Stool Mountain Trail Hiking Guide
Stool Mountain is the third summit hike at Table Rock State Park and the one most visitors skip. The trail climbs 2.7 miles through stream valleys, boulder fields and rock overhangs to a 2,615-foot top that looks over Table Rock Reservoir, with views of Table Rock's main face on the way. In Cherokee legend, as the park tells it, a chief sat on Stool Mountain and used Table Rock as his dinner table.
Permit: Stool Mountain is inside Table Rock State Park, which charges each visitor admission ($6 per adult; $3.75 for South Carolina residents 65+; $3.50 ages 6-15; children 5 and younger enter free). There is no separate trail permit; sign the hiker register before heading out.
How Long and How Steep
The park gives 2.7 miles to the summit, 5.4 round trip, and says the trail gains more than 1,500 feet; it rates the climb strenuous to very strenuous. AllTrails clocks the out-and-back at 5.5 miles and 1,427 feet and calls it moderate, with an estimate of three to three and a half hours. Reviewers describe a mostly gradual grade that steepens near the top. It is a real climb, but a shorter, gentler one than Table Rock or Pinnacle.
Following the Blazes
Stool Mountain starts with the other trails at the Nature Center area and splits off the Carrick Creek Trail early on. Look for blue-over-white paint blazes and follow them all the way to the summit and back. Because the Nature Center and Carrick Creek Falls area are under construction (work began July 27, 2026, with no posted finish), the park routes hikers through the Concessions Area to register and reach a temporary trail access point, so allow a few extra minutes at the start.
What You See
This route's best feature is the angle on its neighbor. From several spots on the climb you look straight at the main face of Table Rock, the view you cannot get while standing on top of it. At the summit the outlook turns toward Table Rock Reservoir. Some reviewers note the slopes are still recovering from Hurricane Helene in 2024 and the 2025 Table Rock Fire, with new growth and wildflowers filling in.
Fees, Hours and Dogs
You pay the park's per-person admission at the entrance; there is nothing extra for this trail. Gates open at 7 a.m. and close in the evening (7 p.m. Sunday to Thursday in winter months, later on weekends and in summer), and the park wants everyone off its trails before sunset. Leashed dogs are allowed; the park asks that leashes be six feet at most. Pets are not permitted on the swim beach or inside most buildings.
Hiking tips for Stool Mountain Trail
- Pick Stool Mountain on busy weekends when the Table Rock Trail is crowded.
- Stay on the blue-over-white blazes where the trail leaves Carrick Creek.
- Go in the afternoon light for the best look at Table Rock's face.
- Expect boulder sections where you'll use your hands for balance.
- Check the park advisory for the current temporary trail access during construction.
Nearby trails to explore
- Table Rock Trail (Table Rock State Park, SC)
- Pinnacle Mountain Trail (Table Rock State Park, SC)
- Raven Cliff Falls Trail (Caesars Head)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Stool Mountain is a good half-day summit for a group with mixed experience. Post a Stool Mountain hike on TrailMates, keep the details in the event's group chat, and meet at Table Rock State Park. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.