If you are searching for natural points of interest in the State of South Carolina, look no further. Sassafras Mountain is probably one of the easiest mountain peaks your will ever achieve. You can DRIVE to the peak!!! ECD
Located in the Appalachian Mountain chain, it also sits along the Eastern Continental Divide. What’s that you ask? A continental divide determines which direction water and rivers flow. This particular divide follows the ridge of the Eastern US mountains and all precipitation that falls on the east side of the mountain flows towards the Atlantic while the western side flows towards the Gulf of Mexico. NOTE: I’m just a big enough nerd to find things like this fascinating. Most of the flow on the western side will travel over nine states and 2,000 miles. However, an unknown percentage of the water gets diverted to underground aquifers that do not necessarily flow the same flow patterns as the rivers above. SUMMIT Sassafras Mountain is considered the highest point in South Carolina @ 3,564 feet, which helps the state rank 29th amongst all the states in the category of tallest peaks. That of course is pint-sized compared to our countries tallest mountain, Mt. McKinley @ 20,320 feet. It’s neighboring sister state of North Carolina ranks 16th of all the states with a peak of 6,684 feet @ Mount Mitchell, just a mere 70 miles away(as the crow flies). Once you reach the parking area, the overlook deck is less than a 300 foot stroll. We came in late October, so the view was absolutely spectacular. RENOVATIONS The Sassafras Mountain Improvement Project officially got underway Monday, Sept. 17, 2012 and will eventually include an observation tower to give visitors a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains of Georgia, North Carolina and even Tennessee. *SOURCE: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources HIKING If you prefer not to drive to the summit there are several trail options. You can take a short hike through the forest on the Foothills trail from Chimneytop Gap to the summit for a round trip hike of approximately 4.7 miles. You can also take Highway 11 to Table Rock State Park and take a long hike on the Pinnacle Mountain/Foothills Trails(about 9 miles one way). Always remember to bring sufficient water, food and ALWAYS backpack out your trash! Trash and food remains attract bears and other four-legged predators, so be considerate of future hikers. Enjoy! Unilocal100 [43]
