Upcountry South Carolina Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Upcountry South Carolina, including information on places to visit, best things to do, food and drink, where to stay, local culture and customs, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Upcountry South Carolina

Located in the northwest corner of South Carolina, Upcountry is a region known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Hartwell, Upcountry has something to offer every traveler. This travel guide will provide a comprehensive itinerary for exploring the region, including a list of places to visit, hiking routes, best things to do, food and drink, where to stay, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Upcountry South Carolina

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folk Center - a 172-year-old gristmill and an important historical landmark that features demonstrations of traditional folk arts and crafts.
  • The Pickens County Museum - a museum that features exhibits about the history of Pickens County and the surrounding areas.
  • The South Carolina Botanical Garden - a 295-acre garden located in Clemson University, featuring a diverse collection of plant life and a sculpture garden.
  • The Cowpens National Battlefield - a Revolutionary War battlefield and national monument that offers educational programs and self-guided tours.

Natural Attractions of Upcountry South Carolina: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Table Rock State Park - a 3,000-acre park featuring hiking trails, waterfalls, fishing, and camping facilities.
  • Nantahala National Forest - a pristine wilderness area that spans across North Carolina and South Carolina, offering a range of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, and water sports.
  • Caesars Head State Park - a mountainous park that offers hiking, scenic views, and camping facilities.
  • Lake Jocassee - a stunning lake known for its crystal-clear water and offering a range of water sports including fishing, boating, kayaking, and more.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Upcountry South Carolina

  • The Foothills Trail - a challenging 77-mile trail that stretches from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park, offering breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the wilderness areas around it.
  • The Swamp Rabbit Trail - a 22.9-mile rail trail that connects Greenville with Travelers Rest, South Carolina. This trail is popular among cyclists and walkers, and features a range of shops, restaurants, and breweries along the way.
  • The Chattooga Trail - a 42-mile trail that follows the Chattooga River and the border between Georgia and South Carolina. This trail is popular among backpackers and hikers who are looking for a backcountry adventure.

Best Things to Do in Upcountry South Carolina: Activities and Tours

  • Self-Guided tours - Upcountry South Carolina is full of historic landmarks and cultural hotspots, and many of them offer self-guided tours including the Hagood Mill, Pickens County Museum, and Cowpens National Battlefield.
  • Fishing and Boating - With its many lakes and rivers, Upcountry South Carolina offers a range of opportunities for fishing and boating enthusiasts.
  • Brewery Tours - The region is home to many popular breweries and distilleries, including Brewery 85, Quest Brewing Co, and Dark Corner Distillery.
  • Golfing - Many world-class golf courses are located in Upcountry South Carolina, including The Reserve at Lake Keowee and The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards.
  • Waterfalls - Upcountry South Carolina is full of beautiful waterfalls, including Rainbow Falls, Reedy Falls, and Raven Cliff Falls.

Week-Long Itinerary for Upcountry South Carolina

Day Activity
1 Visit Pickens County Museum and South Carolina Botanical Garden.
2 Hike up Table Rock Mountains and camp overnight.
3 Visit Cowpens National Battlefield and drive to Nantahala National Forest for camping
4 Whitewater rafting and water activities in Nantahala National Park
5 Visit Hagood Mill, and enjoy the local brewery scene
6 Visit Lake Jocassee for a day of fishing, kayaking, and swimming
7 Take a leisurely stroll around Greenville and explore its art & culture scene

Food and Drink Scene of Upcountry South Carolina

Must-Try Dishes

  • BBQ Ribs - popular dish in Upcountry, which is served with sweet and tangy sauce and is slow-cooked on a grill.
  • Fried Chicken - southern staple that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, served with waffles and other side dishes.
  • Shrimps and Grits - a famous Southern dish, made with fresh shrimp and local grits.

Local Beverages

  • Sweet Tea - a classic Southern beverage made with black tea and plenty of sugar.
  • Craft Beer - Upcountry South Carolina is home to several breweries including Brewery 85, Thomas Creek Brewery, and Quest Brewing Co.
  • Wine - the region is also known for its vineyards and wineries, including Victoria Valley Vineyards and Stone Hedge Winery.

Where to Stay in Upcountry South Carolina: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Domestique - a luxurious hotel with a cycling theme located in Travelers Rest, offering a wide range of amenities.
  • The Reserve at Lake Keowee - a waterfront resort that offers world-class golf courses, dining, and water sports activities on Lake Keowee.
  • Indigo Hall - a historic bed and breakfast located in downtown Spartanburg.

What to Buy in Upcountry South Carolina: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handcrafted Jewelry - Upcountry South Carolina is known for its artisan jewelry, including handmade silver, gold, and beaded jewelry.
  • Pottery - many local potters create beautiful, functional pieces of pottery that are perfect for bringing home as a souvenir.
  • Gourmet Food Products - Upcountry is famous for its BBQ sauce, jams, jellies, and other food products made using fresh local ingredients.

Local Culture and Customs of Upcountry South Carolina

  • In Upcountry South Carolina, manners and hospitality are highly valued.
  • The region is known for its country music and lively festivals.
  • The people of Upcountry South Carolina take great pride in their history and cultural heritage.

Best Time to Visit Upcountry South Carolina

The best time to visit Upcountry South Carolina is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its peak. The region is also popular during the summer months when visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities including water sports and hiking. Winter months are less crowded.

Do’s and Don’ts of Upcountry South Carolina

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Take advantage of the natural beauty and outdoor activities
  • Try local cuisine and food products

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural attractions
  • Be overly loud or obnoxious in public spaces
  • Disrespect the local Appalachian culture and heritage

Safety and Health

Safety in Upcountry South Carolina

Upcountry South Carolina is a relatively safe area, but it is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone. It is recommended to lock your vehicle’s doors and park in a well-lit area, especially in urban areas.

Health in Upcountry South Carolina

Upcountry South Carolina does not have any major health concerns. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and use sunscreen when spending time outdoors. Before planning your trip, it is recommended to check with your doctor if you have any health-related queries.

Getting to Upcountry South Carolina: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Upcountry South Carolina

  • Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport - located 14 miles northwest of Greenville.
  • Asheville Regional Airport - located in North Carolina, about an hour’s drive from Upcountry South Carolina.

Bus Stations Near Upcountry South Carolina

  • The Greyhound Bus station in Greenville, South Carolina, offers regular bus services to major cities in the region.

Other Options

  • Rental cars are readily available at the airports.
  • Amtrak trains have stations in Clemson and Spartanburg, South Carolina.

How to Get Around in Upcountry South Carolina

The easiest way to get around Upcountry South Carolina is by car. Buses, taxis, and rental cars are also available. Cycling and walking tours are also popular.

Where to Go Next from Upcountry South Carolina: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Charleston, South Carolina - a historical city full of Southern charm, located a few hours’ drive from Upcountry South Carolina.
  • Asheville, North Carolina - known for its art and music scene, located about an hour’s drive from Upcountry South Carolina.
  • Georgia - a state located south of South Carolina known for its peaches and beaches.

Conclusion

Upcountry South Carolina is a scenic and cultural region that offers a range of activities, natural beauty, and Southern hospitality. Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway or for a long vacation, you will have plenty to see and do. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip to Upcountry South Carolina and experience the beauty of the region.



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    Belton
    Fountain Inn
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