With its glossy black body and impressive size, the Great Black Wasp may look intimidating, but it’s one of the Upstate’s most beneficial insects. Discover how this gentle giant controls grasshoppers, pollinates wildflowers, and quietly builds underground nests throughout South Carolina.
Planning a hike to Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park? This complete guide covers everything you need to know, including trail difficulty, elevation gain, trail markings, what to expect on the hike, the best photo spots, and tips for experiencing one of South Carolina’s tallest and most beautiful waterfalls.
The Eastern Box Turtle is one of the Upstate’s most remarkable forest residents. Learn how to identify this iconic South Carolina species, where to find it around Pumpkintown, what it eats, how long it lives, and why protecting its habitat is essential for future generations.
Discover Jumping Off Rock in the Jocassee Gorges. Learn how to get there, road conditions, history, photography tips, and why this breathtaking overlook above Lake Jocassee belongs on your Upstate South Carolina bucket list.
Discover the unwritten rules that make every hike safer and more enjoyable. From yielding on the trail and respecting wildlife to Leave No Trace principles and common beginner mistakes, this complete hiking etiquette guide will help you protect South Carolina’s beautiful trails while becoming the kind of hiker everyone enjoys meeting.
Looking for the best things to do on Labor Day in the Upstate? From hiking to mountain overlooks and chasing waterfalls to visiting apple orchards, enjoying scenic drives, and spending the day on the lake, discover the top ways to make the most of Labor Day weekend in Upstate South Carolina.
Step back more than 230 years and discover one of Greenville County’s oldest surviving homes. From its beginnings as a frontier log cabin in 1793 to its transformation into an elegant Greek Revival home, the John H. Goodwin House tells the story of early Upstate settlement, stagecoach travel, plantation life, and historic preservation. Alongside the picturesque Goodwin Chapel and historic store, this Highway 11 landmark offers one of the region’s most fascinating glimpses into South Carolina’s past.
Millipedes may look unusual, but they’re among the most beneficial creatures in Upstate forests. Learn how to identify them, why they aren’t dangerous, and the vital role they play in keeping our mountain ecosystems healthy.
Wolf spiders are common throughout Pumpkintown and the Upstate of South Carolina. Learn how to identify them, whether they’re dangerous, why they come inside, and why these giant hunters are actually beneficial.
Looking for a beach day without driving to the coast? Twelve Mile Recreation Area near Clemson offers one of the Upstate’s best public beaches, complete with a sandy swimming area, shaded playground, picnic shelters, fishing, kayaking, and beautiful views of Lake Hartwell.