Sassafras Mt. to Drawbar Cliffs with a Search for the Petroglyphs

Drawbar Cliffs is a rocky overlook located along the Foothills Trail about halfway between the Table Rock State Park Trailhead and the Sassafras Mountain parking area. This 11 mile hike features a few fun stops along the way, including a peek at a hidden waterfall, a search for the elusive petroglyphs, and a climb on GIANT boulders. 

We will begin the hike near the top of Sassafras Mt, which is the highest peak in the State of South Carolina (3,553 ft). We will make a quick stop at the overlook on top of Sassafras Mtn (pictured above). Four states can be viewed from here: Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. From there,  we will begin hiking along the Foothills Trail towards Drawbar Cliffs.

The Foothills Trail is a well laid out and maintained 77 mile scenic trail which stretches from Table Rock State Park to Oconee State park. We will be hiking a 5.5 mile section between Sassafras Mtn and Drawbar Cliffs. This is a very pretty rolling trail with lots of ascents & descents. The trail passes an old home site, through rhododendron tunnels, over small streams, and through lush forest.

About 4.5 miles from Sassafras Mountain, there is a big boulder field where we can spend some time climbing and exploring. After leaving the boulder field, we will continue climbing to reach the overlook at the top of Drawbar Cliffs, where we'll have lunch and enjoy the view. If we are lucky, we may see some trees starting to show their fall colors. 

After lunch we can search for the petroglyphs located below the cliffs. Depending on the overgrowth, these can be a little tricky to find. When I hiked in this area earlier this year, we followed a trail where there had been a recent wildfire. If the petroglyphs are in a burn area, they may be a little easier to find. Be prepared, and flexible, for the possibility of a little bit of off-trail hiking - less than 1/2 mi.

After a search for the petroglyphs, we can sneak a precarious view of a waterfall tumbling  over the mountain rock faces. Then we will head back the way we came.

The hike will be 11 miles long and have 2,600 - 2,700 feet of ascent. This puts it at the low end of the D5 range, so it should be suitable for anyone who has recent D4+ hiking experience.

Your TL plans to stop for BBQ on the way back. If you do not wish to stop, make sure you state your plans at the carpool, so that you can ride/drive with someone else who is not stopping. If no one else is heading straight back, then you will have to take your own vehicle.

To be given at carpool