Conquering the Table Rock Trail with Simba the Adventure Pup!

Hey friends! Ash here from Life on Paws and Wheels, and today Simba and I are excited to share one of our most rewarding hikes in the Southeast — the Table Rock Trail in Pickens, South Carolina!

This strenuous but unforgettable climb leads to the top of Table Rock Mountain, where you’ll find sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, Lake Pinnacle, and layers of mountains rolling into the horizon. Yes, it’s a tough one — but trust me, the summit payoff is worth every step. 🐾⛰️

🗺️ About the Table Rock Trail

The Table Rock Trail is a 7.2-mile roundtrip out-and-back hike located inside Table Rock State Park. With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain, this trail is no joke — it’s steep, rocky, and relentless at times. But if you’re up for a challenge, the views at the top are truly next-level.

Along the way, you’ll pass through:

✔️ Lush hardwood forests
✔️ Scenic rock outcrops
✔️ Stair-like climbs made from stone and roots
✔️ A final stretch to the summit that opens up to jaw-dropping panoramic views

🐾 Hiking with Simba: Dog-Friendly Highlights

✔️ Leashed + dog-friendly — Simba was allowed on the trail and absolutely powered through it like a champ.
✔️ Shady tree cover — helpful for keeping cool during the steep ascent.
✔️ Water breaks are a must — Simba needed several along the way (and I did too!).
✔️ Rewarding summit vibes — Simba got lots of pets and praise at the top from fellow hikers.

Important note: This trail is best for fit and experienced dogs. If your pup isn’t used to long climbs or rough terrain, start with shorter hikes before attempting this one.

🧭 Tips for Hiking Table Rock Trail

🕗 Start early — this is a popular trail and gets hot fast. We hit the trail just after sunrise and were glad we did.
💧 Bring LOTS of water — for both you and your pup. There’s no water source on the trail.
🍎 Pack snacks — you'll need fuel for the climb and will want to enjoy the summit.
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking shoes — the trail is rocky, rooty, and steep in places.
🐕 Keep your dog leashed — this trail has some drop-offs and heavy foot traffic.

🚐 RV Traveler Tips

Table Rock State Park has a great campground with full RV hookups, clean bathhouses, and easy access to the trailhead. It’s a perfect spot to base yourself for a few days, hike, relax by the lake, and soak up the mountain views.

Bonus: After this hike, both you and your pup will sleep well back at camp. Simba passed out the second we got back to the rig. 😴🐶

🎥 Watch Our Full Hike to the Summit


In our latest video, Simba and I take you step-by-step up the Table Rock Trail — from forest floor to summit top. We share trail conditions, key waypoints, and what it’s really like hiking this strenuous route with a dog.

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Why We Recommend Table Rock Trail

✔️ Challenging summit hike with serious payoff
✔️ Dog-approved — Simba gives it four hard-earned, trail-dusty paws up!
✔️ Epic views over the South Carolina Upstate and beyond
✔️ Perfect for RV travelers looking to stretch their legs and hit a summit goal

Thanks for hiking along with us! Simba and I are traveling full-time in our RV, chasing the best trails, campgrounds, and dog-friendly adventures across the U.S. Got a favorite summit hike we should add to our route? Drop it in the comments — we’re all ears (and wagging tails)!

Until next time, happy trails and happy tails! 🐾⛰️🚐

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