Hickory Knob has several beautiful hiking trails, one or two of which lie right on the shores of Lake Thurmond, offering some gorgeous views of the expansive waters!
Coming from augusta, take furys ferry road, all the way into south carolina, you will come to the town of mccormick, pass the food lion on your right, pass the subway on your left, then turn left at the hardees. Go for a few more minutes until you see the Hickory Knob sign indicating to turn right, go 2 or so miles down to the park entrance, enter park and drive to the red barn. Park there and you will see the trail entrance kiosk near parking area.
http://www.tripleblaze.com/trail.php?c=3&i=1260