About – Explore Pickens County SC

Pickens is one of the very few counties in South Carolina who can claim ownership of the Blue Ridge Mountains and its deep Appalachian heritage. This heritage runs deep and can be seen in threads of American values, arts and crafts, music, food, and love of the land that makes up the tapestry of Pickens County.

The Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway

The Pickens County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism is the department within the county responsible for all outdoor and tourism-related marketing efforts. It is our mission to promote the abundance of natural resources that already exist within the county, and to invite people from outside of Pickens County to enjoy all the outdoor recreational opportunities we have to offer.

Town Profiles

Sassafrass Flower Farm in Easley, SC Photo Credit: Allspice Photography, LLC

Easley
Easley is a welcoming and charming town with easy access to outdoor adventure and a thriving local culture. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Easley offers visitors scenic trails, breathtaking views, unique shops, recreational opportunities, and local eateries to explore. The city began as a freight line depot, and as soon as the tracks were constructed, surveyors laid out streets for the new town. Today, visitors can still follow the route of the 19th-century railroad along the popular recreational path known as the Doodle Trail. While visiting Easley, don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers at Sassafrass Flower Farm!

Memorial Stadium at Clemson University Photo Credit: Discover Upcountry SC

Clemson
Clemson offers visitors the perfect blend of small-town charm and vibrant college-town energy. Originally named Calhoun, the city officially changed its name to Clemson in 1943 to align with the university. The town comes alive during football season, when visitors can join the excitement of cheering on the Tigers, or unwind while exploring Clemson’s tranquil outdoor attractions, including the 295-acre South Carolina Botanical Garden and scenic Lake Hartwell. Guests can also savor a variety of local eateries, breweries, and fine dining options throughout the city. There truly is something for everyone in Clemson, South Carolina.

Sassafrass Mountain Overlook in Pickens, SC Photo Credit: Upstate Outdoor Adventurer

Pickens
Founded in 1868, Pickens was named for Revolutionary War hero General Andrew Pickens. This town is rich in both history and natural beauty. Hikers, campers, leaf peepers, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the southeast and beyond come to marvel at Table Rock Mountain, which rises 3,124 feet above sea level in magnificent Table Rock State Park, and to visit nearby Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina, offering breathtaking panoramic views. History buffs enjoy the Hagood Mill Historic Site, home to an 1845 grist mill and South Carolina’s only known petroglyph site. Pickens hosts two beloved annual events- the Appalachian Folk Festival in the fall and the Azalea Festival in the spring, making a visit to Pickens a must-see destination any time of the year!

Pickens County Performing Arts Center in Liberty, SC Photo Credit: Pickens County Performing Arts Center

Liberty
Liberty officially became a town after the Charlotte–Atlanta Airline Railway was built in the early 1870s. By 1905, Liberty was home to two cotton mills, and by the 1970s it had grown into a major manufacturing hub for Oxford cloth, earning its reputation as a textile powerhouse. Today, Liberty is a picturesque mountain town with a charming downtown. Visitors are warmly welcomed by locals to shop, dine, and explore the creative murals found throughout town. Be sure to catch a live performance or special event at the Pickens County Performing Arts Center, a cultural highlight located right in the heart of Liberty. Relax, embrace a slower pace, and rest in Liberty, SC.

Central Railway Museum in Central, SC Photo Credit: Central Railway Model & Historical Association

Central
Central is a warm, inviting small town rich in history. Established in 1873 when the Atlantic and Richmond Air Line Railroad laid tracks through Pickens County, Central was developed at the halfway point between Charlotte and Atlanta along the rail line. Known as “Central Station,” the town became home to shops, dining, residences, and eventually a large hotel serving railroad workers. Today, Central extends that same spirit of hospitality to visitors through its local eateries, arts, and museums. The town is home
to three distinct museums: the Central Railway Museum, the Central Heritage Society Museum, and the historic Freedom’s Hill Church—an 1848 abolitionist church located on the Southern Wesleyan University campus. Surrounded by natural beauty, Central offers easy access to Lake Hartwell, Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.