Pumpkintown sits at the crossroads of some of the most beautiful places in the South Carolina Upstate. Table Rock, Lake Jocassee, Caesars Head, Sassafras Mountain, and the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway are all within easy reach.
Whether you want a short waterfall walk, a challenging mountain hike, a family day by the lake, or simply a beautiful place to watch the sunset, you can begin your adventure here.
Most Popular Outdoor Guides
Not sure where to start? These are some of our most popular guides to exploring Pumpkintown, Table Rock, and the surrounding foothills.
What Kind of Adventure Are You Looking For?
Planning a Short Hike?
You do not have to climb a mountain or spend the entire day on the trail to enjoy the Upstate. These shorter hikes offer waterfalls, forest scenery, and interesting places to explore without requiring an all-day commitment.
- Carrick Creek Trail: The Best Easy Waterfall Hike at Table Rock State Park
- Jones Gap Falls Trail: One of the Best Easy Waterfall Hikes in Upstate South Carolina
- Natural Bridge Trail at Keowee-Toxaway State Park: Two Waterfalls on a Short Upstate Hike
- Wildcat Wayside Falls: The Roadside Waterfall Many Travelers Miss
- Hidden Waterfall Along the Issaqueena Trail
Looking for Something Fun to Do With the Kids?
The Upstate is full of places where children can swim, explore, spot wildlife, and enjoy the outdoors. These family-friendly adventures offer plenty to keep everyone entertained.
- The Best Places for Kids to Swim, Splash, and Cool Off in Upstate South Carolina
- Twelve Mile Recreation Area: One of the Upstate’s Best Family Beach Days
- More Than Just a Boat Launch: Devil’s Fork’s Family-Friendly Side
- Free Outdoor Adventures in Pickens County
- Free Printable Hiking Games for Kids
Ready for a Bigger Hike?
For hikers looking for more elevation, longer distances, and a real sense of accomplishment, the mountains surrounding Pumpkintown offer several unforgettable trails.
- Pinnacle Mountain Trail: The Summit Isn’t the Best Part
- Rainbow Falls: The Ultimate Hiking Guide
- Table Rock State Park Trail Guide
- Glassy Mountain: One of Pickens County’s Most Overlooked Views
- Beyond Table Rock: 25 Hikes Every Pickens County Explorer Should Know About
Want the View Without the Climb?
Some of the Upstate’s best mountain views do not require a strenuous hike. Scenic highways, roadside overlooks, and accessible observation areas let you enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains at a much easier pace.
- Grant Meadow Overlook: The Best Roadside View of Table Rock
- Wigington Overlook: The Million-Dollar View Above Lake Jocassee
- Jumping Off Rock: One of South Carolina’s Most Spectacular Overlooks
- The Best Places to View Table Rock Mountain
- Sassafras Mountain: South Carolina’s Highest Point
Looking for an Adventure on the Water?
The lakes, rivers, and mountain streams surrounding Pumpkintown offer opportunities to swim, paddle, fish, and relax beside the water.
- Swimming at Lake Jocassee: South Carolina’s Most Beautiful Freshwater Beach
- Canoes, Kayaks & Pedal Boats at Table Rock State Park
- 15 Best Places to Kayak and Canoe Near Pickens County
- Best Fishing Spots Near Table Rock State Park
- Mountain View Park on Lake Hartwell
Bringing Your Dog?
Many parks and trails around the Upstate welcome leashed dogs, but mountain travel requires a little preparation. Check the rules for your destination, bring plenty of water, and watch for wildlife, ticks, poisonous plants, and hot surfaces.
- Pet-Friendly Travel at Table Rock State Park
- Bear Safety in the South Carolina Mountains
- Ticks on the Trail: What Hikers Need to Know
- Poison Ivy in Upstate South Carolina
- The Complete Guide to Hiking Etiquette
Browse by Interest
Hiking & Trails
Find everything from easy waterfall walks to challenging mountain climbs throughout Pickens County and the surrounding Upstate.
Parks & Attractions
Discover state parks, natural landmarks, roadside attractions, family destinations, and overlooked places worth visiting.
Lakes & Water Recreation
Find swimming areas, beaches, boat launches, paddling destinations, and peaceful places beside the water.
Explore Lakes & Water Recreation
Fishing
Explore local lakes, rivers and mountain streams, along with fishing tips and guides for anglers of every experience level.
Scenic Drives & Overlooks
Enjoy mountain scenery, roadside viewpoints, peaceful backroads, and some of the best places to watch the sunrise or sunset.
Explore Scenic Drives & Overlooks
Biking
Discover paved trails, mountain biking routes, family rides and cycling destinations throughout the Upstate.
Wildlife & Nature
Learn about the birds, animals, plants, insects, and natural wonders found throughout the South Carolina foothills.
Family Activities
Find outdoor adventures, seasonal activities, printable games and destinations the whole family can enjoy.
Newest Outdoor Adventures
We add new places regularly as we continue exploring Pumpkintown, Pickens County, and the surrounding mountains. See the latest trail guides, outdoor discoveries, and local destinations below.
Start Exploring
Pumpkintown is more than a place to pass through on the way to the mountains. It is the starting point for waterfalls, hiking trails, scenic drives, quiet lakes, and small adventures hiding all across the Upstate.
Choose a destination, check the weather, pack what you need, and see what you can find.