3 South Carolina hikes less than 2.5 hours from Charlotte
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The view of South Carolina's Table Rock Mountain from Caesars Head State Park. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
Less than two and a half hours from Charlotte are multiple hikes with waterfall, lake and mountain views in South Carolina.
Why it matters: If you're looking for a budget-friendly day trip, there's plenty to explore within a few hours of Charlotte.
State of play: For our latest installment of Ashley's Adventures, where I explore the outdoors and share how you can, too, we're exploring upstate South Carolina.
- Keep in mind South Carolina state parks do require a small fee that varies based on your destination.
- Make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen, water and food for your adventure.
Here are three options to explore upstate South Carolina for a day.
Raven Cliff Falls
This is your first stop of the day.
What to expect: Follow the red trail 2.2 miles from the start for a view of a 420-foot waterfall. The hike is described as moderate. You're mostly in the forest during your journey. There are several other trail options if you want to continue to explore.
- A paved parking lot is across US-276 from the trailhead, plus overflow parking is just down the road. There is an entrance fee: $3 per adult (ages 16 and older), $1 per child (ages 6-15) and $1.50 for South Carolina residents ages 65 and older. You can pay via cash or scan a QR code.
- Raven Cliff Falls does not include restrooms, but you can find those just up the road at Caesars Head State Park.
Stop by: Geer Highway, Cleveland, SC 29635
Caesars Head State Park
Your second stop includes restrooms and water fountains, but it does not include trash cans, so make sure you pack out your trash — yes, even that banana peel or apple core.
What to expect: Head up a few yards from the restrooms and make your way to a beautiful boardwalk. Your short journey brings you to breathtaking views of several mountains, including Table Rock and Pinnacle.
- Venture just to your right of the overlook and you'll see a sign that says "Devil's Kitchen." Follow the sign down the stairs through a narrow passage between two rocks and loop back to the parking lot or head back up the stairs to the overlook.
- There are plenty of trails to explore here or continue your journey to Table Rock State Park — your final adventure of the day. You can also start your day from Caesars Head State Park to hike to Raven Cliff Falls.
Stop by: 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635
Table Rock State Park
Travel about 25 minutes from Caesars Head State Park to the Table Rock Nature Center for your last stop of the day. Admission was $6 per person for our party of two.
- There's plenty of paved parking near Pinnacle Lake, across from the trailhead. Register at the nature center before you begin your journey.
- Your adventure will be a little over 7 miles roundtrip and it will be strenuous. There's more than 2,300 feet of elevation gain. You'll see waterfalls (Carrick Creek Falls and Green Creek Falls) at the start and end of your journey. Some of the trail will be shaded, while other parts will be completely exposed. There is a shelter about halfway up.
- Once you reach the summit around 3.2 miles in, you still have about 0.3 miles to go before you reach the view point.
Stop by: 620 Table Rock State Park Road, Pickens, SC
My thought bubble: South Carolina, I was unfamiliar with your game. Table Rock was humbling. Phone signal is spotty. Make sure you know which route you're following.
