From sea level to two-thirds of a mile above, South Carolina's terrain is diverse and captivating. In under four hours residents and visitors can exchange the gentle ocean breezes along the coast for views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For those seeking a scenic drive, a trip along the highest road in the Palmetto State is in order, especially since that road leads to an observation tower on top of the highest peak in the state.
For some, the peak at Sassafras Mountain is one that prompts disclaimers since the mountain, itself, is shared with North Carolina.
The state line divides the highest peak in the state, making this shared summit of little noteworthiness, until recently.
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In fact, for decades, it was little more than a patch of loose soil on the summit where a marker on a boulder distinguished the highest point in South Carolina. Several yards away, a modest wooden deck provided an overlook at ground level.
But all of that changed in 2019 when the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources opened a brand new observation tower on the summit. And now, after a short walk from the parking area, visitors can ascend the steps or take the accessible ramp up to the deck.
With 360-degree views of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, the new observation deck is quickly gaining traction among residents and visitors. And it's easy to see why!
Sassafras Mountain Tower is open seven days a week with views that often extend up to 50 miles! For visitor convenience, restrooms are located by the parking area. To learn more, visit this link on the official website of SCDNR.
While you're exploring scenic drives, take a look at 9 more scenic drives in South Carolina that have some pretty spectacular windshield views!
Glassy Mountain is located in Greenville County near the small town of Pickens and is a monadnock, which is a type of geologic feature that forms in warm, humid climates, hence, its rarity; it's found only in the Piedmont region. This unique natural wonder in South Carolina has some of the most incredible views from the top.
A monadnock is an isolated hill of bedrock standing above a lower-lying plain, left as an erosional remnant due to its more resistant rock composition. It was so named by geologists after Mount Monadnock, a solitary mass of rock measuring 3,165 feet high in Monadnock State Park in New Hampshire. Glassy Mountain has an elevation of 2,760 feet above sea level.
The Glassy Mountain name was inspired by the glassy appearance the rockface gets when small springs at the top of the mountain trickle down the bare rock.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources acquired the Glassy Mountain Heritage Preserve in 1990, which covers 65 acres. There's a 1.3-mile trail leading to the top.
It's an easy, well-marked hike that works for all ages. It takes approximately half an hour to complete, but there's also parking at the top of the mountain if you'd rather drive up.
South Carolina's landscape is so diverse that in a matter of just over three hours you can go from ocean views at sea level to heavenly views while towering over the mountainous terrain to the northwest. No matter where you're from in the Palmetto State you've probably found yourself hearing the mountains calling your name from time to time. Here are 11 perfect places to answer that call the next time you feel beckoned by those beautiful South Carolina mountains.
Fist up on our list of destinations where you can admire the South Carolina mountains is the Falling Waters Scenic Byway. Ooh and aah your way across this 13 mile jaunt from just north of the Town of Walhalla to the North Carolina state line. From the Oscar Wigginton Overlook you'll have breathtaking views of Lake Jocassee. Learn more about taking this breathtaking scenic drive in South Carolina.
This through hike is definitely for the more experienced of hikers among us. It traverses approximately 70 miles of up and down terrain affording magnificent mountain top views as well as some serious stream crossings. In the end, it's one hike you'll never forget. Learn more about this gorgeous hike in South Carolina.
A short trail leading from the parking lot at the visitors center at this state park leads to an overlook dishing up extraordinary views of the valley below and mountains near and afar. You'll agree that a trip to Caesar's Head State Park is the perfect South Carolina day trip destination.
Spend the perfect weekend away in the mountains at this boutique European style hotel. Sip oodles of great wine from the veranda with amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or enjoy the same views from your room or from the restaurant at the hotel. Find out more about this excellent South Carolina weekend getaway.
Take a group tour of the winery, sit on the terrace and enjoy sweeping views of this 47 acre vineyard or have lunch in the cafe. Whatever you do, don't forget you've got nothing but time on your hands. Enjoy! Victoria Vineyards is open 5 days a week, Thursday through Monday. If you enjoy remote wineries in South Carolina, you'll be so glad you discovered this hidden gem.
Enjoy some down time and getting reacquainted with the beautiful mountains while atop Lake Jocassee. At Devils Fork State Park you can also opt to just sit along the shore and gawk all day long if you want. And, if you're in the mood for camping, you'll discover that Devil's Fork State Park has one of the most beautiful campgrounds in South Carolina.
The Red Horse Inn, located in Landrum, offers rooms in their main house or, you can stay in one of the charming six cottages on the property. All offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and hills. Have you ever been to the Red Horse Inn in South Carolina?
What better way is there to feel more connected to our beloved mountains than by climbing one? The trail to the top of South Carolina's Table Rock is 3.5 miles each way and totally worth every step. Just look at the view! There's a lot to love about this picture-perfect hiking trail in South Carolina.
This novel attraction is located on SC-11 in the middle of seemingly nowhere in the mountains of South Carolina. The cute little restaurant dishes up some signature sandwiches and the ice cream shop scoops up plenty of friendly smiles to go with your dessert. This secluded restaurant in the South Carolina mountains will make you feel right at home.
Although not on the top of a mountain, the rolling hills of this small city in South Carolina make it easy to view the surrounding mountains. Without a doubt, Travelers Rest is one of the coolest small towns in America.
Last but certainly not least on our list of beautiful destinations in the South Carolina mountains, Jones Gap State Park is a vision to behold. Located in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, this state park has more than 30 miles of hiking trails and waterfalls galore! Check it out, but plan to arrive early; when the parking lot gets full then you're out of luck.
Yearning to head to the mountains? Homesick? Here's another perfect spot to get away in the mountains of South Carolina. What are some of your favorite destinations in the South Carolina mountains? Did any of them miss this list? If so, feel free to share your recommendations with us in the comments below. As always, we would love to hear from you!
