Looking for places to ride dirt bikes near Pickens, SC? Discover legal OHV trails, motocross tracks and off-road parks across Upstate South Carolina and the nearby mountains.
Published on July 28, 1849, the Keowee Courier described Pickens District as one of the healthiest and most beautiful places in America, praising Table Rock, Whitewater Falls, and the region’s crystal-clear rivers while encouraging families to move to the South Carolina mountains.
Looking for some of the best pizza in Easley? Merrill’s Pizza has become a local favorite thanks to its giant New York-style pizzas, fresh salads, hearty Italian favorites, and welcoming downtown atmosphere. Whether you’re dining on the outdoor patio before a show at the Doodle Station or picking up a pizza for the family, Merrill’s is a place worth adding to your list of Upstate dining destinations.
Experience an evening of Appalachian music, square dancing, food trucks, and family fun at Steppin’ in Pickens on Friday, July 24, 2026. Free admission, beginner-friendly dancing, and a professional caller make this a perfect community event.
Planning to attend the Hagood Mill Banjo Extravaganza? This complete visitor’s guide covers everything you need to know, from live Appalachian music and traditional crafts to the historic gristmill, Native American petroglyphs, camping, parking, and insider tips for making the most of one of Pickens County’s most unique summer festivals.
Step back to July 18, 1857, and discover what life was really like in Pickens District through the pages of the Keowee Courier. From deadly railroad construction accidents and heartbreaking local tragedies to the rise of Florence Nightingale and the promise of the Blue Ridge Railroad, this fascinating newspaper captures a community on the brink of enormous change just four years before the Civil War.
Step back to July 18, 1857, and discover what life was really like in Pickens District through the pages of the Keowee Courier. From deadly railroad construction accidents and heartbreaking local tragedies to the rise of Florence Nightingale and the promise of the Blue Ridge Railroad, this fascinating newspaper captures a community on the brink of enormous change just four years before the Civil War.
An 1861 map based on the 1860 U.S. Census offers a fascinating look at slavery in the South Carolina Upstate. While coastal counties were dominated by large plantations, Pickens, Greenville, and other Upstate counties followed a very different path, shaped by geography, agriculture, and smaller farms.
The Easley Clock Tower is more than a downtown landmark—it’s a piece of the city’s history. Discover how a clock that survived the 1924 City Hall fire became the centerpiece of Old Market Square, the story behind the hidden time capsule, and why this iconic tower continues to be the heart of downtown Easley.
For more than 130 years, the Ambler community has valued education. Discover the remarkable story of one-room schoolhouses, mountain teachers, school consolidation, and the generations of families who helped make Ambler Elementary one of northern Pickens County’s most treasured schools.