Discover the mushrooms hiding along the trails of Table Rock State Park. From bright orange woodland mushrooms to towering fungi and turkey tails, see some of the fascinating species you might encounter after a warm summer rain.
Millipedes may look unusual, but they’re among the most beneficial creatures in Upstate forests. Learn how to identify them, why they aren’t dangerous, and the vital role they play in keeping our mountain ecosystems healthy.
Wolf spiders are common throughout Pumpkintown and the Upstate of South Carolina. Learn how to identify them, whether they’re dangerous, why they come inside, and why these giant hunters are actually beneficial.
When pear trees burst into bloom each spring, they become one of the busiest destinations for honey bees. Discover why these brilliant white blossoms play such an important role in supporting pollinators across the Upstate.
Have you ever walked into a giant spider web while hiking in South Carolina? Meet the Golden Silk Orb-weaver, one of the Southeast’s largest spiders, and learn why this gentle giant is more friend than foe.
Lightning bugs are one of the most beloved signs of summer in the Upstate. Learn why they glow, where to find them, and how you can help ensure future generations enjoy these magical summer evenings.
Ever noticed clouds forming over Table Rock while nearby skies stay clear? The answer lies in the mountain’s unique position along the Blue Ridge Escarpment, where rising air, changing temperatures, and local geography combine to create one of South Carolina’s most fascinating weather phenomena.
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.
Dark clouds rolling over the mountains are a familiar sight in Pumpkintown. Discover why the foothills receive so much spring and summer rainfall and how these seasonal storms have shaped life in the Oolenoy Valley for generations.