Long before Highway 178 and the Foothills Trail, travelers crossed the mountains near Sassafras Mountain on the Emory Gap Toll Road. Portions of this forgotten route still survive today, hidden beneath one of South Carolina’s most famous hiking trails.
Think you know Table Rock State Park? Think again. From its 3,083 acres and 3,124-foot summit to the 103 acres of man-made lakes built by CCC workers during the Great Depression, Table Rock is packed with surprising facts. Discover 25 statistics, historic milestones, and little-known details about one of South Carolina’s most iconic landmarks.
Nestled beneath the shadow of Table Rock, Pumpkintown may seem like a quiet rural community tucked away in the foothills. Yet for generations, the landscape itself helped make Pumpkintown a natural crossroads where routes from Pickens, Table Rock, Cleveland, Dacusville, and the surrounding valleys came together.
A forgotten wagon wheel discovered on a wooded ridge overlooking Table Rock reveals a surprising truth about the Upstate foothills. Long before the forests returned, these hills were home to farms, pastures, orchards, and families who worked the land beneath the shadow of the mountains.
Built in 1918 as Oolenoy School, the Oolenoy Community Center has been the heart of the Oolenoy Valley for generations. From educating local children to hosting community events and the annual Pumpkin Festival, this historic landmark continues to preserve the rich heritage of Pumpkintown and the surrounding foothills.
Built in 1918 as Oolenoy School, the Oolenoy Community Center has been the heart of the Oolenoy Valley for generations. From educating local children to hosting community events and the annual Pumpkin Festival, this historic landmark continues to preserve the rich heritage of Pumpkintown and the surrounding foothills.
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.
From Cherokee chiefs and Revolutionary War heroes to natural springs, mountain legends, and pioneer families, many of the names found around Pumpkintown have fascinating origins. Discover the stories behind some of the most recognizable names in the Oolenoy Valley.
Most visitors come to Hagood Mill expecting to see a historic grist mill. Few realize they will also discover one of South Carolina’s most significant collections of prehistoric Native American rock carvings. Explore the history, heritage, and hidden treasures of this Upstate landmark.
Founded in 1795 and named for Cherokee Chief Woolenoy, Oolenoy Baptist Church has stood at the heart of the Pumpkintown community for more than 230 years. Its historic cemetery contains the graves of pioneer settlers, veterans, and generations of families who helped shape the Oolenoy Valley.