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Hiking Boots

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

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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.

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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.

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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

Hiking

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

People in 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.  

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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.

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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

Fall Foliage

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! 

Image by Dave Phillips

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

Image by Third Serving

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. 

Image by Uniq Trek

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.

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