Epic Hiking Trails at and near The Reserve at Lake Keowee

Folks set on the path for adventure while searching for Lake Keowee real estate during the fall foliage season won't want to miss the events happening at Table Rock State Park which offers some of the best hikes in Upstate South Carolina. In addition to offering some of the most incredible scenery and wildlife, Table Rock State Park located in Pickens, South Carolina offers close up opportunities to see intriguing wildlife and photograph breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

The 3,000 acre park serves as an access point to the Foothills Trail which is an 80-mile trail connecting several South Carolina State Parks.  This trail filled with cascading waterfalls and mountain streams leads to the tops of Pinnacle and Table Rock Mountains.  There are 3 waterfalls in Upstate SC that are accessible to the public; Carrick Creek Waterfalls is located 300 feet behind the Nature Center on the Carrick Creak Trail; Mill Creek Waterfalls is 2.9 miles up the Pinnacle Mountain Trail; and the Green Creek Waterfalls can be found just past ¼ mile maker on the Carrick Creek Trail.  Here are the trails you will find at Table Rock State Park:

• Carrick Creek (1.9 miles)
• Mill Creek Pass (.7 mile)
• Pinnacle Mountain (4.1 miles)
• Ridge Trail (1.9 miles)
• Table Rock NRT (3.6 miles)

All trails close ½ hour before dark and no overnight camping is permitted on park trails.  Hikers much complete a trail registration form before hiking and all dogs must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times.  Camping is available in the park with 69 sites available near the park entrance, just not on the trails.  For more information about Table Rock State Park call 864-878-9813.

Another great place to explore is near Lake Keowee real estate near The Reserve SC is Caesars Head State Park in Cleveland, South Carolina. Caesars Head connects to Jones Gap State Park and is known as the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.   This 11,000-acre area of immaculate mountain forest terrain offers hikers multiple trail options and connects to other State parks throughout the courses here.  Trailside camping is also available for those who choose the longer routes.  Every fall, hikers rush to experience the “Hawk Watch” program which runs from September 1 to November 30 and can watch the hawk migration from the main Caesars Head overlook.  One of the most popular trails found here is the Raven Cliff Falls trail which is a two-mile trail that leads to Raven Cliff Falls.  There you will find a suspension bridge that offers public accessibility and an incredible view of the 420-foot magnificent waterfalls in Upstate SC.   There are 12 trails available at this park with the shortest trail being the Coldspring Connector #7 at 0.5 miles and the longest trail is the Pinnacle Pass #20 at 10 miles.  Trails offered here provide hikers of all fitness levels the option to enjoy this great outdoor adventure.  For more information about Caesars Head call 864-836-6115.

Hiking trails at The Reserve at Lake Keowee offer some amazing journeys through this undisturbed natural habitat.  While exploring this protected terrain, hikers can experience “Tenagain Rock” where wild boar, coyote and buzzards have sheltered.  The “Old Homeplace and Spring” gives a taste of past life a century ago where the original stone chimney and house corner can still be found.  Salamanders inhabit the “Waterfall” and wanderers can visit “Buzzard Cave” where early explores and moonshiners took refuge.  The “Fern Habitat” offers a wide variety of fern life and can be seen during spring and summer.  There is also turkey nesting areas, “3 Sisters Chestnut Oaks” and the “Granite top Dome” featuring frozen granite which serves as a natural dwelling for wildlife residing here.  Three trails are available and worth noting:

Granite Dome Trail – 1.4 miles in length and rated “easy to moderate” takes approximately one hour to complete. This trail will take you back in time as you share the place that once served as a stopping ground for early settlers.  Also found here is a breathtaking waterfall and rare American Chestnut trees.  A spectacular view of water streaming 50 feet into Lake Keowee makes this trail a memorable excursion for waterfalls in Upstate SC.

Old Homeplace Trail – 1.8 miles in length and also rated “easy to moderate” takes about an hour and ½ to complete.  While hiking this trail, folks will discover “Tenagain Rock”, and while walking along the stream, hikers will encounter multiple species residing here including frogs, fish and salamanders. For a breathtaking view of Lake Keowee, climb to the top of the cave and enjoy the majestic scenery available from this vantage point.

Turkey Ridge Trail – 1.5 miles in length and rated “moderate”, takes an hour and provides a serene walk in the forest terrain where turkey hens can be found nesting.  Beginning the trail stream-side, progressing forward you will find several different species of ferns and trees which serve as a highway for white-lipped snails.  Ending the trail, hikers will stroll through the cool loblolly woods and breathe the fresh mountain air after a walk through this pristine piece of real estate.

Folks searching for Lake Keowee real estate in a gated community won't want to miss the model homes at The Reserve at Lake Keowee. Besides the great hiking trails offered here, the community is in a sweet location on the lake. The Reserve at Lake Keowee located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Sunset, South Carolina, has over 300 miles of shoreline and more than 1,400 acres protected as green space.  This South Carolina community is named as of the Best Boating Lakes by Links Magazine and is also popular with those who enjoy fishing at Lake Keowee which is home to large mouth and spotted bass.  An 18 Hole Championship Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus and a fabulous 20,000 Square Foot Clubhouse along with the other amazing $100 million plus in amenities offered make this community a great place to call home. Besides living in The Reserve SC, buyers will find:

• 24 Hour Manned Gated Entrance 
• 18 Hole Championship Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus 
• 20,000 Square Foot Golf Clubhouse with dining 
• Lakefront Pool Complex & Grill 
• Resort-style Outdoor Swimming Pool 
• Four Lighted Har-Tru Tennis Courts 
• Fitness Center 
• 5 1/2 Miles Walking Trails 
• Community Parks and Dog Park 
• Great Lawn  
• 200 Boat Slips and Marina 
• Village Market 
• Founders Hall 
• Legacy Program (Since 2010, parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren of property owners can enjoy the benefits of membership with The Reserve’ Legacy Program) 

To schedule a tour, contact The Reserve at Lake Keowee direct at 877-922-5253.