Ready for a FREE adventure? Head to the summit of South Carolina’s Sassafras Mountain where an observation tower awaits. From the tower, you’ll be able to see across the mountains of North Carolina, Georgia, and even into Tennessee. Local mom, Liene, has all the details so you can plan this fun, FREE, adventure with your family!
With an elevation 3,553′, Sassafras Mountain is the highest point in South Carolina and a spot to keep in mind as you’re planning outdoor adventures! The peak straddles not only the line between North and South Carolina, but also the Eastern Continental Divide. On a clear day, you can see four states from its summit. This scenic viewpoint is one of the most easily accessed “highest points” in the US and perfect for a family day trip from Greenville.
Sassafras Mountain’s Observation Tower
Sassafras Mountain wasn’t always accessible. Although long the site of a fire lookout tower, it was only in the 1990s that the SC DNR acquired the acreage of what is now known as the Jocassee Gorges. At that time, they paved the last 4.5 miles of road to the summit and installed a parking lot. In 2010, three acres of trees were cleared from the summit, revealing the views visitors see today.
The viewing plaza at the top of Sassafras Mountain includes picnic tables, several viewing platforms, a central viewing tower, multiple trails, educational signage, and restrooms. The observation tower is also ADA accessible!
Where is Sassafras Mountain?
Sassafras Mountain is just a short detour off scenic Highway 11 in Pickens County, the mountain road that travels along the base of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. It offers nice views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as well. From Pickens, it’s 16 miles north on US 178 to Rocky Bottom. After making a right turn (east) on F. Van Clayton Memorial Highway, it’s about 5 miles to the end of the road (just short of the summit).
Plenty of parking, as well as convenient restrooms, make Sassafras Mountain an easy spot to explore with kids. Temperatures tend to be about 10˚ cooler than in Greenville which is convenient on a hot summer day.
1391 F Van Clayton Memorial Hwy, Sunset, SC 29685
Hiking Trails Near Sassafras Mountain
While you can drive to the top of Sassafras Mountain and head to the observation deck, what if you want to do some hiking? There are trailheads at the top of Sassafras Mountain with access to the Foothills Trail. You can hike all the way to Table Rock if you desire, but it’s strenuous and not a hike for families.
You could just walk a short portion of the trail and turn around to climb back up to the observation platform for lunch with a view. Or you could just meander around the observation area and boulders andenjoy the views. But if you really want to do some hiking as a family, there are several great trails near Sassafras.
Twin Falls is an easy hike with a big payoff. It’s about 25 minutes away from Sassafras Mountain.
Table Rock State Park is 27 minutes away and it has several trails to choose from. Carrick Creek Trail is great for kids.
Devils Fork State Park/Lake Jocassee is 40 minutes from Sassafras. The mile-long Oconee Bell Trail there is beautiful, especially in the spring. The lake is fantastic for paddling and swimming.
Mile Creek Park is 40 minutes away and is great for swimming.
Brevard, NC is 30 minutes away and it has tons of waterfalls and trails.
Sassafras Mountain Things to Do
The views from the summit stretch to the Highlands in North Carolina, Mount Pisgah on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Chattooga Ridge near Walhalla, to Georgia, and (supposedly) Tennessee. I say supposedly because although it was easy to pick out the Georgia range, I wasn’t sure if it was the Smoky Mountains in TN we were looking at in the distance. Pack a picnic, bring binoculars, and don’t forget your camera!
About Sassafras Mountain: 3 Interesting Facts to Share With the Kids
3 Watersheds
Sassafras Mountain is the separation point for three distinct watersheds: two flow into the Atlantic and one into the Gulf. Water draining from the east side of the mountain flows into the South Saluda, then on to the Broad River, the Congaree, and then into the Santee-Cooper Lakes. Those end up in the Atlantic.
From the south side of the mountain, water drains into Eastatoe Creek, running through Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell down to the Savannah River and also into the Atlantic.
Water from the north and west sides of the mountain flows into the French Broad, making its way north through Asheville and Knoxville into the Tennessee River, then the Ohio River, and finally the Mississippi (up to Cairo, IL!) before flowing back down south into the Gulf of Mexico.
2 States: North and South Carolina State Line
Although Sassafras is the tallest mountain in South Carolina, a portion of it is actually in North Carolina. While there, check out the markers for the state line, just a short distance west on a rock outcrop. You can even stand in two states at the same time.
1 Highest Peak in South Carolina
In a list of highest peaks by state, Sassafras Summit ranks 29th. Neighboring North Carolina’s Mount Mitchell comes in 16th at 6,684’, and Georgia’s Brasstown Bald 25th at 4,784’. Although nearby Tennessee also has a higher peak (Clingmans Dome, 17th at 6,643’), at least we’ve got Florida beat. At 345’ Britton Hill comes in dead last, even after the District of Columbia.
However, this lower ranking shouldn’t stop you from making the 60-minute drive from Greenville. The drive is scenic, the views are unbeatable, and the fresh mountain air will inspire and invigorate you to climb more peaks!
Photos at Sassafras Mountain: a place for families to be outdoors
Have you visited Sassafras Mountain?
Learn why the Jocassee Gorges are considered one of the most beautiful places in SC (and the US)!
Wonderful! Thank you for the post, we will head there in the coming weekends! and to Long Shoals Wayside Park!
Once we move and get settled, can’t wait to go up there!
I LOVE THE GREAT OUTDOORS! THANKS FOR THIS POST…ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NATURAL, BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT!
Hello Liene, I was researching the high points in states surrounding GA, finding Sassafras Mountain in S.C. I asked someone on facebook who seemed to indicate it is only accessible by those in the “estates” or as one of their “guests”. Is that true? If so, how can I become a guest…if you know. If it is not true, I have already mapquested it from Brasstown Bald in GA. Thank you!
Sassafras Mountain is open to the public, as indicated in this article.
An incorrect fact about Mount Mitchell above. Mount Mitchell, known in Cherokee as Attakulla, is the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains and the highest peak in mainland eastern North America. The peak is the highest mountain in the United States east of the Mississippi River.
When the 50 states are ranked in order (by highest point), North Carolina ranks 16th because yes, 15 of the western states have higher highest points.