Things to See & Do

HIKING AND OUTDOORS

Cateechee Point
1109 Norris Highway
Central, SC 29630
https://www.co.pickens.sc.us/departments/parks,_recreation,___tourism/locals/pickens_county_parks.php
Explore the Twelve Mile River on Cateechee Point’s 9-acre site. This Pickens County Park is a great spot for whitewater kayaking, fishing, and picnicking. Cateechee Point is equipped with kayak racks, sheltered picnic areas, and fishing decks.

Equoni Point
1140 Madden Bridge Rd
Central, SC 29630
https://www.co.pickens.sc.us/departments/parks,_recreation,___tourism/locals/pickens_county_parks.php
Floating the “equoni,” which is Cherokee for “river,” is a favorite summer pastime in the Cherokee Nation. Located in Central, Equoni Point is an ideal put-in and take-out spot, a part of the Twelve Mile River Blueway. Equoni Point allows paddlers to explore upstream and downstream at their own leisure and return to the same spot. It also has a sheltered picnic area and a fishing deck for visitors to enjoy.

Foothills Trail
Table Rock State Park
864-878-9813
www.foothillstrail.org/index.php
About 77 miles in length, the Foothills Trail is located along the Blue Ridge Escarpment in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina. The trail is within easy driving distance of Greenville, Asheville, Charlotte, and Atlanta. 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 significant mountain streams and breathtaking views.

Grant Meadow Overlook
4750 SC 11
Pickens, SC 29671
https://www.co.pickens.sc.us/departments/parks,_recreation,___tourism/locals/pickens_county_parks.php
Grant Meadow Overlook is the place to go for sweeping mountain views in the Upstate. The overlook gives panoramic views of Table Rock State Park and the Blue Ridge escarpment. Located right off Scenic Highway 11, this view has been drawing attention for centuries.

Horseback Waterfall Tours of the Upstate
757 Pleasant Grove Road
Pickens, SC 29671
864-918-1020
HorsebackWaterfallTours.com
As you ride the trails, you will experience incredible views showcasing Upcountry’s pristine waterfalls and Table Rock. You pick the destination. Don’t miss an experience you will talk about for years.

Keowee-Toxaway State Park


108 Residence Drive
Sunset, SC 29685


864-868-2605


southcarolinaparks.com/keowee-toxaway

The 1,000-acre park features rock outcroppings that offer views of the Foothills and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Jocassee Gorges Visitor Center’s exhibits and other visitor information serve as a gateway to the Jocassee Gorges property.

Lake Hartwell
www.sciway.net/city/lakehartwell.html


One of the Southeast’s largest and most popular public recreation lakes, Lake Hartwell was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1955 and 1963 as part of a flood control and hydropower project. The nearly 56,000 acres of water provide many recreation opportunities. There are numerous natural sand beaches along the 962-mile shoreline in addition to campgrounds, recreation areas, and boat access areas. Hartwell borders Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca Rivers.

Long Shoals Recreation Area
Scenic Highway 11
Pickens, SC 29671
https://www.co.pickens.sc.us/departments/parks,_recreation,___tourism/locals/pickens_county_parks.php
Located two miles east of Keowee-Toxaway State Park, Long Shoals Wayside Park is known for its natural water slide and elusive trout fishing. The shoals extend along the Little Eastatoe Creek, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources stocks the cool creek waters on a regular basis with brook, brown, and rainbow trout. The park also includes picnic areas and a hiking trail, perfect for year-round adventure.

Mile Creek County Park
757 Keowee Baptist Church Road
Six Mile, SC 29682
864-868-2196
https://www.co.pickens.sc.us/departments/parks,_recreation,___tourism/mile_creek_park/index.php
Mile Creek Park features lakefront camping on Lake Keowee, cabin rentals, and other outdoor recreation. It is the perfect family vacation site – and a fisherman’s paradise – with the area’s best access to beautiful Lake Keowee. With its scenic natural setting, modern facilities, and great amenities for the whole family, Mile Creek Park is an outdoor jewel.

Table Rock State Park
158 Ellison Lane
Pickens, SC 29671
864-878-9813
southcarolinaparks.com/table-rock#jump
The park provides a towering backdrop for an Upcountry retreat at the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. The 3,083-acre park includes trails, lakes, cabins, and camping. Water, electrical hook-ups, bathhouses, and 94 sites are available. (94 RV) Open year-round and is located 12 miles north of Pickens on SC 11.

Sassafras Mountain
https://conservingcarolina.org/sassafras-mountain-hike/


The highest point in South Carolina! From the summit, four states can be viewed: Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. From Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway (SC 11) in Pickens County, take US 178 north to S.C. State Road 199.

The Doodle Trail
https://www.cityofpickens.com/doodle
The Doodle Trail, a 7.5-mile rails-to-trails partnership between the City of Easley and the City of Pickens, opened Memorial Day Weekend 2015. The multi-use trail is open from dawn to dusk for biking, walking, running, and rollerblading. Unauthorized mopeds or motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail. The Doodle Trail represents the opportunity to carry on the memory of this historic railroad and preserve the vital connection that was forged between Easley and Pickens over 120 years ago. Come check out the trail and visit local businesses around town!

Upstate Zipline
138 Museum Circle
Sunset, SC 29685
864-720-4318
www.upstatezipline.com/zipline
Upstate Zipline is the perfect family getaway offering 10 Ziplines, Gem Mining, Cabin Rentals, & an event venue. Discover beautiful gems, crystals, and fossils, have a relaxing getaway in one of our cozy cabins, or take a ride on SC’s biggest and newest zipline course! Ages 3 years and up are welcome to participate. We also have an event venue perfect for any large gathering of up to 100 people!

ART & HISTORY

Bob Campbell Geology Museum
140 Discovery Lane
Clemson, SC 29634
864-656-4600
clemson.edu/geomuseum
Come discover the Earth! See Clemson’s oldest tiger, Smilodon, the ferocious saber-toothed cat that once roamed this state. Our Fluorescent Mineral Room houses one of the region’s largest displays of fluorescent (glowing) minerals – the light show is fantastic to witness! Marvel at fossilized plants and animals that were once buried in layers of rock. Get up close and personal with the samples on our touch tables or browse the gift shop for one-of-a-kind items like gemstone jewelry, books, puzzles, and polished stones.

Central Railway Museum


108 Country Garden Ln.
Anderson, SC 29626
864-508-7126
www.crmha.org


The centerpiece of our Central Railway Museum is a double-decked HO scale model railroad, which mostly fills our museum building in Central, South Carolina. Two additional “heritage” layouts (Lionel and American Flyer) occupy smaller rooms; they both feature the classic toy trains that many of our members grew up with in the 1940s and 1950s. We also have several other layouts in various scales and a fine collection of real railroad artifacts from the local area. The museum is open from 9 am until 2 pm on Saturdays. Admission is always FREE!

Clemson Area African American Museum
214 Butler St.
Clemson, SC 29630
864-654-2944
www.caaam.org
Established in 2007, this museum is dedicated to showcasing the achievements and successes of African Americans throughout history in the greater Clemson area. The museum is located at the Calhoun Bridge Center, which was formerly an all-black elementary school.

Fort Hill/John C. Calhoun House Museum
520 Fort Hill Street
Clemson, SC 29634
864-656-2475
clemson.edu/fort-hill
This historic house museum focuses on the story of the People who, throughout the 19th century, shaped the land that became Clemson University, including the Africans, African Americans, and the extended Calhoun and Clemson families.

Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folklife Center
138 Hagood Mill Road
Pickens, SC 29671
visithagoodmill.com
864-898-2936
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Hagood Mill Historic Site features an operating 1845 grist mill, restored log cabins, a blacksmith & woodworking shop, a moonshine still, prehistoric petroglyphs, a gift shop, Third Saturday folklife festivals, nature trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, and primitive camping. The site is open Wednesday- Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm. Festivals are held every third Saturday of every month featuring historical re-enactments, demonstrations, vendors, food trucks, and more. Restored water wheel 1845 grist mill runs and produces products for sale. The petroglyph site is also open. See the website above and our Facebook page for monthly special entertainment details. Admission fee for 10+.

Hagood-Mauldin House/Irma Morris Museum of Fine Arts
104 N Lewis St.
Pickens, SC 29671
864-878-1322
pickenscountyhistoricalsociety.com/hagood-mauldin-house/
Hagood-Mauldin House houses 17th- and 18th-century furnishings and art collected by the last owner, who left it as a museum. The Hagood-Mauldin House is open on the third Saturday, April – October, 10 am – 4 pm. Free Tours. Donations appreciated.

Hanover House
113 Hanover Circle
Clemson, SC 29634
clemson.edu/about/history/properties/hanover
864-656-2241
Located in the SC Botanical Garden, Hanover House was moved to Clemson University in the 1940s. It focuses on the lives of the French Huguenots and the Africans and African Americans who shaped South Carolina.

Hopewell Treaty Oak Marker
Old Stone Church Road
Clemson, SC 29631
864-656-2475
clemson.edu/hopewell
The first treaty between the United States and the Cherokee Nation on November 28, 1785, was negotiated at this historic site, part of the Hopewell Plantation of General Andrew Pickens. Treaties were signed with other southern Native Americans, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw, in January 1786. Take US Highway 76 south of Clemson and turn onto West Cherry Road. Travel one mile, turn left onto Old Cherry Road (Road 149), and travel approximately 7/10 of a mile. The marker is located on the right side of the road. A moderate Treaty Oak trail leads to a historic marker and to the Cherokee Reflection site.

Old Stone Church
101 Stone Circle
Clemson, SC 29631
864-654-2061
oldstonechurchsc.com
The Old Stone Church was built in 1802. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places. One of the most historic churches and cemeteries in the Upstate. Revolutionary War hero General Andrew Pickens was a founding elder. The cemetery is open during daylight hours. The church is open by appointment and is available for weddings and other events. 

Pickens County Museum of Art & History
307 Johnson Street
Pickens, SC 29671
864-898-5963
www.co.pickens.sc.us/departments/parks,_recreation,___tourism/museums/index.php
With three changing galleries, the museum offers exhibitions of traditional, folk, fine, and contemporary art, including an annual SC Artists Competition, Youth Arts, and a variety of regional and South Carolina artists.

Rudolph E. Lee Gallery
Clemson University
323 Fernow St.
Clemson, SC 29634
864-656-3881
www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/cva/lee-gallery/index.html
The Lee Gallery provides the university and surrounding community with access to regional, national, and international artists through a variety of exhibitions and special events. These exhibitions examine contemporary issues that underscore academic programs and serve the broader mission of the university. The gallery also showcases the work of undergraduate and graduate art, architecture, and landscape architecture students as they complete their courses of study.

South Carolina Botanical Garden
150 Discovery Lane
Clemson, SC 29634
clemson.edu/scbg
864-656-3405
This public garden, which is the official state botanical garden of South Carolina, has something for everyone. Visit dozens of specialty gardens, gift shop, gallery, geology museum, historic homes, and more, including the unique Natural Heritage Garden Trail. This trail showcases the habitats of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea, providing unparalleled insight into the botany and history of our state. The Garden is open from dawn until dusk 365 days a year and is free of charge. The garden hosts events and educational opportunities for all ages year round. Visit our website for more information.

The Arts Center
212 Butler Street
Clemson, SC 29631
864-633-5051
http://explorearts.org/


The ARTS Center is a non-profit (Upstate Center for the ARTS) organization offering exceptional arts education and making fine art exciting and accessible to our community. The Arts Center has four studio classrooms, a coffee bar, and an art gallery. The studio classrooms are equipped for jewelry, ceramics, drawing, painting, and a variety of other art disciplines. We offer an exciting selection of programs taught by artist instructors in a variety of cultural disciplines. In addition to our classroom activities, we offer a variety of events supporting and showcasing art in the Upstate of SC.

The Central History Museum
416 Church St.
Central, SC 29630
864-878-1322
pickenscountyhistoricalsociety.com/arts-and-culture/central-history-museum-morgan-house-central-heritage-society-headquarters/
The Central Heritage Society purchased the Morgan House in 1995 as headquarters for the Central History Museum. Several of the rooms are almost exactly as Jessie and Jennie Morgan left them, while others focus on Central, South Carolina history. Local artifacts include everything from textiles produced at Issaqueena Cotton Mill to the merchandise counter from the Morgan Store.

PERFORMING ARTS

Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University
141 Jersey Lane
Clemson, SC 29634-0526
Ticket info: 864-656-7787
clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks/
The Brooks Center has been the hub for the performing arts in Clemson for three decades. This 979-seat auditorium offers affordable professional music, theatre, and dance performances by artists from around the world and the free, world-class Utsey Chamber Music Series. The Brooks Center is also home to Clemson’s Department of Performing Arts, hosting student ensemble performances throughout the academic year.

Foothills Playhouse
West End Hall
201 South 5th Street
Easley, SC 29640
864-855-1817
foothillsplayhouse.org


Foothills Playhouse, a non-profit organization, was established in 1981 by a group of dedicated individuals. Over the next 30 seasons, it has changed locations from Easley High School to the Foothills Mall, and finally in 1991 to West End Hall, where it still resides, and has grown to six shows, including youth productions and drama classes. Through all the changes, our mission has remained the same: to provide quality, live theatre for the entertainment, education, and edification of our city, state, and region.

Oolenoy Community House
5301 Dacusville Highway
Pickens, SC 29671
864-878-2045
www.facebook.com/oolenoybluegrass


Formerly Oolenoy Elementary School, the c. 1918 building now serves as a Community Center and the headquarters for the annual Pumpkin Festival. Events include live country and bluegrass music offered on Fridays from 7 -11 pm. Please call 864-898-0261 for more information.

Pickens County Performing Arts Center
314 W. Main Street
Liberty, SC 29657
864-345-7925
pickenstheater.com
The Pickens County Performing Arts Center is a 600-seat auditorium that hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. The PAC is also available to rent for a variety of acts, including dance recitals, plays, comedians, educational opportunities, and many other types of performances. Their newly renovated facility offers state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and audio/visual equipment. Additional items are available to renters include Marley flooring, ticket reservation systems, and access to newly renovated greenrooms and dressing rooms.

The Central History Museum
416 Church St.
Central, SC 29630
864-878-1322
pickenscountyhistoricalsociety.com/arts-and-culture/central-history-museum-morgan-house-central-heritage-society-headquarters/
The Central Heritage Society purchased the Morgan House in 1995 as headquarters for the Central History Museum. Several of the rooms are almost exactly as Jessie and Jennie Morgan left them, while others focus on Central, South Carolina history. Local artifacts include everything from textiles produced at Issaqueena Cotton Mill to the merchandise counter from the Morgan Store.

BOAT RENTALS

Clear Sky Pontoon Rentals
312 Kill Devil Hill
Six Mile, SC 29682
864-414-4489
www.clearskypontoon.com


Welcome to Clear Sky Pontoon Rentals! It is my pleasure to provide you the opportunity to rent one of our fabulous pontoon boats and enjoy Lake Keowee, one of the most beautiful lakes in this entire country. You are encouraged to bring family, friends and even well-behaved furry family members along while you make memories that will certainly last a lifetime. I know you will enjoy the lake as much as so many have in the past.

Tri-County Boat Rental
Six Mile, SC 29682
864-617-9187
www.tri-countyboatrental.com/
Create lifetime memories while making your stay in the area more enjoyable. Specializing in long-term rentals. Providing upscale, clean, safe, & dependable watercraft to Upcountry SC Lakes Keowee, Jocassee, Hartwell and Lakes Glenville and Summit in NC. Unique to our rentals is that we will deliver your boat to the nearest boat landing from where you are vacationing. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.

GOLF

The Rock Golf Club & Resort
171 Sliding Rock Road
Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 878-2030
www.therockgolfclub.com
The Rock now boasts the best greens in the Upstate, with the facilities and views to match. The golf course comprises 18 challenging holes on 112 acres with breathtaking vistas, with our signature #8 tee box overlooking one of the best waterfalls in the area.

The Walker Course at Clemson University
210 Madren Center Drive
Clemson, SC 29634
864-656-0236
stayatclemson.com/championship-golf
The par 72, 18-hole championship course is nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is surrounded by Lake Hartwell. Its design accommodates golfers at all skill levels, and the signature 17th hole is a “tiger paw.”

FARMS & ORCHARDS

Bee Well Honey & Natural Market
205 Hampton Ave
Pickens, SC 29671
864-898-5122 option 2
beewellhoneyfarm.com
Our market features raw local honey from Upstate South Carolina. We have raw milk, butter, free-range eggs, jams, jellies, spices, and other healthy foods. We have our own homemade line of soaps and beeswax candles available, too. Please visit our coffee shop, where we are now serving New Yorker Bagel sandwiches and other great food items. This is a great place to pick up a gift for that special someone or for yourself. Please visit our Bee Supply store at 909 W Main St, Pickens, SC 29671. 

The Happy Berry
510 Gap Hill Rd
Six Mile, SC 29682
TheHappyBerry.com
864-508-6939
A pick-your-own, with pre-picked available, blackberry, blueberry, seedless grape, fig, muscadine and persimmon farm. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the 18,500-acre Lake Keowee. For picking conditions, please visit our website.

Table Rock Tea Company
118 High Hills Lane
Pickens, SC 29671
864-915-0571
TableRockTea.com
Table Rock Tea Company, Ltd. is an artisan tea company that grows its tea in the United States! Our U.S. Grown, Real American Tea is raised right here in Upstate South Carolina. Nestled along the Cherokee Foothills at the base of Table Rock Mountain, our climate offers the ideal location for growing premium, small-batch tea crafted with the best of both traditional and modern methods.  

WATERFALLS

Beech Bottom Falls


F. Van Clayton Memorial Highway
Sunset, SC 29685
864-878-9813
https://www.sctrails.net/trails/trail/beech-bottom-falls
Mill Creek drops 100 feet to make this multi-tiered waterfall. It starts as two tiers, but the creek flows around boulders and over rock ledges to make this beautiful falls. It is a spur trail off the Palmetto Trail that will lead you to the falls. The hike is 1.7 miles round trip.

Carrick Creek Falls
Table Rock State Park
864-878-9813
https://www.sctrails.net/trails/trail/carrick-creek
This 15-foot waterfall on Carrick Creek plunges into a deep, inviting pool. It is an easy 0.2-mile hike on a paved path in Table Rock State Park to reach the falls. Several other falls can be found along the 2-mile Carrick Creek Nature Trail.

Eastatoee Cascades
Horse Pasture Rd.
Sunset, SC 29685
https://upcountrysc.com/listing-details/sunset/eastatoee-cascades/45317800/
Eastatoee Cascades is a small, smooth-flowing cascade that is surrounded by large boulders. Located on Eastatoee Creek, there are numerous access areas to the cascades. The first half a mile of this 1.1-mile-long hike is easy, but the last half is rather difficult.

Eastatoee Gorge Falls
Horse Pasture Rd.
Sunset, SC 29685
https://upcountrysc.com/listing-details/sunset/eastatoee-gorge-falls/45317064/
Eastatoee Gorge Falls is a gorgeous sight, but it is a fairly strenuous hike to get that gorgeous view. After about 2.5 miles and 2.5 hours, you will reach the 25-foot-tall, 15-foot-wide waterfall. In 2004, after Hurricane Ivan, the original trail to the falls was closed. Eastatoee Gorge Falls is located in the Eastatoee Creek Heritage Preserve, which is 373 acres of managed and protected land.

Meece Shoals
Meece Mill Rd.
Pickens, SC 29671
https://upcountrysc.com/listing-details/pickens/meece-shoals/45317691/
Meece Shoals, located on Twelve Mile River, is named for the old gristmill that used to be in operation called Meece Mill. The water forming the shoals comes from a concrete dam which used to power the old watermill. Now, the mill is a restaurant and serves lunch on the third Saturday of every month.

Poe Creek Falls
Keowee-Toxaway State Park
Sunset, SC 29685
https://upcountrysc.com/listing-details/sunset/poe-creek-falls/45316724/
Poe Creek Falls is a three-part waterfall located in Keowee-Toxaway State Park. There is an admission to the park where you can view the falls.

Todd Creek Falls
Central, SC 29630
https://www.sctrails.net/trails/trail/todd-creek-falls
Todd Creek Falls is a block falls owned by Clemson University and Duke Energy. The falls, stretched across Todd Creek, drop 20 feet. This requires an easy 20-minute hike.

Twin Falls/Eastatoee Falls
152 Waterfalls Road
Sunset, SC 29685
864-878-9813
https://www.sctrails.net/trails/trail/twin-falls-reedy-cove-falls-rock-falls-or-eastatoe-falls
Though this waterfall goes by many names, including Reedy Cove Falls and Rock Falls, once you see it, you won’t forget it. 70-feet of bare granite and rushing waterfalls make this a beautiful sight. The left and larger of the falls tumbles from a height of 75 feet over a massive slab of granite, while the right side manages a short drop onto another stone and then slides down a 45-degree slope before rejoining its brother. It’s a fine show for an easy 15-minute walk along the .25-mile trail, which leads to a viewing deck with seating. The falls and trail are located on a private nature preserve. You hike at your own risk.

Virginia Hawkins Falls
Horse Pasture Rd.
Sunset, SC 29685
https://www.sctrails.net/trails/trail/laurel-fork-falls
Virginia Hawkins Falls was previously known as Double Falls until it was renamed in 2004 for Virginia Hawkins, a longtime Foothills Trail Conference executive secretary. It is located on the Foothills Trail and is the most segmented falls in South Carolina. The difficulty level of this hike isn’t too strenuous; however, it does take about 2 hours to hike to the falls.

Wildcat Creek Falls
Clemson Forest
Issaqueena Lake Road
Central, SC 29630
https://www.sctrails.net/trails/trail/wildcat-creek-falls
Wildcat Creek Falls is a small 12-foot waterfall located in the Clemson Experimental Forest. A moderate 20-minute, 0.3-mile hike is required.

Winnie Branch Falls
Scenic Highway: SC 11
Sunset, SC 29685
https://upcountrysc.com/listing-details/sunset/winnie-branch-falls/45317227/
Winnie Branch Falls is located on Winnie Branch Creek just off SC 11 and only requires a 0.6-mile hike.