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!
You've heard us brag before about the fact that South Carolina has it all, from beautiful beaches to majestic mountains. We are truly lucky in that fact. We can be in the mountains one minute and then in two or three hours (depending on traffic) we can be at the beach. South Carolina's upstate is home to the tail end of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We may not have a whole state full of those huge hills, but what we do have are absolutely breathtaking! Here are some majestic views of our lovely SC mountains and some of the mountains themselves:
This could possibly be the most talked about mountain in SC! Look how strong she stands. Little Table Rock Mountain is a natural wonder you cannot pass up an opportunity to go see.
A beautiful view of the fog lifting in the early fall morning as the sun just touches enough to spark those beautiful trees. This is easily one of the best places to go hiking in South Carolina.
This is a view of Caesar's Head State Park. You can see Table Rock in the background. Now that would be something to see after a nice early morning hike.
Woah! What an artistic photograph. They are so magical and just looking at them makes you feel relaxed. Take a deep breath of that cool, clean mountain air. With the Blue Ridge Mountains around we're kind of spoiled, but hey, we're not complaining!
We wanted to add this video as we feel it's a great short that tells a good bit about the highest mountain in South Carolina: Sassafras Mountain.
All we can say is that the upstate of South Carolina is quite a beautiful place to see! Which SC mountains are your happy places? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
