The drive between Cashiers and Franklin may be only 12 miles long, but it passes through one of the most beautiful mountain gorges in North Carolina. Discover waterfalls, swimming holes, scenic overlooks, and the rushing waters of the Cullasaja River along this unforgettable stretch of Highway 64.
Discover one of the most unique waterfalls in the Southeast. Located near Highlands, North Carolina, Bridal Veil Falls allows visitors to walk behind the cascading water without a hike. This scenic roadside stop is a perfect addition to any mountain adventure and one of the region’s most memorable hidden gems.
Perched high above Lake Jocassee, Wigington Overlook offers one of the most spectacular roadside views in South Carolina. Most visitors stop for the scenery, but few realize there’s also a hidden unofficial trail leading into a peaceful mountain forest just beside the overlook.
Hidden along the scenic mountain highway between Cashiers and Franklin, the Whistle Stop Depot Antique Mall combines Appalachian charm, unique antiques, and an eye-catching military vehicle display that makes it hard to pass by.
What looks like a peaceful green hillside may actually be a battle for survival. Introduced to America with good intentions, kudzu was once promoted as a solution to soil erosion across the South. Instead, it became one of the region’s most infamous invasive plants, swallowing forests, fence lines, abandoned farmsteads, and even entire buildings beneath a blanket of vines. Discover how “the vine that ate the South” transformed the landscape of Pickens County and why its legacy continues to shape the Upstate today.
Some of the most beautiful views in the South Carolina foothills happen before sunrise. Discover where to find the best morning fog around Table Rock and Pumpkintown, learn why these magical conditions form, and explore scenic overlooks, quiet backroads, and hidden valleys where mist-filled landscapes create unforgettable sunrise experiences. Whether you’re a photographer, hiker, or simply an early riser, these peaceful mornings reveal a side of the Upstate that many visitors never see.
Table Rock offers diverse activities beyond hiking, including kayaking on Lake Oolenoy, horseback riding, visiting a tea farm, and enjoying scenic drives. Unique experiences like witnessing sunrise at Pretty Place, exploring local farm markets, and visiting a bison ranch enrich the trip, showcasing the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Most visitors come to Table Rock State Park to hike the mountain, but some of the best views are found elsewhere. From the reflections of Lake Oolenoy and scenic overlooks along Highway 11 to hidden viewpoints on neighboring peaks, these locations showcase Table Rock from angles many visitors never see. Discover eight of the best places to view South Carolina’s most iconic mountain and find your next favorite photo spot.
Why do sunsets around Pumpkintown, Table Rock, and the Blue Ridge foothills seem more colorful than anywhere else? The answer lies in a combination of mountain geography, clean air, changing seasons, and a little bit of science. From fiery orange skies over Table Rock to layers of purple ridges stretching across the horizon, Upstate South Carolina offers sunset views that rival some of the most famous scenic destinations in the country. Here’s why our evening skies are so spectacular—and where to find the best views.
Every summer, thousands of small white flowers appear along the roadsides of Pumpkintown and the Table Rock area. Known as daisy fleabane, these native wildflowers provide important habitat for pollinators and have a fascinating history stretching back to early settlers.