Tamassee Knob

Another great example of a hike perfect for winter months, Tamassee Knob offers views through the trees on both sides of a knife-edge ridge, culminating with an excellent view to the north. Beginning in South Carolina's Oconee State Park, the knob lies just outside the park's boundary in Sumter National Forest.

Begin the hike at the Foothills Trail western terminus parking lot. Follow the paved path across the road to begin the hike. The first half-mile of this trail is easy and well maintained as you follow along black, yellow, and white blazes.

At half a mile, the trail crosses the Palmetto Trail and shortly afterward splits. Stay to the right, following the sign for Tamassee Knob. To the left continues the Foothills Trail and the path to Hidden Falls. From here the the trail becomes more wild and overgrown, with multiple branches blocking the path and several side trails to get around larger obstructions.

At a little over a mile in, the trail becomes very narrow with steep drop offs on both sides giving you winter views through the trees. You'll drop 350 feet before climbing back up to the knob where you'll find an excellent open view to the north. Although not very high, the steep drops on both sides of Tamassee Knob give you long range views of the much flatter areas surrounding it.

On the way back there's an intersection you likely didn't even notice on the way out with another trail heading back from the Tamassee Knob trail. Several posts point the way but the first one points to the right where there is no trail. It means turn right at the upcoming split. The entire trail is blazed black with diamond signs after the Foothills Trail split. There are a few red blazes but the black ones are much more consistent.