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Formed nearly 250 million years ago,
the Appalachian Mountain range
could have easily been as tall as the modern Himalayas.
Time slowly weathered down these goliaths
into the rounded mountains we have today,
but their beauty has lost none of its potency.
Luckily, these aged peaks stretch down far enough
to encompass a small region of our state
known as the Blue Ridge Mountains.
One distinctly shaped mountain
has caught the eye of natives and travelers throughout time.
This is Table Rock Mountain...
From The Sky!
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Prior to European settlement, this area was home
to part of the lower Cherokee Nation.
The Cherokee called the region
"Sah-ka-na-ga" or Great Blue Hills of God."
Table Rock is said to have acquired its name
from a Cherokee story in which the flat top summit
was used as a table for the Great Spirit
to eat his meals.
Standing at 3,124 feet
the granite dome peak of Table Rock
is surrounded by two other named mountains.
Stool Mountain also received it's name
from the Cherokee legend
as it was necessary for the Great Spirit
to have a seat while enjoying his meal.
Directly west,
Pinnacle Mountain's peak juts out above the surrounding range.
It is the second tallest mountain in South Carolina,
falling short of Sassafras Mountain
by just 139 feet.
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Within Table Rock state park,
there are two bodies of water
located at the base of the mountain
offering spectacular views,
the closest of which is Pinnacle Lake.
At the right angle,
the mountain range is brilliantly reflected
off of the lake,
making it one of the most breathtaking views
in South Carolina.
Directly behind Pinnacle,
Lake Oolenoy's 67 acres of pristine water
provide a multitude of outdoor recreations.
There are also a total of six hiking trails
within the park of varying difficulty.
Luckily, you don't have to travel far
to feel like an outdoorsman within the oak-hickory forest.
Carrick Creek Falls is found less than 100 yards
from the starting point of the Nature Center,
an easy trip for your nature fix.
For the more experienced hikers,
you can reach the summits
of both Pinnacle and Table Rock Mountain
for an amazing view of the 3000 acre preserve and beyond.
Whether it's the woods with ancient memory
or the bluish haze of the crimson peaks,
there's something magical about Table Rock Mountain.
A "great spirit" indeed lies within.
Feast your eyes on it...
From the Sky!
♪ soaring music ♪