12 Reasons to Visit South Carolina’s Upcountry
From scenic waterfront views to must-visit historical sites and whitewater rafting, weβre just beginning to scratch the surface of everything there is to see and do in South Carolina's Upcountry!
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, South Carolinaβs Upcountry is made up of six distinct counties β Pickens, Cherokee, Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, and Spartanburg. From mountaintop adventures and crystal clear lakes to thousands of miles of hiking trails and charming lodging options, here are 12 reasons to add South Carolinaβs Upcountry to the top of your travel list!
Sunrise Farm Bed & Breakfast
Location: Salem, SC
More info: sunrisefarmbb.com
If youβre looking for a unique lodging option during your travels through the Upcountry, Sunrise Farm Bed & Breakfast is home to spacious farmhouse rooms and quaint cottages. Sprawled across 10 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, the farm offers delicious homemade breakfast every morning and relaxing wraparound porches. There are plenty of nearby activities and attractions, including hiking trails, whitewater rafting, fishing, state parks, and golfing.
Tandem CrΓͺperie & Coffeehouse
Location: Travelers Rest, SC
More info: tandemcc.com
Before embarking on your adventures for the day, fuel up at Tandem CrΓͺperie & Coffeeshop. Offering a unique selection of sweet and savory crΓͺpes, standout menu items include the Lumberjack (filled with ham, bacon, eggs, cheese, maple syrup, and bΓ©chamel) and the cinnamon roll crΓͺpe (filled with cinnamon sugar, pecans, and vanilla icing). You can also find a selection of delicious waffles, fresh-squeezed juices, and kombucha.
Devils Fork State Park Villas
Location: Salem, SC
More info: southcarolinaparks.com
Another premier lodging option, the Devils Fork State Park Villas offer a variety of options in a premier South Carolina state park. Each of the 20 two-bedroom villas features linens, basic kitchen supplies and appliances, heating and air conditioning, a screened porch, an outdoor grill, and a picnic table. Rates vary depending on the season, and reservations can be made online or by calling 1-866-345-7275.
Lake Jocassee
Location: Salem, SC
More info: southcarolinaparks.com
Itβs important to note that Devils Fork State Park offers the only public access to Lake Jocassee, which can be reached via the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway. The lake is home to 7,500 acres of water and 75 miles of shoreline, making it a premier destination for boating, water skiing, and fishing.
Campbellβs Covered Bridge
Location: Landrum, SC
More info: greenvillerec.com
Once home to 20 covered bridges, South Carolina now only has one β Campbellβs Covered Bridge. Sitting above Beaverdam Creek, the structure was built between 1909 and 1911 and named after Alexander Lafayette Campbell, a man who operated a local gristmill near the bridge.
Today, the bridge and its 18.65-acre park are frequented by locals and tourists alike. Itβs a popular destination for picnics, hiking, and cooling off in the creek on a hot summer day.
Chattooga National Wild & Scenic River
Location: Mountain Rest, SC
More info: fs.usda.gov
As one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the Southeastern U.S., the Chattooga National Wild & Scenic River offers outdoor adventures for all types of travelers. Thrillseekers will enjoy whitewater rafting through mild sections of the Chattooga River, while those looking for a more leisurely ride can opt for a peaceful paddleboard or kayak tour on Lake Tugaloo.
The Chattooga River Trail is another popular attraction in the area, offering 15.5 miles of wooded trails. Considered one of South Carolinaβs best hidden gems, the trail winds through beautiful bluffs and is also home to Ellicott Rock β where South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina intersect.
Wildwater Ltd. Rafting
Location: Long Creek, SC
More info: wildwaterrafting.com
If youβre interested in whitewater rafting, you can find the proper equipment or a guided tour at Wildwater Ltd. Rafting, the oldest whitewater outfitter on the Chattooga River. Trips are ideal for all skill levels, including half-day and overnight options. Before or after your rafting adventure, you can also enjoy ziplining, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Location: Mountain Rest, SC
More info: noc.com
Another fantastic whitewater rafting outfitter, Nantahala Outdoor Center offers tours for multiple skill levels. Along the Chattooga River, rafters can choose from an intense ride along Section IV or a more mild and scenic tour in Section III. Tours run from March through October and are about five to six hours in length.
MacGregor Orchard
Location: Taylors, SC
More info: macgregororchard.com
Family-owned and -operated, MacGregor Orchard is a 20-acre fruit farm growing 11 fruits in 111 varieties. Open June through November, you can enjoy everything from farm-fresh apples to peaches, nectarines, plums, and figs. Be sure to also purchase some of the farmβs fruit preserves and butter while youβre perusing the market!
SB Tip: Interested in knowing whatβs going to be growing when you visit the farm? Check out the orchardβs fruit growing chart HERE.
Poinsett Bridge
Located: Landrum, SC
More info: visitgreenvillesc.com
Another historic bridge, Poinsett Bridge is the oldest standing bridge in South Carolina (and maybe even in the entire Southeastern U.S.!). Originally built in 1820, the structure is named after Joel Poinsett, the president of South Carolinaβs Board of Public Works during the bridgeβs construction. Today, the structure is a popular destination for hikers and photographers, offering beautiful greenery and a distinctive Gothic arch.
Oconee History Museum & General Store Museum
Locations: Walhalla, SC & Westminster, SC
More info: oconeehistorymuseum.org
Located in what was once a tobacco factory in the 1890s, the Oconee History Museum invites visitors to explore the history of local immigrants, railroads, textile mills, and agriculture. Exhibits showcase everything from restored dugout canoes to a farmerβs house from the Great Depression. While admission is free, a $3 donation is suggested upon entry.
Be sure to also visit the General Store Museum in Westminster, an extension of the Oconee History Museum. The attraction explores the history of the townβs original general store, Englandβs General Merchandise. Youβll find unique artifacts like notebooks, shoes, and anything else the store may have offered when it was in operation. A $3 donation is again recommended upon entry here as well.
Strawberry Hill U.S.A.
Location: Chesnee, SC
More info: strawberryhillusa.com
With the peak of strawberry season on the horizon, Strawberry Hill U.S.A. is a multi-generational farm that offers fresh fruit and family-friendly fun. The farm opens for strawberry season in early April and continues through early June, inviting visitors to pick up gallon buckets of pre-picked berries in the on-site market.
Once youβve picked out your berries, be sure to also stop by the farmβs cafΓ© and ice cream parlor. This is where youβll find 18 Hersheyβs Chocolate ice cream flavors and 12 homemade flavors that use fresh fruit from the farm. Yum!
Enjoy your adventures in South Carolinaβs Upcountry!
This article is sponsored by Upcountry South Carolina. All photography provided.
Brianna Goebel
Brianna is StyleBlueprintβs Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.