Did a Cherokee woman named Issaqueena give the Upstate its most unusual place names? Follow the legendary ride that may have inspired Six Mile, Twelve Mile, Eighteen Mile, and beyond, and discover the fascinating story of courage, sacrifice, and folklore that still echoes through the mountains of South Carolina.
Discover one of the most fascinating hikes in Paris Mountain State Park. The Sulphur Springs Trail combines peaceful forest scenery, historic waterworks, shaded creek crossings, and reservoir views into a unique journey through the natural and engineering history that helped supply Greenville’s drinking water for generations.
A summer storm, a hilltop that stayed dry, and a story that has inspired generations. Discover how Miracle Hill Ministries got its name and why this Pickens County landmark remains one of the Upstate’s most fascinating pieces of history.
Hidden beside a mountain road near Highlands, North Carolina, this weathered structure may have once sheltered a family living in the Southern Appalachians. Whether it began as a cabin, tenant house, or farm building, it stands today as a fascinating reminder of mountain life from a bygone era.
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.
Founded in 1893, Travelers Rest United Methodist Church offers a unique glimpse into the history of one of the Upstate’s fastest-growing communities. The original chapel still stands beside the modern sanctuary, creating a living timeline of faith and local history in downtown Travelers Rest.
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.
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.
Most people have driven past this stone monument in downtown Pickens countless times without knowing the remarkable story behind it. Located in Legacy Square, the monument honors General Andrew Pickens, Revolutionary War hero, statesman, and the man for whom both Pickens County and the City of Pickens were named. Discover how one of South Carolina’s most influential frontier leaders helped shape the nation and left a legacy that still stands at the heart of our community today.
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.