Hiking Hotspot: Carrick Creek Nature Trail at Table Rock State Park
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The Upper westernmost portion of the state of South Carolina, referred to as the “Upstate,” is situated amidst the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains. The region is home to some stunning scenery, including lush forests, peaceful flowing streams, and dozens of towering waterfalls (check out a few of my favorites). If you are looking for a quick, easy, family friendly trek near Greenville, I recommend checking out the lovely Carrick Creek trail within Table Rock State Park. This easy trail is a fantastic choice for first time visitors wanting to enjoy nature without going all out.
As a local for several years, I enjoyed the quiet setting here. Sure, the waterfall is a lot smaller than most others in the region, the advantage being that you get to see a waterfall without too much effort involved.
The hike to the summit of Table Rock
This is a small 3000 acre park, most famous for its’ landmark mountain and associated hiking trail. The rugged, intense hike up the summit draws fitness buffs from all over. The tough 3.5 mile out-and-back trek climbs 2000 feet, offering grand views in return for a pretty tough hike.
Although adventurous hardcore hikers love this trail, it’s not the best hike for those seeking a peaceful nature outing. I recommend first time visitors opt instead for the Carrick Creek trail which will take you past a number of relaxing creeks and a small waterfall.
This trail may not be the longest, nor the most popular trail in the Upstate. Nevertheless, it is a very picturesque hike with several small waterfalls, numerous small streams, and pretty views of a mixed oak/hickory/pine forest. Whenever I am tired of hours + long hiking adventures, I opt for a nice relaxing walk. Fortunately, there are many easy treks in this region, this being one of the best.
A great Upstate leaf peeping destination
Fall is a great time to get out there on the trails. Autumn offers the perfect ambiance for hiking. I actually love the Upstate’s fall season because the temperatures are basically perfect for outdoor activities and the trails are all so colorful. It’s a little warmer here than the northern states but much cooler than the rest of the state which is still pretty hot and sticky this time of year. The best fall hiking weather to be is when I can wear a pair of hiking pants and a light North Face zip up sweater/jacket.
I was really surprised my first fall season as I had no idea the leaf peeing was so wonderful. As a lover of everything fall, I was impressed with how much fall foliage I got to enjoy throughout the various state parks. And the season here is quite long which is a nice perk. The air is crisp and cool, crowds are basically non existent, and golden and red hues dominate the forest.
The best colors typically arrive late October-mid November. Here is a picture of what you can expect to see on the trails at Table Rock this time of year. Very beautiful and not at all what I thought South Carolina looked like this time of year. The temps are cooler here thanks to the high elevation which means stronger foliage than the lowland areas of the state.
The perfect daytrip from Greenville
Due to the short distance (the entire loop is just 2 miles) and lack of elevation gain, almost anyone can enjoy the journey – as opposed to the lengthy (and treacherous) climb up Table Rock. Multiple waterfalls, relaxing creek, lush forested views, a quiet escape from congested cities nearby…what’s not to like?
A refreshing half day out in nature may just be the ticket if you are coming from a nearby congested, growing city like Greenville or Asheville. I have lived in both cities and recommend a daytrip regardless of where you are staying – trust me, it’s worth it.
If you are staying in the Greenville area, this state park is a nice easy day trip just an hour away. Hiking is a great way to get out and explore the natural surroundings of the region. Instead of spending your entire trip endlessly dining & shopping in downtown Greenville (which is fabulous to be honest), I recommend also taking some time to explore the natural wonders of the region.
Greenville is a great base city as you can explore the outdoors and then come back and enjoy endless local dining options. If you are looking for a great breakfast pre-hike, I recommend Sully’s Steamers (serving dozens of creative steamed bagel sandwiches) or Biscuit Head (serving iconic cathead biscuits than you can top with gravy or jam from a self-service bar). Stax Omega is a nice family restaurant that has won numerous awards over the year (they offer your typical huge diner menu).
Hiking Details
Location: 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671
Hours: 7am-7pm (9pm on weekends), 9pm on weekdays and 10pm on weekends during Daylight Savings Time.
Admission fee: $6 per adult, $3.50 aged 6-15 and $3.75 for seniors.
Distance: 2 mile loop
Elevation gain: 360 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Pet friendly: Leashed dogs allowed on hiking trails, not on the beach or in cabins
There are so many great hiking trails, scenic drives, historic sites, and quaint Main Streets in this region. Here is my comprehensive guide to the best of the Upstate so you don’t miss out on anything!
