Hickorynut

Just off the trail this area was the old Hawkins homestead.  Thanks to Michael G. for the photo.

Great to be back hiking with this group.  It's been a few months since I've been able to get out.....holidays, mom, laziness, work etc. etc. etc. kept me in another zone.  It was a beautiful day with temps in the upper sixties and a light breeze - of course it's always chilly when we first get on the trail but not long into the hike the jackets start coming off. 

This trail is part of the Foothills trail and we access it from the top of Sassafras Mountain.  It's the second trail just south of the parking lot.  The signage says Foothills Trail to Table Rock.  The trail is marked with white blazes.  They (?) have cleared the summit a bit and installed a new tower so this opened up the views.  Another viewing area is the ugly modern platform they (?) built for viewing areas like Lake Keowee and Jocassee among some of the west, north, mountain ranges.  I will note next hike here who THEY are!

Photo courtesy of Michael G.

Galax - The leaves turn this color in the winter. Photo by Michael G.

The total miles we trailed today was 6.9.  We had a great view of Pinnacle Mountain about 3 miles in.  It is the tallest mountain contained entirely within the state of South Carolina.  It is within the Table Rock State Park boundaries.   We usually travel about 3.5 miles in before we turn around and head to our picnic spot at John Cantrell old homestead.