Coyotes are now common across the South Carolina Upstate, but they have not always been here. Learn how coyotes reached the region, what they eat, why they thrive around our neighborhoods, and what homeowners should know when one shows up in the backyard.
A brilliant red Northern Cardinal stopped by our BirdBuddy feeder with Table Rock Mountain in the background, creating one of our favorite backyard wildlife photos yet. Learn more about this iconic South Carolina bird and why it’s a year-round resident of Pumpkintown.
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.
Discover why Table Rock Mountain, Pumpkintown, and the Oolenoy Valley often receive more snow than the rest of South Carolina. From the Blue Ridge Escarpment to local winter legends, learn how geography creates one of the state’s most fascinating weather patterns.
A black bear was spotted on New Hope Road near Dorothy Lane, reminding us that wildlife encounters are becoming more common across the foothills of Pickens County. Learn what to do if you see a bear and how to help keep both people and wildlife safe.
Before it was called Table Rock, the Cherokee knew this mountain as Sah-ka-na-ga — “The Great Blue Hills of God.” Discover the fascinating Cherokee history, legends, and meaning behind one of South Carolina’s most iconic landmarks.
Long days, hard work, and strong faith shaped everyday life for the families who called these mountains home. Many balanced mill jobs with farming, built homes with their own hands, raised large gardens, and relied on neighbors when times were tough. From gravel roads and country churches to front porches where stories were shared at sunset, life moved at a different pace. Take a step back in time and discover how a generation of hardworking South Carolinians helped build the communities we know today.
Some of the most beautiful views in the South Carolina foothills happen before sunrise. Discover where to find the best morning fog around Table Rock and Pumpkintown, learn why these magical conditions form, and explore scenic overlooks, quiet backroads, and hidden valleys where mist-filled landscapes create unforgettable sunrise experiences. Whether you’re a photographer, hiker, or simply an early riser, these peaceful mornings reveal a side of the Upstate that many visitors never see.
Every summer, bright orange daylilies transform the roadsides of Pumpkintown and the Table Rock foothills into ribbons of color. Most people admire their beauty, but few realize these flowers may be living reminders of forgotten homes, farms, and communities that once dotted the landscape. Discover the history behind the Upstate’s famous “ditch lilies” and why they continue blooming long after the people who planted them are gone.
Looking for a place to ride your UTV near Pumpkintown? While there are no public UTV trails around Table Rock State Park, several excellent off-road destinations are within a short drive, including Gulches, Wayehutta, and South Carolina’s public OHV trail systems.