Five-Star Trails: South Carolina Upstate: Your Guide to the Area's Most Beautiful Hikes

by Sherry Jackson

Lace Up, Grab Your Pack, and Hit the Trail in the South Carolina Upcountry! Outdoor activities in the South Carolina Upcountry abound, and there are a good variety of trails for hikers of all levels. From waterfalls to amazing mountain views, each trail offers hikers an incredible experience. Because the Upcountry is relatively undiscovered, there are very few books that have a true compilation of hikes in the area. In Five-Star South Carolina Upstate, author Sherry Jackson brings together those hiking trails that offer a five-star experience.

Each trail has been thoroughly researched, recently hiked, and includes a detailed description, trail profiles, and map. At-a-glance ratings in important categories such as scenery, trail condition, difficulty, solitude, and appropriateness for children let you quickly select a trail that fits your tastes and ability. Other useful information such as fees, restrictions for dogs on the trail, and advice on when to visit helps you plan your trip with ease.

Five-Star South Carolina Upstate provides directions and commentary for each trail on what to expect along the way, making it more than just an average guidebook.

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I skimmed this, looking for interesting hikes. For each hike, it includes summary info including GPS coordinates, a trail map, an elevation graph, and a description. It was a bonus that the book also points out parks that allow camping.

Recommended Hikes
Best for Fall Color
Chau Ram County Park
Nine Times Preserve
Falls Creek Falls Trail
Paris Mountain: Brissy Ridge Trail

Best for Kids
Oconee Station: Interpretive Nature Trail & Station Cove Trail
Swamp Rabbit Trail
Croft State Park Nature Trail

Best for Nature
Oconee State Park: Old Waterwheel Trail
Eastatoe Heritage Preserve Trail
Table Rock State Park: Carrick Creek Trail
Jones Gap State Park Falls Trail (in Jones Gap National Recreation Trail)
Lake Conestee Nature Park: Heron Trail

Best for Scenery
Devils Fork State Park: Bear Cove Trail
Keowee-Toxaway State Park: Raven Rock Trail
Table Rock State Park: National Recreation Trail
Caesars Head State Park: Raven Cliff Falls

Best for Seclusion
Blue Ridge Railroad Trail
Wildcat Branch Falls Trail

Best for Waterfalls
Bad Creek: Lower Whitewater Falls
Winding Stairs Trail (Sumter National Forest)
Yellow Branch Falls
Cedar Falls Park Trail
Jones Gap State Park: Rainbow Falls Trail

Notes
Wear silk, wool, or synthetics for all clothes.

Bears: remain calm, don't run. Make loud noises and back away slowly.
Snakes: wear over-ankle boots and long pants. Don't put hands or feet out of visible range. Don't wander in dark. Step onto logs and rocks, never over.

Carrick Creek Trail cool even in summer.

Waterfall along Rainbow Falls Trail in Jones Gap State Park is best in SC.

Camping available
Chau Ram County Park
Devils Fork State Park
Oconee State Park (a "camper's paradise" with tent sites and cabins)
Winding Stairs Trail in Sumter National Forest (primitive available)
Keowee-Toxaway State Park
Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area (trailside)
Jones Gap State Park (walk-in available)
Paris Mountain
King's Mountain State Park