With 47 state parks in South Carolina featuring the best of the mountains, the coast, and everything in between, it’s nearly impossible for a resident of the Palmetto State to narrow down the list to just one favorite state park. But that’s precisely what Condé Nast Traveler did a few months ago when it published a list of the best state parks in the U.S. – one for every state.
Pointing out the massive crowds that fill the national parks and the high cost of admission, Condé Nast Traveler designated a state park in every state as the cream of the crop, where crowds are small and the cost of admission is affordable. And in South Carolina, we have to agree that their choice, Table Rock, is a can't miss gem.
At the focal point of this state park is an enormous intrusive igneous rock that formed millions and millions of years ago when magma was trapped inside the earth where it cooled very, very slowly over time - and then solidified. Next, the rock was pushed up during a shift known as plate tectonics.
Today, it reigns over the landscape in Upstate South Carolina and can be seen for miles and miles away.
At the 32-acre Lake Pinnacle visitors can swim (in season) or rent kayaks, canoes, or pedal boats.
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Miles and miles of hiking trails cover a variety of terrain from mostly flat trails that circle the lakes, to hikes that require some more dedicated climbing power.
The 6.9-mile trail is a must for avid hikers who are eager to get a look at the wonderful views from the top of the rock. Prepare to share the trail, as this one is heavily traveled, but so worth the effort of occasionally stepping aside to let traffic traveling in the opposite direction pass.
And if you'd like to turn your day trip into an overnight trip (or longer), the park has 14 renovated cabins you can rent — keep in mind that you'll usually need to plan really far in advance to snag a cabin reservation.
The cabins feature one, two, or three bedrooms. You can see each cabin at this link, or check a date for a reservation here. There is usually a two-night minimum to make a reservation.
Prefer to camp? This state park features 94 camp sites for tents and RVs. All of these sites have electric and water.
An additional six walk-in primitive tent sites are located near the Visitor Center. Make a reservation for any of the campsites by visiting this link.
It's easy to see why Condé Nast Traveler selected Table Rock as the best state park in South Carolina! It's easy to hunker down, set up camp, and feel like you never have to leave the park for outside activities... there's so much to see and do here.
But if you do want to leave, you're right in the throes of so many nearby attractions including wineries, the beautiful Pretty Place Chapel, waterfalls galore, and so much more!
When was the last time you explored Table Rock State Park? The park is open year-round with hours that vary by season. Check the hours of operation and view the park entry fees by visiting the official website for South Carolina State Parks.
Condé Nast Traveler isn’t the only publication showing some love to the Palmetto State’s state parks this year. Take a peek at which state park Travel & Leisure recently selected as the best state park in South Carolina! Like we said… if you live here, it’s nearly impossible to pick just one!
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