Peakbagger.com
Peak Lists	Climbers	Ranges	Geography	Help	Search	Log In

Ascent of Sassafras Mountain on 2012-08-13

Climber: Christopher D'Aiuto

Others in Party:

Ruth D'Aiuto
Paul and Juliette Nawicki

Date:

Monday, August 13, 2012

Ascent Type:

Successful Summit Attained

Peak:

Sassafras Mountain

Location:

USA-South Carolina/North Carolina

Elevation:

3554 ft / 1083 m

Ascent Trip Report

Aside from ascending from Table Rock SP which would give you the most elevation difference, this is the main way highpointers should consider bagging this modest peak.

Parked on north side of Eastatoe River, but should have gone down gravel road to the right to actual trailhead parking area. Several stairs, some bridges and one staircase along trail. The second time you cross the road remember to turn right and look left for stairs. SCGS benchmark is close to radio tower. No lookout tower. Tallest point appears to be below the White Pine next the road in the center. There is a viewpoint west of summit just off Foothills with views between northwest and south west. Look for NC/SC state line marker in rock. We think we saw Brasstown Bald (GA) while standing on the higher rock, looking past the power lines bearing SW/WSW.

Sassafras albidum actually abounded on this mountain trail. Also noted Galax, shortia galaxifolia, kalmia latifolia, pinus strobus and maybe echinata?, young tsuga canadensis, several vacinum species, several blackberry plants, very high Muscadine vines that were showering grapes down. Surprised to see all three evergreen rhododendrons: maximum, catawbiense and carolinianum.

Summary Total Data

Elevation Gain:

1874 ft / 571 m

Distance:

9 mi / 14.5 km

Route:

Foothills Trail

Trailhead:

Eastatoe River 1680 ft / 512 m

Route Conditions:

Maintained Trail

Weather:

Pleasant, Breezy, Clear

Ascent Statistics

Time Up:

2 Hours 35 Minutes

Descent Statistics

Time Down:

1 Hours 46 Minutes

This page has been served 97 times since 2005-01-15.