People may join Conserving Carolina on Friday for a 5.5-mile moderate, out and back hike to Pinnacle Mountain (Long Ridge) in Table Rock State Park in South Carolina.

Conserving Carolina’s southeast stewardship manager, Pam Torlina, will lead the hike.

Pinnacle Mountain is the tallest mountain contained entirely within the state of South Carolina (South Carolina’s highest point, Sassafras Mountain, is partially in North Carolina). The 5.5-mile  moderate hike will traverse areas affected by fires in the fall of 2016 and lead hikers to a granitic bald where, in the late 1990s, more than 600 prehistoric petroglyphs were discovered. The petroglyphs, believed to be created by the Hopewell culture, predate the Cherokee and are believed to be between 1,500 and 3,500 years old.

If you are interested in attending the hike on May 11, meet at the Spinx gas station in Gowensville, South Carolina, 5598 N. Highway 14, at 8:30 a.m. to check in and start the approximately 45-minute drive to the parking area. If you are coming from an area closer to the trailhead, contact Pam Torlina to make other meeting arrangements.

For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear; bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water. Be sure to bring any personal medication that you may require. 

In case of inclement weather, contact Conserving Carolina’s Southeast (Polk County) office by 8:15 a.m. on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina Facebook page to see if the hike will take place. 

– Submitted by Pam Torlina