Table Rock State Park

We have an exciting opportunity to observe the impact of the wildfires which burnt through this area in late 2016. We will SCAN the Palmetto Trail on the western edge of Table Rock State Park. We will see pockets of burned areas and views of the granite face of Table Rock above us. Walking through the mesic hardwood forest, there are plenty of wonderful features to scout for flora and fauna on, boulders, small cave, and creek. Scouting the area in February, we found orchids, ferns, trout lilies, 5 species of Hickories, elms, basswood, magnolias, new growth emerging from charred areas, signs of boar rootings and cat prints. The trail is easy to strenuous depending on your route and speed.

Location: Bethel Terrace, Pickens, SC 29671
35.021718, -82.713079

Directions:
From Columbia
Follow I-26 W and I-385 N to Greenville.
Take exit 42 from I-385 N
Take SC-183, Hester Store Rd, SC-135 N and SC-288 W to Hickory Hollow Road.
More details: From SC 183, turn right onto Thomas Mill Rd. Sphinx station will be on corner.
Turn first left onto Hester Store Road. The Hestor Store Historical landmark on the north side corner.
Cross over Hwy 186 onto Hwy 135 being a slight right merge.
Turn right onto Hwy 8 Left onto SC 288 Table Rock Road with the Pumpkintown General Store on corner.
Go 3.5 miles.
Turn right on Hickory Hollow Road.
Go 1.1 miles .
Cross over Hwy 11 Road changes name to West Gate Road.
Approximately 0.6 miles to Bethel Terrace on left.
Drive to back side gravel parking lot of shelter.

Via Hwy 11 Cherokee Foothill Highway from I-26
After passing over the lake at Table Rock, turn right onto West Gate Road.
Go 0.8 miles, Stay left at Y, Bethel Terrace will be on your right.

Camping: For those who would like to camp, we have available Saturday night. There is a wonderful field for star gazing for Lyrid meteors with no moon interference, collecting beetles, mothing and fun fellowship. This is primitive camping. Cost is $10. Le t me know if you plan to camp.

For those who want more comfort Table Rock State Park has camping sites for $35 and Cabins for $160 per night.

Dinner will be close by at Aunt Sues.
107 Country Creek Dr A
Pickens, SC 29671
Phone (864) 878-4366.
From east end of West Gate Road and Hwy 11 intersection, Aunt Sues is 2.1 miles east on Hwy 11. This is a fun area with several local specialty shops, such as Aunt Sue’s Mercantile House, The Glass House, The Wood House or Aunt Sue’s Old House!
Come join us!
Trip leader Rita