Jumping Off Rock
Jumping Off Rock offers a breathtaking panorama of Lake Jocassee, the centerpiece of the Jocassee Gorges.
Let the Trail Surprise You
Sometimes the most meaningful discoveries aren't marked on any map. They happen somewhere between the first step and the last—when the light shifts, the world stills and your mind clears in a way that lasts long after the trail ends.
Quiet Trails and Big Views
If you're craving cooler air, quiet trails and views that take your breath away, this three-day mountain escape in South Carolina's Upstate is for you. Centered around the Jocassee Gorges, Table Rock and Caesars Head, the weekend unfolds at a leisurely pace, featuring just enough hiking to reach unforgettable overlooks and plenty of time to relax once you arrive.
This itinerary pairs classic mountain hikes like Jumping Off Rock and Raven Cliff Falls with early-morning light on the escarpment and peaceful evenings at your accommodations. You'll follow winding back roads, breathe in forest air and trade busy schedules for evenings beneath star-filled skies.
Accommodations
When it comes to accommodations, the Upstate mountains offer a range of inviting places to settle in for the weekend, whether you prefer to stay immersed in nature or enjoy a bit more privacy and comfort at the end of the day.
For easy access to Lake Jocassee and the Jocassee Gorges, consider staying at Devils Fork State Park. The park offers cabins and villas tucked among the trees, where mornings are quiet and evenings are filled with the sounds of the forest.
Table Rock State Park's historic cabins have all the modern amenities you'll need to enjoy a long weekend in the mountains. The cabins also have heating and air conditioning, so they're perfect for year-round stays.
If you'll be staying at one of the state parks, plan on picking up supplies in Salem or Pickens on your way to check in. Ingles Market is a convenient stop for groceries, fresh fruit, bakery items and ready-made breakfast foods.
Located in Salem, Butterfly Ridge Mountain Retreat offers a more intimate retreat perfect for a romantic weekend getaway.
Lodging in and around the Upstate's state parks is limited and tends to book early, especially during peak fall color and spring wildflower season.
Arrival & Settle in to the Mountains
If you're driving in from Greenville, ease into the weekend with a few scenic or small-town stops along the way to your accommodations. The city has made it easy to enjoy the pleasures of the great outdoors by building parks and pathways that take advantage of the area’s natural attractions.
Wander through parks, past rivers and into the heart of the Upstate on the Swamp Rabbit Trail—South Carolina’s ultimate urban greenway. This 22-mile multi-use greenway follows the Reedy River and connects Greenville to nearby towns like Travelers Rest. Ideal for biking, running or leisurely strolls, the trail winds through parks, gardens and scenic woodlands.
Named one of the Best Southern Small Towns by USA Today, Travelers Rest has become a popular vacation getaway and base camp for outdoor adventure in the Upstate. Stop for savory crepes at Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse or try the handcrafted brick-oven pizza at Sidewall Pizza.
After you check into your accommodations, head over to Table Rock State Park for your first hike. The Carrick Creek Nature Trail is an easy, shaded loop perfect for stretching your legs after the drive, allowing you to take your time and enjoy the scenery.
For dinner, head to downtown Pickens, where locally owned shops and cafes line the streets. Grab some burgers and ice-cold beer at Burning Brick Tavern or enjoy delicious home-cooked Southern food at Aunt Sue’s Country Corner.
Jumping Off Rock & Jocassee Gorges
Start the day with a relaxed breakfast near your accommodations, then head deeper into the mountains toward the Jocassee Gorges. This rugged, protected landscape is one of South Carolina's most scenic areas, known for its winding gravel roads, dense forests and long, uninterrupted views.
Your first stop is Jumping Off Rock, a dramatic overlook accessed via Horse Pasture Road deep within the Jocassee Gorges. The route follows a wide, unpaved fire road that winds steadily up the mountain and through dense forest before opening to long views near the top.
Depending on current conditions, you may be able to drive part of the way before continuing on foot, or the road may be closed to motorized vehicles altogether. When closed, the hike follows the same fire road for roughly three to four miles one way, with a gradual but consistent climb. While not technical, the distance and elevation gain make it a solid effort, especially in warm weather.
If you're up for another hike, go to Lower Whitewater Falls. The moderate trail leads to an overlook of one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies, where water plunges dramatically into the gorge below. It's a great way to experience another side of the Gorges before heading back toward town.
After a full afternoon in the Jocassee Gorges, make your way back to Salem for a relaxed dinner after a day on the trail. Crave Kitchen is a local favorite known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and seasonally focused cuisine. End the day with some canned craft brews, wine and craft soda at Jocassee Valley Brewing Company.
Don’t miss a visit to the Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower, the highest point in South Carolina. The tower provides stunning 360-degree views across three states, and on clear days, you can even see Lake Jocassee.
A Scenic Sendoff with Sunrise Views
On your final morning, rise early and make your way to Caesars Head State Park to watch as the morning light spreads across the escarpment from the overlook.
If you have time for one last hike, head out on the Raven Cliff Falls Trail. The trail leads through hardwood forest to a suspension bridge overlooking the 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls, where water cuts deep into the mountain cove below. It's a substantial hike, but the payoff is one of the most impressive waterfall views in the Upstate.
By the time you head home, the discoveries feel less about where you've been and more about how the weekend unfolded—step by step, overlook by overlook. The trails fade behind you, but the clarity stays, lingering well beyond the last mile.
As you leave the escarpment, you can feel the impact of your weekend. Out here, distance is measured not just in miles, but in moments that stay with you long after the mountains fade from sight.
From early September through late November, migrating raptors fill the skies above the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Caesars Head State Park’s fall Hawk Watch offers a front-row view as hundreds—and sometimes thousands—of birds soar along the Appalachian Flyway.
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