Table Rock is the trail for you. With a small waterfall that makes for a perfect place to cool off along the way. The real payoff is the views on your way up and at the top. With the rock of the mountain keeping the view clean and clear. Hikers and runners are in for some incredible and open views. You will thank me for the recommendation once you are at the top!
Sassafras Mountain Trail to Table Rock View Point
Distance: 17.5 miles
Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 4,700ft
All Trails Link: Click Here
Features: Caves, covered trails, and cliff views.
Description:
What if you could connect the highest point in South Carolina with the best view in the state? Well ask and you shall receive. Running from the top Sassafras Mountain and the parking lot there, all the way to Table Rock and back. This trail is more about staman than scenery. Although there are several views along the way with the payoff being the vistas at Table Rock.
Rim of the Gap trail to Jones Gap Trail
Distance: 11.9 Miles
Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 3,375ft
All Trails Link: Click Here
Features:
Description:
What makes the Rim of the Gap trail so unique is the fact that you actually start at the trail’s highest point. Beyond that the trail treats visitors to technical climbs winding up and through rocks (especially on the yellow Rim of the Gap trail), small ladders, creek crossings (with bridges), and a couple waterfalls including Jones falls and a 1.5 out and back to Rainbow Falls. Which is highly recommended for first time visitors. For the best views and flowing water at the falls I recommend visiting in the fall and winter.
Table Rock Ridge via Pinnacle Mountain Trail
Distance: 10.7 Miles
Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 3,293ft
All Trails Link: Click Here
Features: Waterfalls, slick rocks, caves, and exposed cliff views.
Description:
If you are looking for the toughest trail in South Carolina, then you can’t go wrong with a combo route including two of the other hardest trails on this list. The Table Rock Ridge to Pinnacle Mountain is a brutal 10.7 mile loop trail featuring over 3,200+ feet of gain. Starting with just under 2,000+ feet in under 3.5 miles, once you make the ridge it’s time to enjoy the views. Because your legs will be burning over the last 4 miles, with over 2,000ft of descent. Make sure to bring your water filter for this one.
Table Rock to Sassafras Viewpoint Loop (Tags Pinnacle Mountain too)
Distance: 19.4 Miles
Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 5,000ft
All Trails Link: Click Here (All trails is really off on miles and elevation on this one)
Features: Water falls, slick rocks, caves, and cliff views.
Description:
This is a tough one. With 2,000+ feet of gain in the first 3-4 miles and tagging the states two tallest peaks. There is a lot to love about this trail. Starting in Table Rock State Park means waterfalls and slick rocks. And the views from the knobs featuring 200+ drops are incredible. The Sassafras Mountain Tower is well worth the hike. With 360 degree unobstructed views into both North and South Carolina.
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