Sassafras Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sassafras Mountain |
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Observation tower on the summit of Sassafras Mountain
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,554 ft (1,083 m) |
| Listing | U.S. state high point 29th |
| Geography | |
 Sassafras Mountain
Location in South Carolina
Sassafras Mountain
Location in the United States
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| Parent range | Blue Ridge Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Eastatoe Gap |
Sassafras Mountain is a super cool place! It's the highest point in South Carolina, United States. This mountain is part of the amazing Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains are themselves a big part of the Appalachian Mountains. A special tower was built on top of Sassafras Mountain. This observation tower opened in 2019. From the tower, you can see incredible views!
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Where is Sassafras Mountain?
Sassafras Mountain sits right on the border. It is between South Carolina and North Carolina. You can find it in northern Pickens County, South Carolina. The closest town is Rosman, North Carolina.
How to Get There
Getting to Sassafras Mountain is pretty easy. If you are coming from South Carolina, take I-85 to Exit 21. Then, drive north on US-178. You will pass through a small community called Rocky Bottom. From there, take F. Van Clayton Highway. This local road leads about 4.7 miles (7.6 km) to a parking lot at the very top.
If you are coming from Rosman, North Carolina, just follow US-178 south. Once you park, the summit is only a short walk. It's about 300 feet (91 meters) from the parking lot. The path is a bit steep, but it does not have stairs. This means it is easy for everyone to visit.
Who Owns the Land?
A large part of the mountain on the North Carolina side used to belong to a former politician. His name was Charles H. Taylor. In 2010, he sold about 8,000 acres (3,200 hectares) of land. He sold it to a group called The Conservation Fund.
The Conservation Fund then made a generous gift. They gave 4.8 acres (1.9 hectares) at the very top of the mountain. This land went to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. They also gave 6,730 acres (2,720 hectares) to the North Carolina Forest Service. This land is now part of the Headwaters State Forest. This helps protect the mountain's natural beauty.
What is Sassafras Mountain Made Of?
Sassafras Mountain was originally formed from granite. Over a very long time, this granite changed. It became a type of rock called Henderson Gneiss. This rock is made up of quartz, muscovite, and feldspar. These are all common minerals found in rocks.
