Epic Sassafras Mountain Hike: A Challenging Snowy Adventure on NC 178, SC

Sassafras Mountain hike had been on my hiking list for quite some time, so I was excited when we finally got the chance to tackle the Sassafras via NC 178 Trail. We hiked approximately 10 miles with 2,109 feet of elevation gain. My friend and I had not planned on encountering snow, but it had stormed the night before so when we reached the trailhead, snow was everywhere. The unexpected winter conditions made the hike even more memorable.

The snow transformed the landscape into a beautiful winter wonderland and gave the hike an entirely different character. Some sections of the trail became slippery, so we were grateful to have hiking poles. They provided extra stability and confidence, particularly on snowy and icy sections. If you hike the trail when conditions are dry and snow-free, poles may not be necessary, although they can still be helpful on the steeper portions.

Despite the added challenge, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The snowy scenery made the long hike feel like a completely different adventure, and reaching Sassafras mountain summit after wanting to hike it for so long made the accomplishment even sweeter. Sometimes the unexpected conditions end up creating the most memorable hiking experiences.

Reaching Sassafras Mountain summit was especially rewarding because this isn’t just another mountain hike—it is the highest point in South Carolina. The summit sits at approximately 3,553 feet above sea level along the South Carolina–North Carolina border. It is also located along the Eastern Continental Divide, where water flows toward different watersheds.

The summit has an impressive observation tower that opened in 2019. From the top, visitors can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views extending across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. On a clear day, the views can stretch 30–50 miles, making the tower an especially rewarding destination for photographers.

What makes Sassafras Mountain summit even more interesting is its location directly on the state line. We took the obligatory photo with one foot in each state. The mountain is part of the Jocassee Gorges region and is crossed by the Foothills Trail, a long-distance trail connecting Table Rock and Oconee state parks.

Today, visitors can also drive relatively close to the summit and take a short access trail to the observation tower. But for us, arriving after hiking nearly 2,109 feet of elevation gain made standing at the summit feel like a true accomplishment. The snow-covered landscape added another layer of beauty to an already memorable experience.

I was so glad we finally completed this Sassafras Mountain hike, snow and all!

If You Go

Trail: Sassafras via NC 178
Distance: Approximately 9.8 miles
Elevation gain: About 2,109 feet
Difficulty: Challenging due to the distance and elevation gain
Location: Near Sassafras Mountain, along NC 178
What to bring: Plenty of water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes, and layers.
Hiking poles: Highly recommended in snowy, icy, or wet conditions. They provide extra stability on slippery sections.
Weather: Check the forecast before heading out. Snow and ice can significantly change trail conditions and difficulty.
Tip: Allow plenty of time for this hike. The combination of nearly 10 miles and more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain makes it a substantial day on the trail.
Photography: Snow can create spectacular scenery, so bring your camera if winter conditions are expected.