Beach to Mountains

After the great Event of the Year, I came home and slept those 12 glorious hours. I think I dreamt about that same baby bear that keeps wanting to hug me. It’s the best.

The next morning (err… afternoon) when we woke up, Mike went to the field and I went to Table Rock State Park to go for a hike. I hiked the Table Rock Trail last time I went here, so I chose another one I’ve been reading about- Pinnacle Mountain Trail.

I have this weird, perhaps psycho idea that harder is more fun. This trail is 4.2 miles one-way and considered “vigorous.” It is also the highest point that is entirely contained in the state of South Carolina. I needed to do it!

Beach wedding one day; hiking in the mountains the next.

The park was only 30 miles or so, but took almost an hour to get there on smaller country roads. I passed street signs called “Possum Holler” and “Log Cabin Rd” (which, surprisingly, lead to a log cabin). I drove through a delicious place called “Pumpkintown,” and went by a home which advertised $8 car washes in their driveway.

As soon as I pulled up to the park, I was greeted by a downpour of rain. Great. As groups of people were leaving, I started on my journey anyway. The trees up high did a great job acting as an umbrella, for the most part. This trail was “easier” (meaning less rocky and steep, at first anyway) than the Table Rock Trail, so I ran what I could and walked when I had to.

Just past the 3.5 mile mark were the most incredible views (see photo!). After that, I had to scramble up with my hands helping me to get to the top, which was sort of a let-down. It was wooded with hardly any views of the surrounding mountains, marked by a 10-inch American flag tied to a tree.

I made my way down a different trail, wondering the whole time if I was going the right way. I ran down mostly and in the next couple days, my quads paid for it. I hooked up to a couple different trails and boom- back to the trailhead 8.5 miles later really feeling the length and vigor.

Hikes like that truly invigorate and refresh me. I could live in the mountains by the trails and do something like that everyday. My heart is leading me here… sorry FL home- you’re nice too.

P.S. Hey folks worrying about me hiking alone: this park (which is becoming a favorite!) requires each hiker to register and give information about which trails you’re hiking, when you get there, how long it’ll take you, emergency contact, etc, and then sign out. Great idea, eh?

#outside