Glassy Mountain Glassy Mountain Heritage Preserve, SC
miles
LENGTH 1 MILE
DIFFICULTY 2.1 Easy
DURATION 30 minutes
ELEVATION GAIN
270
feet
TRAIL TYPE
Loop
Glassy Mountain

Dwarfed in popularity by the nearby Table Rock State Park and Mountain Bridge Wilderness, Glassy Mountain loop will entertain those looking for a short and easy trail with a great view. Driving up South Glassy Mountain road, the trailhead will be on the right immediately after passing South Glassy Mountain Church road and before the communication towers at the top of the mountain. Either park along the road next to the trailhead or just head to top of the road.

Beginning roadside, the trail starts off level, following the contour of the hillside. Navigating the trail is easy but there are a mix of trail signs including an arrow and a green and white hiker circle. The trail soon comes to a 3-way split at just past half a mile. The lower two trails form a short loop that takes you to the edge of the namesake rock face. Water often flows down the rock, giving it a glassy appearance from a distance. One of the first things you will notice is the graffiti covering the rock. Some might consider this less like vandalism and more like “trail art.” Rest for a moment and take in the expansive views of the neighboring farmland and distant mountain ranges including Table Rock and Pinnacle mountains.

Returning to the main trail, most of the hike’s elevation is gained heading to the top of the mountain. Unlike most mountain summits, it’s not exactly picturesque due to the communication towers and barbed wire fence. From here you can either head back down the trail or walk down the road back to the trailhead to form a 1 mile loop.

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Elevation Map Length (miles) by Elevation (feet)
Terrain Map Click to control map
Details
length1 mile
difficulty2.1 Easy
duration30 minutes
features Dog Friendly  Views 
trail typeLoop
blazeVarious Markers
elevation gain270 ft.
park/forestGlassy Mountain Heritage Preserve
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
ranger districtSCDNR - Clemson Region
311 Natural Resources Drive
Clemson, SC 29631
864-654-1671
parking feeNone
trailhead coordinates 34.897521, -82.661181 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°53.85, W 82°39.67 (Degree Minutes, MinDec)
N 34°53'51'', N 34°53'51'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Trailhead Directions
34.897521, -82.661181 (Degree Decimal, DegDec)
N 34°53.85, W 82°39.67 most GPS units use this one
N 34°53'51'', N 34°53'51'' (Degree Minutes Seconds, DMS)
Google Map It
The trailhead will be on the right immediately after passing South Glassy Mountain Church road and before the communication towers at the top of the mountain.
Notes
The granite overlook has a steep drop off, so be careful especially when wet.
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Reviews / Comments
Average Review Rating
3 (1)
hikethesouth-6 years ago
Great Views. Short Hike
Snag some pretty great views from this short hike but you may want to make this a side trip rather than a stand alone trip if you're driving very far.
Easy | Hiked Winter 2012
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