Closest Beaches to Clemson University: Freshwater Beaches and the Atlantic Coast
Discover the closest beaches to Clemson University, from sandy swimming spots on Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee to mountain beaches and Atlantic Coast getaways.
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SUV | Sunset | Jumping Off Rock | Jocassee | Lakes | Parks | ATV & UTV | Offroad Trails | Outdoor Recreation | Explore
Jumping Off Rock: One of South Carolina’s Most Spectacular Overlooks
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.
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Fourth of July Safety Tips for the Upstate: Celebrate Smart This Independence Day
Celebrate Independence Day safely with these Fourth of July tips for the Upstate. From fireworks and boating safety to driving, hiking, and beating the summer heat, here’s how to make the most of your holiday weekend.
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Parks | Explore | State Parks
2026 Guide to South Carolina State Park Reservations in the Upstate
Planning a trip to an Upstate South Carolina state park? Learn which parks offer parking, camping, and cabin reservations, where to book them, and how to avoid arriving to a full parking lot.
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Upstate South Carolina Folklore: Mountain Monsters, Haunted Bridges, Lost Lovers, and Ghosts That Still Linger
The Upstate has its own haunted side, from the Wampus Cat of Appalachian legend to the ghosts of Stumphouse Tunnel, Poinsett Bridge, Lake Jocassee, and Abbeville Opera House.
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15 Best Places to Kayak and Canoe Near Pickens County
From hidden mountain waterfalls to quiet forest creeks, Pickens County is surrounded by incredible paddling destinations. Discover 15 of the best places to kayak and canoe, including Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, the Twelve Mile River, and several hidden gems that many locals haven’t explored.
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10 Summer Day Trips Within 90 Minutes of Pickens That Feel Like a Vacation
From mountain creeks near Pickens to the legendary Chattooga River, these seven trout lures have proven themselves time and time again. Here’s what every Upstate trout angler should keep in their tackle box.
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Outdoor Recreation | Kids Corner | Family Activities | Devils Fork State Park | Explore | State Parks | Swimming
More Than Just a Boat Launch: Devil’s Fork’s Family-Friendly Side
A roadside marker in Whiteside Cove tells the story of Barak Norton, one of the area’s earliest settlers. Discover the history of the Norton family, the historic church beside the marker, and the legacy that continues more than 150 years later.
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Swimming at Lake Jocassee: South Carolina’s Most Beautiful Freshwater Beach
Think South Carolina’s best beaches are on the coast? Think again. Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Jocassee offers a sandy beach, crystal-clear water, kayak rentals, picnic shelters, and some of the most spectacular views in the Upstate.
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Wigington Overlook: The Million-Dollar View Above Lake Jocassee
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.
