Table Rock State Park in Pickens boasts several trails of varying difficulty. Whether an avid hiker complete with backpacking gear and specialty clothes or a novice armed with nothing but a water bottle and an old pair of tennis shoes, Table Rock has a great trail to meet your needs. This park is set apart from the rest due to its user-friendly welcome center with a knowledgeable and friendly staff. They will recommend a trail based upon an individual’s experience and goals in relation to the trail difficulty and length. In addition, the welcome center is equipped with a large and detailed 3D replica of the park and its trail, allowing the hiker to visualize turns, landmarks and distances before actually entering the trail. This process removes the guesswork that usually accompanies hiking.
After choosing a trail, whether it’s the strenuous Rock NRT Trail or the more leisurely Mill Creek Pass, each one has its share of native plant and animal life along with spectacular views of the local area. Most of the trails also include a waterfall or two. Whatever you desire to see or accomplish on your hike, Table Rock not only has a trail to do it, but a wonderful staff to assist you in finding it. For directions, visit their Web site at www.southcarolinaparks.com or call (864) 878 – 9813.
Put the pedal to the metal
Located only a few miles from Clemson, Issaqueena Forrest is a great place to try your hand at mountain biking or to improve your skills. With over 40 miles of connected trail, you can easily find a path that meets your experience level. One of the most popular paths is the Lake Front Trail because it’s fantastic for beginners. The path offers beautiful views of the lake with only a few technical sections — which are still manageable for novice riders. For those who are more experienced, there are more than 7.8 miles of fast singletrack and plenty of sections to improve technique including downhills and rocky terrain all without sacrificing beautiful views. For a complete map of the Isssaqueena Forrest, visit Sunshine Bicycles of Clemson (www.sunshinebikes-clemson.com, phone (864) 654 – 2429), located in downtown Clemson.
Water-soaked adrenaline rush
The Chattooga River in upstate South Carolina appeals to water junkies everywhere as it provides both relaxation and challenges with its rapids ranging from class one to four. Used as the locale for the film “Deliverance,” the river provides a range of difficulty that allows both beginners and experts to have a great ride. The West Fork section begins where Big, Holcomb, and Overflow creeks converge and provides seven miles of calm water creating a relaxing atmosphere for an afternoon kayaking adventure. In comparison, the last seven miles of the Chattooga are a combination of class three and four rapids and one stretch of class six. This section is a challenging but adrenaline-packed stretch for the experienced offering seven-foot drops, house-sized boulders and intense rapids. The areas in between West Fork and the end of the Chattooga include class two and three rapids that provide a thrill for any beginner to moderate rafter.
If attempting to navigate the river alone proves to be too much of a risk, Wildwater Limited in Long Creek can solve this problem. Wildwater provides several guided rafting trips that range in difficulty and can help you get a feel for the river before attempting it on your own. For driving directions and reservations go to www.wildwaterrafting.com or call (800) 451-9972.
