Stories & Legends Archives

Local Legends

Mountain Medicine & Mountain Superstitions: The Folk Wisdom of the Upstate
Byphone June 18, 2026June 18, 2026

Before pharmacies, urgent care centers, and modern medicine, mountain families relied on home remedies and generations of folk wisdom. From onion syrup for coughs and sourwood honey for colds to warnings about black cats, broken mirrors, and rocking chairs, these Appalachian traditions offer a fascinating glimpse into life in the Upstate’s past. Some remedies may have worked, others were rooted in superstition, but all were part of the rich cultural heritage passed down through generations in the Blue Ridge foothills.

Read More Mountain Medicine & Mountain Superstitions: The Folk Wisdom of the Upstate
Local Legends

The Legend of Easley’s Troll Bridge
Byphone June 18, 2026June 18, 2026

For generations, stories of Easley’s mysterious Troll Bridge have been passed down through late-night conversations, campfires, and local folklore. From tales of strange cries in the darkness to cars that wouldn’t start, the legend became one of the area’s most enduring mysteries. But where was Troll Bridge, and what stories do you remember hearing? Help us preserve this fascinating piece of Easley history.

Read More The Legend of Easley’s Troll Bridge
Local Legends

The Rootman: Appalachia’s Folk Healer and Keeper of Mountain Wisdom
Byphone June 18, 2026June 18, 2026

Hidden deep within Appalachian folklore is the story of the Rootman—a mountain healer who relied on herbs, roots, prayers, and generations of knowledge to help his community long before modern medicine reached the hills. Part herbalist, part healer, and part keeper of old traditions, the Rootman remains one of the most fascinating figures in mountain history.

Read More The Rootman: Appalachia’s Folk Healer and Keeper of Mountain Wisdom
Doodle Trail | Railroad History | Pickens

The Doodle Trail: A Journey Through History Between Pickens and Easley
Byphone June 16, 2026June 18, 2026

The Doodle Trail is more than an 8.5-mile path between Pickens and Easley. Built along the route of the historic Pickens Doodle railroad, the trail offers scenic views, hidden railroad history, connections to the Pickens Cotton Mill, downtown attractions, and one of the most enjoyable walking and cycling experiences in the Upstate.

Read More The Doodle Trail: A Journey Through History Between Pickens and Easley
Early Settlers

Before Lake Jocassee: The Wild Rivers That Created the Keowee Valley
Byphone June 8, 2026June 12, 2026

Before Lake Jocassee covered the valley with deep blue water, four wild mountain rivers joined together to create the Keowee River. Discover the waterfalls, communities, farms, and natural wonders that once filled the lost Jocassee Valley beneath the lake.

Read More Before Lake Jocassee: The Wild Rivers That Created the Keowee Valley
Early Settlers

The Orange Flowers That May Mark Forgotten Homes in Pumpkintown
Byphone June 8, 2026June 12, 2026

Every summer, bright orange daylilies transform the roadsides of Pumpkintown and the Table Rock foothills into ribbons of color. Most people admire their beauty, but few realize these flowers may be living reminders of forgotten homes, farms, and communities that once dotted the landscape. Discover the history behind the Upstate’s famous “ditch lilies” and why they continue blooming long after the people who planted them are gone.

Read More The Orange Flowers That May Mark Forgotten Homes in Pumpkintown
Local Legends

Gold, Silver, and Fool’s Gold: The Lost Mines and Legends Around Table Rock
Byphone June 8, 2026June 12, 2026

Were there really gold and silver mines hidden in the mountains around Table Rock, or are the stories just local legends? From documented gold discoveries near Pickens and Cane Creek to the mysterious lost mine of Tamassee and the glittering fool’s gold found in area creeks, the Table Rock region has a fascinating history of prospectors, treasure hunters, and unanswered questions. Join us as we separate fact from folklore and explore the lost mines, forgotten discoveries, and enduring mysteries of the Upstate mountains.

Read More Gold, Silver, and Fool’s Gold: The Lost Mines and Legends Around Table Rock
Haunted Places | Haunted

The Haunted History of Poinsett Bridge: South Carolina’s Most Famous Ghost Story?
Byphone June 8, 2026June 12, 2026

Hidden deep in the woods of northern Greenville County, Poinsett Bridge has earned a reputation as one of South Carolina’s most haunted places. From tales of a murdered stonemason and mysterious shadow figures to unexplained lights beneath the historic arch, discover the legends, ghost stories, and local folklore that have surrounded this 206-year-old landmark for generations.

Read More The Haunted History of Poinsett Bridge: South Carolina’s Most Famous Ghost Story?
Local Legends

Bigfoot in the Upstate: Legend, Mystery, or Something Else?
Byphone June 5, 2026June 12, 2026

The mountains surrounding Pumpkintown have always been shrouded in mystery. Long before hiking trails, state parks, and scenic overlooks brought visitors to the area, local residents told stories of strange creatures roaming the deep forests of the Blue Ridge foothills. Among the most enduring of these legends is Bigfoot. Known by many names, including Sasquatch,…

Read More Bigfoot in the Upstate: Legend, Mystery, or Something Else?
Doodle Park | Railroad History

Pickens Doodle Park: Where Railroad History Meets Family Fun
Byphone June 2, 2026June 16, 2026

Located at the western end of the Doodle Trail, Pickens Doodle Park combines railroad history, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly attractions. With a train-themed playground, historic railroad exhibits, free parking, and direct access to one of the Upstate’s most popular trails, it is a must-visit destination in downtown Pickens.

Read More Pickens Doodle Park: Where Railroad History Meets Family Fun