Epic Palmetto Trail to Tamassee Knob Hike in South Carolina

On Sunday, November 7, 2021, I met up with a group from Girls Who Hike, SC at the trailhead at Oconee Station State Historic Site for a hike on the Palmetto Trail to Tamassee Knob. With fall colors at their peak, we spent the next few hours immersed in the stunning scenery of Upstate South Carolina. The combination of colorful hardwoods, mountain views, and the peaceful forest made this an especially enjoyable time to be on the trail.

The trail gradually climbs through the forest toward Tamassee Knob, where hikers are rewarded with beautiful views of several surrounding mountain peaks. Along the way, we took a side trail to Oconee Station Falls, a beautiful waterfall tucked into the forest, before continuing toward the knob. The waterfall was a worthwhile detour and added another scenic highlight to an already beautiful hike.

For much of the hike, the trail was well marked and appeared to be well traveled. The gradual climb made for a steady workout without feeling overly strenuous, although the elevation gain becomes noticeable as the miles add up. After reaching the junction for Tamassee Knob, however, the trail became somewhat overgrown. We made our way carefully along this final section until reaching the knob and its scenic mountain views.

We took a break at Tamassee Knob to enjoy some snacks and take in the scenery before beginning our descent. The views gave us a chance to catch our breath and appreciate just how beautiful the surrounding mountains looked dressed in their autumn colors. After spending some time at the knob, we retraced our steps through the colorful forest.

On the way back, we had an unexpected wildlife encounter when someone spotted a baby copperhead on the trail. Fortunately, it was noticed before anyone got too close and it moved off to the side. The tiny snake blended remarkably well among the fallen leaves, reminding us to watch our step. It was a good reminder that even a peaceful autumn hike can come with a few surprises.

The Palmetto Trail to Tamassee Knob is a moderate hike of just under 9 miles round trip, with approximately 1,571 feet of elevation gain. With several short stops along the way, our afternoon hike took about five hours to complete. While the distance and elevation gain require some effort, the waterfall, mountain scenery, and fall colors provide plenty of rewards along the way.

Between the brilliant fall foliage, peaceful forest, waterfall, and mountain views from Tamassee Knob, this was a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Upstate South Carolina. It was also a great introduction to this section of the Palmetto Trail, and one I would happily hike again during another colorful fall season.

If You Go

Location: Oconee Station State Historic Site, near Walhalla, South Carolina.
Trail: Palmetto Trail to Tamassee Knob.
Distance: Just under 9 miles round trip.
Elevation gain: Approximately 1,571 feet.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Time: Allow around 5 hours, depending on your pace and stops.
Highlights: Tamassee Knob, Oconee Station Falls, mountain views, and fall foliage.
Trail conditions: The main trail was well marked and well traveled during my visit. The section after the Tamassee Knob junction was somewhat overgrown.
Wildlife: Keep your eyes on the trail. We encountered a baby copperhead that was nearly invisible among the fallen leaves.
Best time to visit: Fall is particularly beautiful when the forest is filled with vibrant autumn color.
Tip: Consider allowing extra time for the side trip to Oconee Station Falls and bring water and snacks for the hike to Tamassee Knob