Every outdoor enthusiast should have South Carolina on their travel bucket list. Not only does South Carolina’s longest pedestrian and bike trail boast a breathtaking path connecting mountains and coast, it’s also one of the best destinations for wildlife watching on the East Coast. If your ideal escapade includes hiking up and down mountains and forest bathing, then Pickens, a small city roughly two hours west of Charlotte, North Carolina, is the perfect site to make a base.
Pickens’ proximity to part of the Appalachians and other peaks has inspired its motto, “Where The Mountains Begin.” One of the biggest draws is the Blue Ridge Mountains. This range is home to thousands of hiking trails spanning 615 miles across seven states, with some trailheads located in Pickens. Other notable places popular among hikers include Table Rock State Park and Glassy Mountain, the latter of which rewards hikers with views of nearby landmarks, such as Caesars Head.
Embark on nature adventures via one of Pickens’ many hiking trails
Pickens is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as is the rest of the Piedmont region. Many of the mountains you can hike up in and near Pickens are part of this range, starting with those inside Table Rock State Park, only an 18-minute drive from downtown Pickens. Pinnacle Mountain is a local favorite. It’s the longest trail in the park at 4.2 miles one way, and is one of the more difficult paths to the summit. Fun fact: Pinnacle is the highest mountain contained entirely within the state of South Carolina. Hike to the top to gain those bragging rights!
More ambitious outdoor enthusiasts will be happy to know that Table Rock State Park also has a trailhead to the Foothills Trail, a major hiking route that stretches 77 miles between South and North Carolina. Feeling like swapping the sleeping bag for a proper mattress? Table Rock State Park has rustic yet modern cabins for a perfect weekend mountain getaway…