Table Rock State Park in northwestern South Carolina

Thursday, July 14, 2016 - continued

Before we went to Table Rock State Park we saw this spot named Bald Rock.  There was a pullout next to the road and a very short walk.

This was one huge rock/mountain top bare of any vegetation.  Unfortunately people have chosen to cover it with graffiti. There was an outstanding view of the valley below as you can see.

More of the views both above and below.  You can also see the graffiti everywhere.

Next we went to Table Rock State Park to see our first waterfall, Carrick Creek Falls.

There was a small lake just outside Table Rock Visitors Center.  We saw 2 mallards chasing the Canadian geese around.  However there were many Canadian geese so it was a losing battle for the mallards.
 

Above is looking one direction from the fishing pier, and below is looking the other direction from the same spot.

Table Rock Mountain stands 3124 feet above sea level.  In the visitors center we learned that the falls and hikes were across the highway the opposite direction of the visitors center.  Off we go!

It was like driving through a tunnel of trees to get to the parking area.

From the parking area, we could see Table Rock Mountain again.  It's sheer granite cliffs are a natural landmark along the Blue Ridge Escarpment.  This is Cherokee land.

The waterfall was about a half mile from the parking area.

These four young men were enjoying the cool water on this hot humid day!  Yes, this is the Carrick Creek waterfall.  Impressed??  There was a 2 mile hike called the Carrick Creek trail that was supposed to have several smaller waterfalls along the way.  We decided to go for it.

There were a few pretty spots.  However, for as hot as it was outside we were a little disappointed.  We should have worn our swimsuits or brought extra clothes.  If we had gotten into the water, we probably would have been happier.

It is already after 6pm.  Time to head home for dinner.