Hiking
Lake Hartwell Country is a hiker's paradise. With hundreds of miles of trails that range from half-day excursions to overnight treks, there are so many ways to hit the trails and start exploring.
When out on the trails, always use Leave No Trace principles, be courteous to other hikers and wildlife, and bring plenty of waters. Take only pictures and leave only footprints.
Table Rock State Park
Table Rock Trail
Trail length: 3.6 miles one way
Strenuous
391 Table Rock State Park Rd.
Pickens, SC 29671
Easily one of the most well known hikes in South Carolina, this trail leads to the summit of Table Rock Mountain and gives way to incredible views. This one is not for the faint of heart.
Lakeside Trail
Trail length: 1.9 mile loop
Easy/Moderate
391 Table Rock State Park Rd.
Pickens, SC 29671
The Lakeside Trail follows the edges of Lake Oolenoy and offers stunning views of Table Rock Mountain. It's also great for trail running, dogs, and families with young children.
Carrick Creek Trail
Trail length: 1.9 mile loop
Easy/Moderate
391 Table Rock State Park Rd.
Pickens, SC 29671
The Carrick Creek Loop is perfect for those looking for a relatively short walk in the woods. The trail is heavily wooded most of the way and offers the opportunity to see some wildlife.
Photo courtesy of SC Trails Website
Pinnacle Mountain Trail
Trail length: 4.2 miles one way
Strenuous
391 Table Rock State Park Rd.
Pickens, SC 29671
The Pinnacle Mountain Trail leads to the summit of Pinnacle Mountain, and it offers breathtaking views along the way. Make sure to thoroughly prepare, as this is a strenuous trail.
Oconee State Park
Tamassee Knob Trail
Trail length: 2 miles one way
Moderate/Strenuous
GPS Coordinates: 34.863182, -83.098196
This trail will get your blood pumping as you traverse several inclines and declines to the overlook at Tamassee Knob. At times, there are steep drop offs on either side of the trail, so use caution.
Oconee Trail
Trail length: 2.3 miles one way
Easy/Moderate
GPS Coordinates: 34.863182, -83.098196
The Oconee Trail meanders through the beautiful wooded areas of Oconee State Park, passing by one of the parks two lakes along the way. This trail offers the opportunity to see Appalachian wildlife.
Old Waterwheel Trail
Trail length: 1.2 mile loop
Easy/Moderate
GPS Coordinates: 34.863350, -83.098213
This quiet, wooded trail offers the ultimate serenity. As the name implies, you'll follow the path to the remnants of an old waterwheel that was once used to pump water.
Keowee-Toxaway
State Park
Devils Fork
State Park
Raven Rock Loop Trail
Trail length: 4.4 mile loop
Moderate/Strenuous
GPS Coordinates: 34.933111, -82.885247
With sweeping views of Lake Keowee, this loop trail is a favorite hiking spot in Keowee-Toxaway State Park as it crosses a unique natural bridge. You'll definitely want to put this one on your list!
Oconee Bell Nature Trail
Trail length: 1 mile loop
Easy
596 Jocassee Lake Rd, Salem, SC 29676
This trail is beautiful at any time of year, but it's especially incredible in late March and early April when the rare Oconee Bell flowers are in full bloom. Best of all, it's great for all skill levels.
Clemson Experimental Forest
Fants Grove Trail System
Trail length: 35.6 mile trail system
Moderate/Strenuous
903 Fants Grove Rd, Anderson, SC 29625
This network of trails is great for hiking and trail running. There are many spots along the way with beautiful views of Lake Hartwell.
Lake Issaqueena Trail
Trail length: 4.7 mile loop
Moderate
109 Wardlaw Lake Rd, Central, SC 29630
This loop in the Clemson Experimental Forest offers a beautiful forest setting and, at times, runs alongside the shore of Lake Issaqueena.