The Table From Which the Great Spirit Ate His Meals
story by Zach Hughes
If you have ever spent time in South Carolina’s Upstate, you know that it is easy to feel at home within its rolling hills. You breath easier within the foothills, and it has a very outdoorsy charm. Many who have traveled there know that there are innumerable places to explore and spend some much needed time in nature. Additionally, this region is blessed to have its own sliver carved out of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just enough to sink your teeth into without having to cross the border into North Carolina.
One of the most awe-inspiring places just on the edge of this section, and should be a must on your South Carolina Bucket List, is a magnificent rock face that overlooks these hills named Table Rock. Just north of Greenville, It’s about a three and a half hour drive from Florence. If you decide to make a day trip to explore this Carolina wonder, make sure to plan accordingly. There are two main ways to enjoy Table Rock; either you take in its magnificent beauty from within the area around it, or you decide to hike to the top. I highly recommend the latter if you are able.
On your drive, as you near the mountain, you will turn onto the beautiful Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. From this road, you will immediately find yourself gazing upon a cascading rock face protruding from the sky that looks like it belongs in Wyoming. You are looking at Table Rock right above the country store at the intersection. A little further down the road you will enter the State Park and find yourself nestled between the trees on a tight winding road. Make sure to roll your windows down and breath in the crisp mountain air filled with the relaxing smell of the trees. As you turn a corner, you will find a small overlook area. From here you will get a closer look at the eastern rock face. You will also be able to see an adjacent mountain to the right named Stools Knob. The significance of these two mountains for the region can be found in the folklore of the Cherokee Native Americans. They believed that the Great Spirit sat on the Stool Knob and ate his meals from a table shaped rock.
If you do decide to scale the mountain, which I would recommend to get the best experience, there are a few things that you will need to do to prepare. Make sure to plan ahead, start early, and check the weather for the day. It is not as difficult as some other trails I have done, but it is not for the faint of heart. The trail to the top of the rock face stretches a little over three miles and is marked as moderately strenuous. Round trip can take anywhere from three to five hours depending on your experience hiking. I would definitely recommend wearing comfortable tennis shoes, and athletic clothing. Bring a comfortable and light backpack with water, snacks, and lunch. An easy way to make sure to have a good time is to prepare and be smart. Oh, and last but not least, don’t forget to check in with the rangers station at the trailhead, verify your plans, check trail conditions, and pick up a map if you do not have one.
The first few steps are some of the most intriguing. Your senses are enveloped in the sights and sounds of the mountains as you transition to a different state of mind. Don’t forget, your goal is to get to the top of the mountain, but make sure to soak in the journey. You will immediately hike past a babbling stream with small waterfalls. There is no shame in stopping to take in this sight only after a few steps. Then you can move onto your journey. Make sure to follow the red trail markers, be careful and enjoy the natural serenity.
Along the way, you will find many beautiful views, steep trail sections, and covered tree canopies. As you find yourself meeting the ridge of the mountain range you will stumble upon beautiful cliffs and steep shale with steps carved into them. After climbing further and as the trees begin to thin, you will find an opening.
As you walk through the clearing, the trees will part to show a panoramic drop off that will leave you speechless. You feel like you are on top of the world and time stands still. From here you will be able to see for as far as your eyes will take you. Stools Knob is visible to the right of the drop off with Table Rock Reservoir below it to the left. Beyond there the ridge tapers as the mountains come to an end and roll into the hills of the upstate.
Now that you have reached the top, make sure to take a seat like many other adventurists and strike up a conversation. Soak in the breathtaking view, have a snack or eat your lunch. Feel the energizing breeze and crisp air that you only find in the clouds. My wife and I will often bring a hammock and read a good book in the trees off to the side. After you have gotten your fill, it’s time to make your way back down the mountain.
Don’t forget to soak in the trail on your way down and take some mental snapshots. You also need to be just as careful not to get complacent on your way down. As you near the end of your journey, wish the mountain goodbye and take the natural high you’ve gotten with you for days to follow.
There is something about spending time in nature that refreshes your soul, and it stays with you through the rest of your week. You walk away feeling more accomplished, and can’t wait to make plans to get lost in it again. I am thankful that South Carolina has blessed us with this natural wonder for our own exploration.
Zach Hughes resides in Florence with his wife Alexis. The couple is expecting their first child in February. By day, Zach has built his career around the car industry, having owned his own shop, and now working at the local automotive auction Manheim Darlington. In his spare time, Zach enjoys discovering South Carolina and dabbling in journalism.