Table Rock State Park, South Carolina

Table Rock State Park located in Pickens, South Carolina was one of the most beautiful parks we have ever camped in. The views throughout the park were breathtaking. This was such a great escape from the madness of the world.

I thought long and hard about going on this trip with my family. I did not want to contribute to the spread of COVID-19 or expose my family. We planned our trip carefully to limit contact with others. So with trepidation last week we loaded up the camper and brought our Lysol as ventured to the mountains of South Carolina.

Camping is the ultimate social distancing activity. We kept to our campsite at night and had very limited interactions with fellow campers. Thankfully the campsites at this park were spacious and allowed ample room for the boys to play without coming into contact with other campers.

Everyone at this campground took COVID-19 seriously and kept their distance, but maintained a happy smile and a friendly wave. That is the few campers that were at this park. I encountered more people at Publix trying to find TP than at Table Rock.

Check the South Carolina State Park website on updates relating to COVID-19. At the time we went the parks were open to visitors, following the social distancing policy. This is also a great resource to plan a trip to a South Carolina State Park when the virus is gone and things return to normal.

Hiking

The hiking at Table Rock State Park is not for the faint of heart. The Carrick Creek Trail is marked easy/moderate, which it is. The Pinnacle Mountain Trail that connects to it about killed me. This is a challenging trail for those not use to hiking in the mountains and is rated strenuous.

The waterfalls on the Carrick Creek trail were amazing.

This was such a pretty trail to hike with the bridges and walkways.

You can finish the Carrick Trail as it loops around or continue on the Pinnacle Trail, which is what we choose to do. We wanted to hike up to view another waterfall following the Pinnacle Trail to the Mill Creek Falls Trail and then retrace our steps back down.

We did just that, but it was difficult! Hiking up a mountain 3 miles is so different than hiking 3 miles in my neighborhood in Florida. Hiking 3 miles down the mountain, while a bit easier was still challenging. Our plan to hike Table Rock Trail the next day was scrapped as we recovered from this hike.

But it was so worth it! The views were amazing.

Another great trail to check out is the CCC Lakeside Trail. This hike is considered easy and has great views of the lake. We only did a bit of this trail when we arrived. We spent a great deal of time watching my oldest son try to retrieve his phone that fell into the lake. He is learning a whole new type of social distancing.

Pet Policy

Pets are allowed at Table Rock State Park following a few rules.  They are not allowed in or around the rental cabins nor are they allowed in the beach swim area.  They must also be on a leash at all times.

Get Outdoors

We are home now and reflecting on our trip to South Carolina. It was fantastic to get away for a bit. WIFI on the mountains was spotty at best, so we missed a lot of what was going on in the world. It was actually nice to bury our heads in the sand and forget for a brief few days the craziness going on, especially in Florida.

We are now practicing our self isolation at home, or as my oldest calls it, house arrest. It’s hard for them not being able to see their friends and interact with them.

Home schooling starts soon. That’ll be another first for us.

Don’t forget to take time to reassure your kids and get them outside for a bit. Even if it’s like us, a brief walk around the neighborhood. Fresh air does everyone good and eases the tension.

Keep safe, wash your hands and practice social distancing!