The hike is relatively easy and suitable for families, though it is a little more than a mile and you do climb a few hundred feet.  Over the years, we have done it several times with children as young as 5.  Be careful on top though since there is some broken glass around the base of the fire tower.

To reach the starting point, drive north on SC 107 from Oconee State Park.  Approximately 0.5 miles from the park entrance, bear right onto a recently paved road toward State Park Estates.  Then bear and immediate right onto a gravel road just prior to the gate.  Follow the gravel road for approximately 1 mile until you reach a gate at an intersection with a second gravel road.  Pull off to the right and park.  Hike down  this second road approximately 100 feet, past an old guard rail blocking the road.  Bear left onto the Foothills Trail to begin the hike (marked with sign 10/06 - see picture below).  This is the same starting point as that used for the Hidden Falls hike also described on this website.

This is a loop hike.  The first part is along the Foothills Trail.  This path skirts along the north slope of Long Mountain and slowly ascends.  In approximately 0.5 mile, a short trail veers off to the left to the summit with the fire and communication towers.  Keep your eyes open for this trail since it is easy to miss.

Follow the side trail to the top for a short distance.  Unfortunately as of October 2006 the fire tower is fenced off so the views from the tower are no longer accessible to the public.

Return to the start by descending along the gravel road 0.5 miles with nice winter views toward the south.

For a more challenging hike, you can ascend Long Mountain from the Foothills Trail parking area at Oconee State Park.  This adds 2 miles for a total round trip distance of approximately 3+ miles.  For more details, see the Foothills Trail Guidebook.