South Carolina Botanical Garden
The garden began in 1957 as a small camellia
collection on a reclaimed landfill site. Today
the South Carolina Botanical Garden, located on
the Clemson University campus, is a diverse
295-acre garden of natural and manicured
landscapes within the South Carolina Piedmont
ecosystem. Together with a nationally recognized
nature-based sculpture collection, distinguished
youth education and outreach programs, and a
Geology Museum, the SCBG is a premier site for
experiencing nature and culture.
Lake
Lure Tours
Step on board these luxurious boats and visit
the blockbuster hit Dirty Dancing film site,
delight in mountain legends and breathtaking
views. Suitable for all ages. Hourly tours,
twilight and dinner cruises. Private and group
charters. U.S. Hwy. 64/74A in scenic Hickory Nut
Gorge, 35 miles north of Greenville. Lake Lure
is ranked by National Geographic Magazine as one
of the top scenic lakes in the world.
Chimney Rock Park
Find the best of the mountains in one place.
This privately-owned scenic attraction near
Asheville offers spectacular 75-mile views, a
404-foot waterfall, hiking trails and more.
Pearson's Falls
Located between Tryon and Saluda is Pearson's
Falls. The Tryon Garden Club has own this
250-acre site for nearly 70 years. Hours are
10am -6pm Wednesday-Sunday. Admission is $2 for
adults. (828) 749-3031.
Cowpens
National Battlefield
In 1781 Daniel Morgan of Virginia led his
militia troops to victory against the elite
British troops led by Colonel Banastre Tarleton.
The battlefield features a walking trail and
marked road tour, a picnic ground, and a
visitor's center with exhibits, memorabilia, and
a slide show presentation. Located off of S.C
Scenic Highway 11 and S.C 110 in Cherokee
County. 864/ 461-2828.
State Parks in the Upstate
Caesars Head State Park
Croft State Park
Devils Fork State Park
Jones Gap State Park
Keowee Toxaway State Park
Kings Mountain State Park
Lake Hartwell State Park
Oconee State Park
Oconee Station State Park
Paris Mountain State Park
Table Rock State Park
Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River
Born high in the Carolina mountains and dropping
an average of 49.3 feet per mile in its race
past the stately woods of Sumter National
Forest, for 40 miles this tumultuous (and
sometimes disarmingly placid) mountain river
separates South Carolina and Georgia. The
Chattooga became a sort of national quest after
its starring role in the movie "Deliverance."
(For guided raft tours, contact Wildwater Ltd.,
Box 309, Long Creek, SC 29658, (800) 451-9972 or
(864) 647-9587
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (S.C.
11)
Often right at the foot of high mountains, this
beautiful but still utilitarian two-lane road
leaves I-85 at Gaffney, makes a 130-mile arc
through peach orchards and villages, past
Cowpens Battlefield, over I-26, past several
state and county parks, over Lake Keowee at a
scenic spot and on past Salem, Walhalla, Seneca
and Westminster to rejoin I-85 at the Georgia
line.
South Carolina Trails
Our goal is to foster a statewide network of
trails and greenways by promoting trail use,
management, and development.
Cowpens
National Battlefield
Cowpens National Battlefield commemorates a
decisive battle that helped turn the tide of war
in the South. On this field on January 17, 1781,
Daniel Morgan led his army of tough
Continentals, militia and cavalry to a brilliant
victory over Banastre Tarleton's force of
British regulars.
Foothills Trail
The main stem of this nearly 100-mile long
hiking trail extends from Table Rock State Park
in Pickens County to Oconee State Park in Oconee
County. The trail crosses some of the most
rugged and beautiful terrain in the Southeast
and provides access to Sassafras Mountain, the
highest peak in South Carolina, and to major
mountain streams and breathtaking views. Contact
the Foothills Trails Conference, PO Box 3041,
Greenville SC 29602; (864) 233-9403.
Heritage Preserves
Hiking is permitted in the following
Upcountry Heritage Preserves: Eastatoe Creek,
Buzzard Roost, Ashmore, Watson, Glassy Mountain,
Laurel Fork, Bunched Arrowhead, Pacolet River
and parts of Chandler. Contact the S.C. Dept. of
Natural Resources, PO Box 167, Columbia SC
29202; (803) 734-3893; (864) 654-6738.
Walnut Grove
Kate Moore Barry's 1765 plantation house had
been lived in only a few years when the
Revolution rocked the colonies. She then served
as a scout for General Daniel Morgan at the
Battle of Cowpens. Walnut Grove was a community
in itself, with a school, doctor's office and
various outbuildings. Fully restored and
furnished.
Mountain Bridge Wilderness & Rec.
Area
More than 11,000 acres and 50 miles of trails
connect to the Sumter National Forest with one
trail leading to the Foothills Trail. This
network of trails provides an excellent view of
scenic vistas, including Raven Cliff Falls.
Primitive trailside camping is permitted by
registering with a ranger. Call Caesars Head
State Park at (864) 836-6115 or Jones Gap State
Park at (864) 836-3647.
State Parks
The majority of state park trails are
considered nature/walking trails because of
short length and/or relatively flat terrain. The
14-mile Table Rock trail is difficult terrain
and the 15-mile Kings Mountain trail is
moderate. Other trails are located at Caesars
Head, Jones Gap, Paris Mountain, Oconee and
Keowee-Toxaway State Parks. Shorter nature
trails located at Croft, Sadlers Creek and Lake
Hartwell State Parks. Call the park or S.C.
State Parks at (803) 734-0156.
Appalachian Trail
This national scenic trail begins in Georgia and
stretches across 2,144 miles of Appalachian
Mountain ridge lines to end in Maine. Along the
way, it traverses the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park and parts of Western North
Carolina. For more information on the trail, and
day hike suggestions, contact the Appalachian
Trail Conference. > 828-254-3708
Pavilion Indoor Recreation Complex
Full size ice skating rink, Competition size
Inline rink, tennis courts, game room,
concessions, summer day camps and after school
programs. The Pavilion is home to the Brushy
Creek & Southern miniature passenger railroad.
One of only two public indoor rinks in South
Carolina. Located on Scottswood Drive in
Greenville. 864/ 322-7529.
Shoeless Joe Jackson Memorial Park
This unique historical park pays homage to
former Chicago White Sox great Shoeless Joe
Jackson who grew up and played ball in the
Brandon Mill Community. 864/ 288-6470.
Greenville Zoo
Featuring over 250 animal attractions. Also has
playground and picnic areas. Located in
Cleveland Park on E. Washington Street in
Greenville. 864/ 467-4300.
Hatcher Gardens
This beautiful garden contains more that 10,000
plants, as well as dams, ponds, and trails. It
also serves as a haven for local birds and
wildlife. Located on Reidville Road in
Spartanburg. 864/ 582-2776.
