Stool Mountain Trail and the Lakeside Trail - Table Rock State Park

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Stool Mountain Trail and the Lakeside Trail - Table Rock State Park

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Table Rock State Park,

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, May 30 2026 7:30 am >> Sat, May 30 2026 7:30 pm

Registration Opens:

Tue, May 12 2026 7:25 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, May 29 2026 7:25 pm

Event Duration:

12 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)

Distance:

7.5 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Aaron

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You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

2 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Join me for two totally different hikes in the Table Rock Mountain state park.

The Pinnacle Lake Loop offers a scenic, family‑friendly walk with a touch of history and great views of the mountain. Originally started by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and completed in 2011, this loop circles the lake with gentle terrain and plenty to explore.

The east side of the loop begins near the boathouse and follows a 0.75‑mile path past an old stone boat landing, the historic Lodge, and the CCC‑built dam and spillway. A small parking area near the dam provides an optional access point. From there, the trail drops below the spillway to a bridge crossing the creek.

The newer west side of the loop is a mostly level 0.8‑mile stretch leading to the parking area near the picnic shelters. A short 0.3‑mile walk between the shelters and the boathouse—passing the main day‑use area and swimming beach—completes the full circuit.

The Stool Mountain Trail offers a demanding—and deeply rewarding—backcountry adventure. This strenuous route climbs more than 1,500 feet as it winds through lush stream valleys, rugged boulder fields, and dramatic rock overhangs on the way to the 2,615‑foot summit of Stool Mountain.

Along the ascent, hikers are treated to striking, ever‑changing views of the main face of Table Rock Mountain. Once you reach the top, the landscape opens into a sweeping panorama of the Table Rock Reservoir, a perfect payoff for the effort it takes to get there.

The trail stretches approximately 2.7 miles one way, making the full out‑and‑back journey about 5.4 miles. Your hike begins at the Table Rock Nature Center, where the route branches off from the Carrick Creek Trail. From there, blue‑over‑white blazes guide you all the way to the summit and safely back down.

A challenging climb, unforgettable scenery, and a summit view that feels well earned—this trail delivers a classic mountain trek for those ready to take it on.

Required Items to Bring:

Plenty of water
Sunscreen
Lunch (for on top of the mountain) and snacks
Poncho or rain gear (just in case)

It is $5.00 per person to get into the Park. Please bring $5 cash + money for the carpool

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Trekking Poles or a good hiking stick

Camera

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

From the Indian Trail Park and Ride: Start out going north on I-85 N / GA-403 N. Keep left to take I-85 N / GA-403 N toward Greenville. Keep right to take I-85 N toward Greenville (Crossing into South Carolina). Take the SC- 11 exit, EXIT 1, toward Walhalla / Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway / Westminster. Turn left onto S Highway 11 / SC-11. Continue to follow SC-11. Turn left onto Table Rock State Park Rd.

Table Rock State Park, 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens SC 29671

Notes:

It is $5.00 per person to get into the Park.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.

Registration for this event opens at 5/12/2026 7:25:00 PM