10 Stunning Mountains In South Carolina
The Blue Ridge Mountains aren’t the only mountain chain in South Carolina but they are the most prominent. Some of the best mountains to hike in South Carolina are:
Hogback Mountain
Located in: Blue Ridge Mountain Escarpment Height: 3,212 Nearby City: Spartansburg Known For: Hogback Mountain is one of the best places in South Carolina for birders. While everyone can enjoy a relatively easy hike up the forested Hogback Mountain birders will be especially thrilled with the many varieties of birds that call this mountain home. The north side of the mountain has very dense hemlock forests and mountain streams that drop to the North Saluda River below. The south side is more sheer rock with less vegetation. Most of the bird sightings happen on the trails on the north side of the mountain that lead to the summit. When you’re hiking Hogback Mountain you may see Barred Owls, Black-throated Blue Warblers, Black-throated Green Warblers, Hooded Warblers, Ovenbirds, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Red-breasted Nuthatches along with other kinds of wildlife. If you take the Twin Ponds Trail to Big Woods Trail you can see beavers and water fowl at the ponds.
Paris Mountain
Located in: Paris Mountain State Park Height: 2,067 Nearby City: Greenville Known For: Paris Mountain State Park is a fantastic getaway that’s conveniently close to city amenities in Greenville. There is plenty of hiking, biking, camping, hunting, and horseback riding to be found in the park. But there are also a range of trails that you can use to hike to the top of Paris Mountain depending on your comfort and ability as a hiker. The hike to the summit is a moderate hike because of the rapid incline but there are some trails that are designated for beginner hikers that will have less of a dramatic rise. New hikers or people that want a nice easy walk can take the Lake Placid Trail. You can pick up this trail right at the picnic pavilion in the park at the base of the mountain and it’s just under a mile of easy walking. It circles the lake and brings you right back to the picnic pavilion. More experienced hikers may want to take on the Brissey Ridge Trail. This trail is just 2.5 miles in a loop but it’s considered a moderate to advance hike because of the terrain. There are several steep slopes early on in the trail. But you can access this trail easily from the parking lot and you can follow the yellow blazes to stay on it. And expert hikers can tackle the Sulphur Springs Trail. The Sulphur Springs trail has steep inclines through dense forest. But if you stick it out and follow the white blazes to get to the end of this three and half mile trail you’ll be rewarded with stunning mountain views and fields of wild flowers.
Corbin Mountain
Located in: Saluda Mountains Height: 3,068 Nearby City: Chestnut Springs Known For: Corbin Mountain is part of the Saluda Mountains, which are part of the greater Blue Ridge Mountains that traverse South Carolina. This mountain sits near the border of South Carolina and North Carolina. It’s one of the taller mountains in South Carolina but it’s not as popular as some of the other mountains in South Carolina for hiking because of the dense forest. There are some trails that you can hike to the summit of Corbin Mountain but they are best suited for advance hikers. Hikers who don’t have a lot of experience usually do better hiking mountains like Paris Mountain with have very easy trails for beginners and lots of comforts and amenities nearby.
Browns Mountain
Located in: Kings Mountain National Military Park Height: 1,962 Nearby City: Greenville Known For: Browns Mountain isn’t really a mountain, but it is a raised point that the people in the area identify as a landmark. It’s also still a good place to hike even though it may not have the lofty summit that a mountain like Sassafras Mountain has. Kings Mountain is the last peak in a series of peaks that can collectively be called a mountain. You can hike this mountain by taking the Kings Loop Trail that winds around the entire mass. Even though there are some hills this hike is appropriate for most hikers. There are lots of snakes in the area during the spring and summer so if you’re hiking during the spring and summer months always keep a close eye on the ground in front of you and next to you as you hike.
Cedar Creek Mountain
Located in: Poe Creek State Forest Height: 1,785 Nearby City: Sunset Known For: Cedar Creek Mountain is pretty small for a mountain with an elevation under 2000 feet. However, it’s still a challenging hike because of the hard soil, dense trees, and the punishing heat of South Carolina. The best trail to use if you want to tackle Cedar Creek Mountain is the Buzzards Roost North Trail that you can pick up in Poe Creek State Forest. The Buzzards Roost North Trail is challenging four miles out and back trail that will take you to the top of Cedar Creek Mountain. It will also take you through a lovely stretch of Poe Creek State Forest if you stick with it. But remember that there are not many clean water sources nearby and it can be extremely hot and humid in South Carolina in the spring and summer. Make sure that you bring plenty of water and dress appropriately for the weather. Don’t be afraid to stop and take breaks if you’re not used to that kind of heat and humidity.
Sassafras Mountain
Located in: The border of South Carolina and North Carolina Height: 3,566 Nearby City: Rosman, NC Known For: Sassafras Mountain sits right on the border between North Carolina and South Carolina although the summit is in South Carolina. You can stand at the summit of Sassafras Mountain and put a hand or a foot in both South Carolina and North Carolina. It’s the tallest point in South Carolina. Sassafras Mountain is one of the few mountains that has a handicap accessible summit. There is a paved road that goes almost all the way to the summit, and the last 600 feet from the parking lot to the brand new observatory tower on the summit is steep but there are no stairs it’s all paved walkway. Sassafras Mountain will give you stunning 360 degree views of the gorgeous Blue Ridge Blue Mountains. But if you prefer to hike and drive to the summit you can do that too. There are several trails starting at various points at the bottom of the mountain that you can use to hike to the summit. Once you get to the top you can also find the trailhead for the Foothills Trail. The Foothills Trail is a 77 mile trail that travels between two beautiful state parks: Table Rock Park and Oconee.
Bryant Mountain
Located in: Greenville Watershed Height: 3,051 Nearby City: Sunset Known For: Like many of the South Carolina mountains in this area the hiking can be a little difficult and isn’t the best choice for beginners. But moderate to experienced hikers will enjoy the hiking that Bryant Mountain has to offer. Depending on the time of the year that you are there you may see lots of wildlife including deer, rabbits, and other animals. There are also many bird species that call Bryant Mountain home. If you are hiking during the spring and summer watch out for mosquitoes and snakes, including some venomous rattlesnakes that live in the forests on the mountain.
Pinnacle Mountain
Located in: Table Rock Mountain State Park Height: 3,422 Nearby City: Greenville Known For: Sassafras Mountain may be the tallest mountain in SC, but Pinnacle Mountain is the tallest mountain in South Carolina that lies totally within the state of SC. Part of Sassafras Mountain lies in North Carolina. Pinnacle Mountain is made up of sheer granite and the typical dense hardwood forests that can be found across the Appalachian Mountain chain running through most of the South. New or beginner hikers can get to the summit of Pinnacle Mountain using the Table Rock Trail. The Table Rock Trail is a gentler trail that doesn’t have any steep inclines or quick climbs. More experienced hikers who want a challenge can try the Pinnacle Mountain Trail. The Pinnacle Mountain Trail is a tough one so only experienced hikers who are in pretty good shape should attempt this trail. If you’re going to try the Pinnacle Mountain Trail bring lots of water with you because there are no water sources on the trail and you will need at least several liters of water on this trail. If you’re not from SC and you’re not used to the humidity in SC take frequent rest breaks when you’re hiking until you’re acclimated to the heat and humidity of South Carolina.
Rocky Bald Mountain
Located in: Poe Creek State Forest Height: 1,873 Nearby City: Sunset Known For: Rocky Bald Mountain is another mountain that isn’t really a mountain. But it is a raised land mass that is great for hiking and biking. It’s located in the Poe Creek State Forest. It sits near Cedar Creek Mountain. You can hike on both mountains using trails that were created for both cyclists and hikers. The trails are a little difficult so it’s recommended that only experienced hikers take on these trails. And no matter what your hiking skill level is always bring plenty of water. You also should be ready for extreme heat and humidity if you’re hiking anytime between May and December.
Rich Mountain
Located in: Blue Ridge Mountain Escarpment Height: 2,539 Nearby City: Spartanburg Known For: Rich Mountain is a moderately sized mountain, It sits near Hogsback Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain Escarpment area. If you want to see a huge range of wildlife Rich Mountain is another great option. When you’re hiking you can see many types of birds as well as other wildlife. It’s slightly lower than Hogsback Mountain and some of the trails are gentle. So, if you’re looking for an easy hike or you just want to go for a walk and see some birds and wildlife Rich Mountain is a great choice.
10 Tallest Mountains In South Carolina
Sassafras MountainPinnacle MountainColdbranch MountainFork MountainHogback MountainTable RockRich MountainWalnut MountainBig Stakey MountainLaurel Fork Mountain
Highest Point In South Carolina
Sassafras Mountain -3,566 feet
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Browns Mountain isn’t really a mountain, but it is a raised point that the people in the area identify as a landmark. What is unique about Pinnacle Mountain? Sassafras Mountain may be the tallest mountain in SC, but Pinnacle Mountain is the tallest mountain in South Carolina that lies totally within the state of SC.
