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SC Highest Sassafras Mtn. - 3554 Ft
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Hiking

Toccoa Falls, GA
Toccoa, GA - #GA2
Tunnel Park
Walhalla, SC - #7
Buzzards Roost Heritage Preserve
near Walhalla, SC - #9
Cedar Creek Falls
Sumter Nat. For., SC - #12
Chattooga Flood Plain
Rabun County, GA - #GA3
Chau-Ram Park
Westminster, SC - #10
Long Mountain
Sumter Nat. For., SC - #3
Hidden Falls, Walhalla
Oconee State Park, SC - #4
Oconee Station Falls
Oconee County, SC - #6
Dukes Creek Falls
Helen GA - #GA1
Winding Staircase Trail
Sumter Nat. For., SC - #2
Jocassee Gorges Easy Hike
Transylvania County, NC - #NC1
Oconee Trail
Oconee State Park, SC - #5
Yellow Branch Falls
Sumter Nat. For., SC - #8
Table Rock Mountain
Table Rock State Pk, #PC1
Walhalla Fish Hatchery Area
Sumter Nat. For., SC - #1
Day Hiking the Foothills Trail (SC / NC)
Sumter Nat. For., SC - #11

Biking

SC Highest Peak
Pickens County -#PC1
Mountain Rest, Oconee State Park Loop
Sumter National Forest, SC - #3
Walhalla South (SC)
Walhalla, SC - #6
South Carolina High Mtn Ride
Sumter National Forest, SC - #2
Walhalla North (SC)
Walhalla, SC - #5
Sumter National Forest (SC)
Oconee County - #4
Westminster (SC)
Westminster, SC - #7
Blue Ridge / Piedmont Ride
Sumter National Forest, SC - #1

 

Sassafras Mountain is South Carolina's highest point, at 3554 ft above sea level.  It is not a very distinct peak.  It is in amongst other round mounds of similar elevations along the South Carolina/North Carolina state line.  However, it is accessible via a lightly traveled paved road.

Unlike most state high points, South Carolina does not bring attention to its highest point.  There are no gift shops, ice cream counters, or short order grills at the top of this mountain.  Nor are there water fountains and restrooms.  The summit is only crowned with a series of communication towers, with the summit road basically serving as a maintenance access avenue.

The ride starts at 1800 feet and climbs to the summit in less than 6 miles.  To add insult to injury, there is a downhill section in the middle which you have to regain during the second part.  Fortunately, this ride is short and the traffic is almost non-existent.

This is a mountain ride for those who like to climb mountains on their bikes.  It takes patience, granny gears, lungs and calf muscles.  But it is short. which makes it a good challenge for those who are not quite sure.  It is mainly in the woods with limited vistas through the trees though at the summit there is a partial view.

 


Rounded peaks in area of Sassafras Mtn.

 



Map based on SC DOT Pickens County Map.
Roads conditions may differ from those shown.
Best to consult a current Pickens county road map.

Miles 11.6 (round trip)
Road Surface Paved Roads
(except for short distance on gravel road at parking lot)
More Detailed (Better) Maps Good County Road Map: Pickens County SC
Good State Atlas:  Delorme SC Atlas and Gazetteer
Rider Skill Definitely not a family ride unless older children in good shape to endure multiple hills and are road savvy.

Start (1800') Park at Laurel Valley Trail Access Parking lot.  Follow gravel road back to US 178.  There is typically a porta-potty located at this parking lot.
0.2 Right (south) on US 178.
1.0 (1750') Left on F. Van Clayton Highway in the Rocky Bottom community.
2.4 (2400') Chimneytop Gap where Foothills Hiking Trail crosses.
4.0 (2800') Bear right at fork.  (Left goes downhill across state line into North Carolina and a maze of mountain roads.  Don't go left unless you like getting lost.)  After here the road straddles the state line along the northwest shoulder of Sassafras Mtn.
5.8 (3500) Gravel parking lot on left at gate.  Beyond gate is summit.  Just beyond summit high point is a short foot trail that leads to a limited view.
11.6 Return to starting point.