Most native South Carolinians know of the legend behind Table Rock that involves Native Americans believing the rock was a table for the Gods; the lower side of the summit was the table’s chair. But did you know Table Rock State Park is home to ancient rock carvings, called petroglyphs?

If this is news to you, then don't feel bad.
Flickr/Dzmitry (Dima) Parul
Ancient carvings are the last thing on the mind of visitors when stopping to admire the state's most recognizable landmark.
Furthermore, most people, upon reaching the summit, are more interested in the long-range views to notice anything that may be right under their own feet.
Flickr/Dzmitry (Dima) Parul
Do you see the two deep circles in the rock just to the left of the man's feet in the photo above? These may be some of the primitive carvings found within the park.
According to experts, at least 600 of the ancient rock art carvings can be found within Table Rock State Park.
youtube/expeditionspatrick
Many of them are found on what's considered to be an early footpath over Pinnacle Mountain.

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Today's "Foothills Trail" follows a part of that primitive route.
alltrails/Michael Laico
Can you spot any petroglyphs in the photo above?
Let's take a closer look:
alltrails/Michael Laico [photo enhanced]
To discover them on your hiking ventures throughout Table Rock State Park all you have to do is look down, and be able to speculate upon what you're seeing. The carvings are not marked or pointed out in any way, so you're on your own to discover them.
The top of Pinnacle Mountain is known to have the most located in one place.
youtube/expeditionspatrick
The primitive carving above, although missing one circle, looks to have been an ancient premonition of things to come in the Palmetto State. Do you recognize it?
If you want to see this particular rock that contains a large number of the carvings, you'll need to be willing to hike quite a distance. The Pinnacle Mountain trail at Table Rock State Park is 4.2 miles each way, and is considered a strenuous endeavor.
youtube/expeditionspatrick
To learn more about the petroglyphs found at Table Rock State Park, watch the short video below from youtube user expeditionspatrick.

Did you know about these primitive rock carvings found in this South Carolina State Park? Do you know of others found in South Carolina?

Table Rock State Park is located at 158 Ellison Ln., Pickens, SC 29671. Entrance in to the park costs $5 adults; $3.25 SC seniors (age 65 & older); $3 children ages 6-15; ages 5 and under are free. Park hours are Sunday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (extended to 9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday). During Daylight Savings Time, the hours are Sunday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (extended to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday). Learn more about Table Rock State Park at this link found on the official website for South Carolina State Parks.

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