Table Rock State Park
158 E Ellison LN | Pickens, SC 29671 | Phone: 864-878-9813 | Fax: 864-878-9077 | tablerock@scprt.com

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Table Rock State Park FAQ


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Table Rock State Park

How long does it take to hike to the top of Table Rock Mountain and back?

The average hiker can do the complete hike in 5 hours time. – three hours up and two hours back down.

Where do we hike to get a view?

The Halfway Shelter 1.5 miles up the Table Rock Trail – South to South Westerly view
Governors’ Rock – 2.6 miles up the Table Rock Trail – Westerly View
Table Rock Face – 3.5 miles up the Table Rock Trail – South East to South – to South Westerly view
Watershed Overlook – 3.6 miles up the Table Rock Trail – at the end of the trail – North – to North East – to Easterly view
Bald Rock – 3.6 miles up the Pinnacle Mountain Trail

Can we camp overnight on the trails?

Overnight camping is not permitted on the Table Rock State Park Trail System.  The Pinnacle Mountain Trail is the eastern access to the Foothills Trail.  Camping is permitted on the Foothills Trail once you leave the park’s boundary 4.1 miles up the Pinnacle Mountain Trail.  Table Rock State Park has six Trailside campsites on Lake Oolenoy and is located close to the Park Headquarters.

Where can we see waterfalls in the park?

Table Rock State Park has three waterfalls which are accessible to the public:
Carrick Creek Waterfalls – 300 feet behind the Table Rock Nature Center on the Carrick Creek Trail
Mill Creek Waterfalls – 2.9 miles up the Pinnacle Mountain Trail
Green Creek Waterfalls – just past the ¼ mile marker on the right hand side of Carrick Creek Trail

How did Table Rock get its name?

Cherokee Indian Legend states that a Cherokee Chieftain named the Table Rock Watershed “Sah-ka-na-ga”.  When he finished hunting, he would stop here and use the Table Rock mountain as his dining table while sitting on Stool Mountain to dine on his venison.

Where can we rock climb?

The only climbing activities permitted at Table Rock State Park is on the south eastern face of the Table Rock Mountain.  This very extreme route is for experienced climbers only and is available September 1 through December 31 each year.  Permits are available at the Park Headquarters during this climbing season.

Are there charcoal grills at the tables in the park?

The only charcoal grills available in our picnic area are located at our rental picnic shelters.  Visitors may bring their own grills but we ask that they remove the used charcoal ashes when they leave.

Where is the best place to view the mountain?

The Park Headquarters/Visitor Center – you may sit on the porch at this facility and view the entire watershed from Pinnacle Mountain to Stool Mountain.  If you cannot visit us, please view this watershed by clicking on the webcam icon on this web page and you can see the watershed as long as you have computer accessibility.
Pinnacle Dam, located above our East Gate Entrance
Table Rock Overlook located on the State Park Road above the Table Rock Nature Center.  This is the closest view of the mountain that you can get from your car.

At Table Rock State Park where can we swim?

Table Rock State Park has a designated swimming area which is open to the public at a nominal charge in our Day Use Area on Lake Pinnacle.  This Swimming Area is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 11am until 5pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day as long as we have lifeguards and weather permitting. Seasonal hours may change – please call Park Headquarters to be sure.

At Table Rock State Park, where can you fish?

Fishing is permitted on Lake Pinnacle and Lake Oolenoy.  A South Carolina Fishing License is required.  There are two fishing piers available on Lake Oolenoy for fishing.  You may fish from the bank anywhere on Lake Pinnacle except in the Swimming Area or use one of the park’s rental seasonal fishing  boats for better accessibility.  Please call Park Headquarters for more information.

What are check in and check out times for cabins and villas?

Check in time for cabins and villas is 4pm and check out time is 10am at all parks except for Hickory Knob.  Please contact the individual parks for late arrival instructions.

What are check in and check out times for camping?

Check in time for camping is 2pm and check out time is 12pm for all parks.  Please contact the park for late arrival instructions.

How can I provide my comments and feedback on my recent visit to a state park?

Comments and feedback can be submitted via our online survey.  Click here to access and complete the survey.

Does the park service have a comprehensive guide with information on all 47 state parks?

To access our online, interactive Official Guide to South Carolina's State Parks, please click this link.

General

How do I make a reservation at a state park?

Reservations at state parks may be made up to 11 months in advance. There are three convenient ways to make reservations at South Carolina State Parks:

Call toll free 1-866-345-PARK (7275)
Online at SouthCarolinaParks.com or click here to reserve
At the park of your choice, by calling the park directly

Reservations for group camps or primitive camping must still be made through the state parks.

Camping Reservations: Reservations requested less than one (1) day in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park. For example: If today is Friday and you are making a reservation checking in on today, Friday, you must make the reservation by contacting the park directly. Campsite reservations require payment in full at the time the reservation is made.

Cabin Reservations & Day Use Facilities: Reservations requested LESS THAN three (3) days in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park. For example: If today is Wednesday and you are making a reservation for the upcoming Friday, you must make the reservation by contacting the park directly.

How far in advance may I make a reservation?

Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance. For example: If you would like to check in on November 1, 2012 you can call or go online to make reservations on December 1, 2011.

What is the cancellation policy for park reservations?

Fees assessed to reservation cancellations or changes are based on the amount of notice given in advance of the arrival date.  Transaction fees are not refundable.  Below is more detailed information:

CANCELLATION POLICY:
 
LODGING
CAMPING
DAY-USE
Notice Given
Fee / Penalty
Notice Given
Fee / Penalty
Notice Given
Fee / Penalty
30+ Days
$10 Handling Fee
15+ Days
$10 Handling Fee
15+ Days
No Charge
15-29 Days
1 night charge
4-14 Days
1 night charge
4-14 Days
$10 Handling Fee
0-14 Days
Entire deposit
0-3 Days
Entire deposit
0-3 Days
Entire deposit
 
TRANSFER / CHANGE POLICY *:
 
LODGING
CAMPING
DAY-USE
Notice Given
Fee / Penalty
Notice Given
Fee / Penalty
Notice Given
Fee / Penalty
30+ Days
No Charge
15+ Days
No Charge
15+ Days
No Charge
15-29 Days
$10 Handling Fee
4-14 Days
$10 Handling Fee
4-14 Days
$10 Handling Fee
0-14 Days
Cancellation Required
0-3 Days
Cancellation Required
0-3 Days
Cancellation Required
 
* Changes that result in additional nights reserved will not incur handling fees or penalties, but will be subject to non-refundable transaction fees for the additional nights.
 
EARLY DEPARTURE POLICY: Cancellation Policy applies in conjunction with Fee Policy for Emergency Waivers.

Are pets allowed in state parks?

Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife. Pets are not allowed in or around cabins, cabin areas or other lodging facilities.

Which parks offer free wi-fi internet service?

The following parks offer free wifi in some capacity on the park: Caesars Head State Park, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, Devils Fork State Park, Dreher Island State Park, Edisto Beach State Park, Hickory Knob State Resort Park, Hunting Island State Park,  Lake Greenwood State Park, Myrtle Beach State Park, Oconee State Park, Paris Mountain State Park, Poinsett State Park, Santee State Park, Table Rock State Park and Lake Hartwell State Park.  For more detailed information, please contact the park you are interested in visiting, directly.

What is the discount policy for senior citizens, blind and disabled citizens?

South Carolina residents who are at least 65 years of age, legally blind or disabled, qualify for certain rate reductions. Proof of age or disability is required.  These qualifying residents receive 35% off admission fees, camping, picnic shelters, golf greens fees and fishing pier admission. In order to receive the camping discount, qualifying individuals MUST occupy the site reserved.  Also these qualifying residents may purchase a Palmetto Passport for $37.50 (50% off) for admission to all state parks for the period of one year.  There are NO rate reductions for lodging, building or meeting facility rentals, leased facilities, resale items or equipment rentals.

Do out-of-state senior citizens, blind or disabled citizens receive any discounts?

The same rate reductions as listed in the question above are extended to out-of-state U.S. residents only at the following parks: Baker Creek, Calhoun Falls, Hamilton Branch, Hickory Knob, Lake Hartwell and Sadlers Creek, EXCEPT for the Palmetto Passport discount.

What are your metal detection guidelines for State Parks and State Park properties?

Click here for a printable version of our guidelines concerning metal detector use on state parks and state park properties.

What are your geocaching guidlelines for state parks and state park properties?

Click here for a printable version of our guidelines concerning geocaching on state parks and state park properties.

How can I get printed information on state park camping and lodging?

For detailed information on all state park camping and lodging facilities, you may download our comprehensive information sheet.  You can also find a printable park map and brochure for each park on our maps and brochures page.

Where can I find information about State Park employment, internships, etc?

Detailed information on employment with the South Carolina State Park Service and other areas within SCPRT may be found by clicking here or  visiting our agency website.

What is the minimum age required to reserve/occupy a campsite?

To reserve and/or occupy a campsite, a member of the party must be least 18 years of age and present at the time of check in. They must also be present on the site with the camping equipment.

Are alcoholic beverages allowed on park property?

It is unlawful for any person to consume or display in public any beverage of alcoholic content, including beer and wine, except where specifically authorized by the Department.

Are golf carts permitted on state parks?

For information regarding the use of a personal golf cart, please contact the individual park that you plan to visit.

What are check in and check out times for cabins and villas?

Check in time for cabins and villas is 4pm and check out time is 10am at all parks except for Hickory Knob.  Please contact the individual parks for late arrival instructions.

What are check in and check out times for camping?

Check in time for camping is 2pm and check out time is 12pm for all parks.  Please contact the park for late arrival instructions.

How can I provide my comments and feedback on my recent visit to a state park?

Comments and feedback can be submitted via our online survey.  Click here to access and complete the survey.

Does the park service have a comprehensive guide with information on all 47 state parks?

To access our online, interactive Official Guide to South Carolina's State Parks, please click this link.