Lace up those hiking boots because there’s a new trail in town! Table Rock State Park just recently announced their newest trail, Stool Mountain.
This new trail boasts beautiful views of the main face of Table Rock and the Table Rock Reservoir. However, these views do not come without a challenge! This trail is rated as being strenuous to very strenuous. It is 2.7 miles one-way and 5.4 miles roundtrip, gaining 1,500 feet of elevation as you reach the summit.
Recently, I had the opportunity to check out this awesome new trail. To get to it, you will park and begin at the Table Rock Nature Center, where all hikers are asked to sign in their hiking crew before hitting the trail. After signing in, you will begin your hike until you reach the Carrick Creek split. Make sure you stay to the right! There will be a sign that says Stool Mountain. The entire trail will be marked by blue and white blazes. Once you find the Stool Mountain trailhead, it will lead you all the way up to the summit which sits at 2,615’ of elevation. Along the way, in addition to the blazes, there will also be small signs broken up into half miles that let you know how far along in the hike you are. These signs can either be a blessing or a curse depending on how strenuous you find this trail. *wink*
The first mile of this hike is relatively easy, but don’t be fooled! The next portion (about 1.7 miles) is a pretty steady climb all the way until the summit. There is a decent amount of scrambling over rocks and climbing stairs. If I could give any piece of advice, it would be to make sure you bring hiking poles. It will save your knees on the descent! I don’t usually use poles, but I will absolutely use them next time.
The entire hike is beautiful. Once you get closer to the summit, you start to see a beautiful view of the main face of Table Rock and the mountains surrounding it. There’s really not a bad view around. If you’re hiking towards the end of summer, the trail is lined with beautiful yellow flowers. I will have to report back on what it looks like in fall! After all of that climbing, you are rewarded with a beautiful view of Table Rock and the Table Rock Reservoir. When I went, I had the entire space to myself, and it was the perfect place to rest for a second and take in the gorgeous scenery. Once you have rested and enjoyed the view, you will begin your descent the same way you came up. Again, I highly recommend hiking poles!
The new Stool Mountain trail is great for more experienced hikers. In comparison to the Table Rock Trail, I believe it to be similar in difficulty. The difference is that Stool Mountain has a steep climb in a much shorter distance which can be challenging. As always, do your research and compare that to what you are capable of doing!
Trail Name: Stool Mountain, Table Rock State Park (Pickens, SC)
Length: 2.7 miles one-way || 5.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation: ~1,500 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous to very strenuous
Total Hike Time (for me): About 2.5 hours but always prepare for longer
Dog-friendly: Yes, but be aware there are very limited water sources, larger rocks to climb, and narrow trails. As always, they must remain on a leash per state park rules!
Entry fee: $6 adults, $3.75 seniors, $3.50 children 6-15, ages 5 and under free (Or use that State Park Pass!)
Stool Mountain Trail Must-Haves: Plenty of water (I wish I had brought more!) and snacks, bug spray (the gnats were brutal), comfy shoes, and hiking poles
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Story & Photos by Hopefully Hiking
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