Rooted in Resilience

Almost one month to the date of the start of the Table Rock Complex Fire, I made my way back up to Table Rock for a press event. The last few times I had visited Table Rock, the atmosphere was one of smoke, worry, and long, arduous hours for the staff. This day, one month later, was to be a celebration in honor of Earth Day—of a park open and bustling, of long-standing partnerships, of a resilient park and park staff.

If you drive the entrance road into the park, it looks like any other Spring. The tree canopy is full of green leaves, wildflowers are emerging, and mountain laurel is blooming. But once parked, even a few footsteps onto the Carrick Creek trail, the scars of the fire are evident. Even further up the mountain on the ridge between Pinnacle Mountain and Table Rock Mountain summit, the charred woods and open vistas are more than just scars, they are visible and powerful reminders of the force of Mother Nature when humans threaten her. If you focus on that aspect of the story, it can be shaped into one of loss and tragedy. A bigger challenge is to rest your gaze beyond the damage to the sprouts of green already popping up in the sea of ash. To view the renewal, the resilience of a seed bank released, and the smiling faces of Park Rangers excited to get trails open, talk to visitors, and work together towards a common goal, is to understand a greater story of perseverance and hope. After just one month, the forest, the mountain, and the staff are looking for ways to shape this landscape into expanded access, opportunities for new views and experiences, and better ways to manage and care for this incredible resource.

I’ll close with an invitation for you to come immerse yourself in the stories of Table Rock Mountain and to share in the ecological and historical wonder that humbly received national news attention this month. How will you connect to this legend and honor the legacy of the mountain?

JER

"My staff and I are fortunate to carry on the legacy of Stewardship and Service that was begun at Table Rock State Park by the CCC. The park opened to visitors 87 years ago on April 4, 1938. Table Rock itself has been a landmark and significant cultural location long before the existence of the park. The Cherokee referred to this area as the 'Great Blue Hills of God', the alma mater of a local university describes it as where the Blue Ridge yawns its greatness, a former park director referred to it as tonic for the soul and a former park manager described it as the magic of the mountain. Table Rock is a special place where people come for physical recreation, to reconnect spiritually, and to recharge emotionally. In just 6 short months, Table Rock has endured Hurricane Helene and the largest wildfire in South Carolina's History. Yet the mountain still stands, changed and scarred but ready for people to visit. Spring has arrived, bringing renewal and new life to an embattled mountain. With spring, we too begin new projects to improve access. A new nature center deck and trailhead will be constructed. And we are excited to announce how that project has expanded through our partnership with Duke Energy."

Quote by Michael Trotter, Park Manager, Table Rock State Park

April 22, 2025