Ready for a FREE adventure? Head to the summit of South Carolina’s Sassafras Mountain where an observation tower awaits. From the tower, you’ll be able to see across the mountains of North Carolina, Georgia, and even into Tennessee. local mom, Liene, has all the details so you can plan this fun, FREE, adventure with your family!
Sassafras Mountain: elevation 3,553’. It’s the highest point in the state of South Carolina and a spot to keep in mind as you’re planning summer adventures! The peak straddles not only the line between North and South Carolina but the Eastern Continental Divide; from its summit, four states are visible on a clear day. Still, this scenic viewpoint is one of the most easily accessed “highest points” in the US, perfect for a family day trip from Greenville.
Sassafras Mountain’s Observation Tower
It wasn’t always accessible. Although long the site of a fire lookout tower, it was only in the 1990s that the SC DNR acquired the acreage of what is now known as the Jocassee Gorges. At that time the last 4.5 miles of road to the summit were paved, a parking lot was installed, and in 2010, three acres of trees were cleared from the summit, revealing the views that can be seen today.
The breakthrough came when the viewing plaza at the top of Sassafras Mountain was completed, including picnic tables, several viewing platforms, a central viewing tower, multiple trails, educational signage, and restrooms. The observation tower is also ADA accessible!
Where is Sassafras Mountain?
Sassafras Mountain is just a short detour off scenic Highway 11 in Pickens County, the mountain road that travels along the base of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. It offers nice vies of the Blue Ridge Mountains as well. From Pickens, it’s 16 miles north on US 178 to Rocky Bottom, where after making a right turn (east) on F. Van Clayton Memorial Highway it’s about 5 miles to the end of the road (just short of the summit).
Plenty of parking, as well as convenient restrooms, make it an easy spot to explore with kids, and temperatures tend to be about 10˚ cooler than in Greenville, convenient on a hot summer day.
1391 F Van Clayton Memorial Hwy, Sunset, SC 29685
Hiking Trails Near Sassafras Mountain
While you can drive to the top of Sassafras Mountain and head to the observation deck without any hiking, what if you want to do some hiking? There are trailheads at the top of Sassafras Mountain where you can access the Foothills Trail. You can hike all the way to Table Rock if you desire, but it’s strenuous and not a hike for families.
You could just walk a short portion of the trail and turn around to climb back up to the observation platform for lunch with a view. Or you could just meander around the observation area and boulders to enjoy the views. But if you really want to do some hiking as a family, there are several great trails for families near Sassafras.
Twin Falls is an easy hike with a big payoff. It’s about 25 minutes away from Sassafras Mountain.
Table Rock State Park is 27 minutes away and it has several trails to choose from. Carrick Creek Trail is great for kids.
Devils Fork State Park/Lake Jocassee is 40 minutes from Sassafras. The mile-long Oconee Bell Trail there is beautiful, especially in the spring. The lake is fantastic for paddling and swimming.
Mile Creek Park is 40 minutes away and is great for swimming.
Brevard, NC is 30 minutes away and it has tons of waterfalls and trails.
Sassafras Mountain Things to Do
The views from the summit stretch to the Highlands in North Carolina, Mount Pisgah on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Chattooga Ridge near Walhalla, and to Georgia & (supposedly) Tennessee (I say supposedly because although it was easy to pick out the Georgia range, I wasn’t sure if it was the Smoky Mountains in TN we were looking at in the distance). Pack a picnic, bring binoculars, and don’t forget your camera!
About Sassafras Mountain: 3 Interesting Facts to Share With the Kids
3 Watersheds
Interesting fact, this is the separation point for three distinct watersheds: two into the Atlantic and one into the Gulf. Water draining from the east side of the mountain flows into the South Saluda, then on to the Broad River, the Congaree and then into the Santee-Cooper Lakes, ending up in the Atlantic.
From the south side of the mountain, water drains into Eastatoe Creek, running through Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell down to the Savannah River and also into the Atlantic.
Water from the north and west sides of the mountain flows into the French Broad, making its way north through Asheville and Knoxville into the Tennessee River, then the Ohio River, and finally the Mississippi (up to Cairo, IL!) before flowing back down south into the Gulf of Mexico.
2 States: North and South Carolina State Line
Although Sassafras is the tallest mountain in the state, a portion of it is actually in North Carolina. While there, check out the markers for the state line, just a short distance west on a rock outcrop. Two states for the price of one… and that price is $0, as there is no admission to the park.
1 Highest Peak in South Carolina
In a list of each state’s highest peak, Sassafras Summit ranks 29th. Neighboring North Carolina’s Mount Mitchell comes in 16th at 6,684’, and Georgia’s Brasstown Bald 25th at 4,784’. Although nearby Tennessee also has a higher peak (Clingmans Dome, 17th at 6,643’), at least we’ve got Florida beat – at 345’ Britton Hill comes in dead last, even after the District of Columbia.
However, this lower ranking shouldn’t stop you from making the 60-minute drive from Greenville this summer. The drive is scenic, the views are unbeatable, and the fresh mountain air will inspire and invigorate you to climb more peaks!
Have you visited Sassafras Mountain?
Liene
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