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The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

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Sassafras Mountain

SC PICTURE PROJECT 3 Comments

SC Picture Project / Pickens County / Sassafras Mountain

At 3,553 feet above sea level, Sassafras Mountain in Pickens County is the highest point in South Carolina. The mountain’s peak also serves as a border between South Carolina and North Carolina and a point on the Eastern Continental Divide. Though Sassafras Mountain boasts the Palmetto State’s highest point, Pinnacle Mountain within Table Rock State Park is the tallest mountain that is entirely within South Carolina, reaching 3,415 feet.

Sassafras Mountain Scenery
Robert Duvall of Orangeburg, 2020 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Sassafras Mountain is accessible on foot to backpackers, who reach the summit while trekking along the 77-mile-long Foothills Trail from Table Rock to Oconee State Park. Motorists can reach the summit via the F. Van Clayton Memorial Highway.

Foothills Trail Marker
Tom Taylor of Greenville, 2015 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

In 2004 the South Carolina Department of Resources purchased the South Carolina portion of Sassafras Mountain from Duke Energy, which still owns the rights to the communications facilities located on the mountain. The aforementioned highway provides access to the energy company’s radio tower.

Sassafras Mtn Fog
Tom Taylor of Greenville, 2015 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Historically, views from South Carolina’s highest peak have been obstructed by trees. Without a breathtaking mountain vista, trips to the top of the mountain have been more practical than recreational.

Sassafras Mountain View
Tom Taylor of Greenville, 2015 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Both South Carolina residents and the SCDNR wanted to change that and make the state’s ultimate mountaintop a popular destination, not just a place for utility maintenance. The SCDNR cleared timber in 2010, building a viewing platform and igniting interest in people wishing to reach the summit. From the platform visitors can take in spectacular view of Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee and even the peaks of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

Sassafras Overlook
Tom Taylor of Greenville, 2015 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

In 2012 The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit conservation and preservation group, donated 4.8 acres of land on the North Carolina side of the apex to the SCDNR, placing the summit under full stewardship of South Carolina.

Sassafras State Line
Tyler Chapman of Simpsonville, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The nearly five acres were previously owned by North Carolina Congressman Charles H. Taylor, who sold 8,000 acres of land on the mountain’s North Carolina side to The Conservation Fund in 2010. The nonprofit group plans to convey the remainder of the land to the North Carolina Forest Service.

Sassafras Overlook at Dawn
Jo Anne Keasler of Greenville, 2019 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

During the summer of 2014, three more acres of hemlock trees and mixed hardwoods were cleared at the summit to make room for a new observation tower. The clearing project began after consultations with foresters and conservationists. Funds were raised to construct the 25-foot, handicapped-accessible observation tower.

Sassafras Panorama
Jonathon Peyton of Summerville, 2020 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The project, called the Sassafras Mountain Improvement Project, is a joint effort from both public and private entities. Once built, the tower should offer 360-degree views of South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. The development of more trails is another component of the Sassafras Mountain Improvement Project, along with picnic shelters and new restrooms.

Plan Your Trip: Sassafras Mountain

Where is Sassafras Mountain located?
Address: F. Van Clayton Memorial Highway, Sunset, SC 29685
GPS Coordinates: 35.064306,-82.776449
What else should I see?
Foothills Trail 3.1 miles
Laurel Fork Heritage Preserve 6.7 miles
Reedy Cove Creek 6.9 miles
Twin Falls 7.4 miles
Show me more like this!
  • See other South Carolina Mountains
  • See other South Carolina Sunset
    Sassafras Mountain Map

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Judith Huggins says

      August 18, 2019 at 8:00 AM

      Love the pictures! Are there waterfalls that can be photographed in the area?

      Reply
    2. Robert Snelson says

      May 12, 2019 at 12:00 PM

      I have been told that part of Table Rock Mountain was the property of the Masters family and was leased to the government for 99 years. I don’t see anything in the history of land ownership on this. Get back to me on this subject.

      Reply
      • SC Picture Project says

        May 12, 2019 at 6:47 PM

        Do you recall where you heard this? We do not see mention of this when researching.

        Reply

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    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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    ABOUT US

    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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