Introduction: Beautiful Upstate South Carolina; where South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee are all within a few hours drive over and through the mountains.
South Carolina's Upcountry features an abundance of natural attractions including dozens of majestic waterfalls, pristine lakes and rivers, beautiful parks and forests, and rare, endangered flora and fauna.
Our Climate is mild, but there are four distinct seasons and even a little snow in Winter.
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy. 11 Once known as "Keowee Path" or "Cherokee Path," this 130-mile road was the route used by the Cherokees and the English and French fur traders. It now provides a scenic alternative to driving I-85 through S.C. Extending from I-85 near the N.C. border to I-85 at the Georgia line, this route allows the traveler to experience magnificent views and to visit many attractions along the way. Ellicott Rock Wilderness/Ellicott's Rock Designated by Congress in 1975 as S.C.'s first wilderness, this area covers 9,012 acres and includes portions in N.C. and Georgia. This wilderness, which lies just south of the highest rainfall area in the Eastern U.S., includes some of the more rugged mountains of S.C and is a favorite area for hikers seeking solitude.
Also located here is Ellicott's Rock, marked in 1811 by surveyor Andrew Ellicott as the spot where N.C., S.C. and Georgia join. To reach it, go 4 miles from the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery and take S.C. Hwy. 325 off US Hwy. 107. The Andrew Pickens District Trail Guide is for sale at the Stumphouse Ranger Station on Hwy. 28. Contact the USDA Forest Service, 112 Andrew Pickens Circle, Mountain Rest, SC 29664. (864) 638-9568.
Heritage Preserves The Heritage Trust Program works to preserve endangered plant and animal species and areas of historical, cultural and archaeological significance. Heritage Preserves located in the Upcountry include Eastatoe Creek, Glassy Mountain and Laurel Fork Heritage Preserve in Pickens County; Watson, Ashmore, Bunched Arrowhead, Blackwell Bunched Arrowhead and Chandler in Greenville County; Buzzard Roost and Brasstown Creek in Oconee County; and Pacolet River in Spartanburg County.
The preserves are havens for unusual and endangered plants including the Tunbridge Fern, in Eastatoe Creek Preserve, which is found nowhere else in North America. Adding to the beauty of these preserves are the waterslides, rock outcrops, rich woods and scenic views.
These areas are open to the public and some are available for camping, fishing, hunting and hiking. Contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Diversity, PO Box 167, Columbia SC 29202. (803) 734-3893; (864) 654-6738.
Orchards In early spring, the Upcountry's peach orchards produce lovely blossoms for the delight of visitors to the area. From mid-June to September, the luscious fruit can be found at numerous stands along the roadsides. Late September brings the enticing aroma of apples permeating the cool, crisp air and lingering until Thanksgiving. Cherokee and Spartanburg Counties are famous for their peach orchards, while Oconee County is known for its many apple orchards. Sassafras Mountain At 3,554 feet, this is the highest point in SC. From the summit, four states can be viewed: Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. From Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy. 11 in Pickens County, take US 178 north to S.C. State Road 199.
Station Cove Botanical Area Located in Sumter National Forest, this site lies off Road 95, which is about 6 miles north of Walhalla off SC Hwy. 11. The area contains beautiful displays of spring wildflowers, including numerous rare varieties, at the base of a 60-foot waterfall. Sumter National Forest/Andrew Pickens Ranger District The Andrew Pickens Ranger District, a 79,000-acre portion of the Sumter National Forest, is an area of high plateaus and mountains, waterfalls and other scenic attractions.
Wigington Scenic Byway (SC Hwy. 413) This 12-mile highway winds through Sumter National Forest, starting at Oconee State Park and continuing to the North Carolina border, and offers beautiful views of the forest.
The Upcountry is a mecca for hunting and fishing enthusiasts because of the many outstanding lakes, streams and rivers in the region and because of the large populations of game, both large and small, in the hunting areas. Listed below are some of the favorite areas for hunters and anglers to pursue their sport. A toll-free hotline, 1-800-ASK-FISH (275-3474) gives an up-to-date fishing report for South Carolina's major lakes as well as information on fishing regulations. For information on South Carolina hunting and fishing rules, regulations and license fees, contact the SC Dept. of Natural Resources, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202. (803) 734-3886 or (864) 654-6346 for fisheries; (864) 654-1671 for game.
Heritage Preserves
Fishing and hunting are allowed at Eastatoe Creek Preserve and Laurel Fork Preserve in Pickens County and Brasstown Creek Preserve in Oconee County. Hunting is allowed at Watson, Ashmore and on approximately 100 acres of Chandler Preserve in Greenville County, and at Buzzard Roost in Oconee County. Call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at (864) 654-6738 or (803) 734-3893.
A Little about each of our nearby cities and towns: Seneca, Clemson, Pendleton, Wahalla, Westminster, Mountain Rest, and Salem
Seneca
Lots more information and pictures coming soon.
Spring Heritage Festival Every Spring, Seneca closes off its historic Main Street and Ram Cat Alley to host the annual Spring Heritage Festival. Sponsored by the Downtown Seneca Merchants Association, the day long event features food and crafts and a variety of live entertainment. For more information, call the Greater Seneca Chamber of Commerce at (864) 882-2097.
Clemson
Clemson is a pretty little college town bodering the Clemson University Campus and Lake Hartwell and surrounded by University Grant Land Forests, Experimental Farm Land, Golf Courses, and pretty communities of old homes, Frat and Sorority Homes, parks, playing fields, and churches. The local theater shows first and second run movies for $1.50 Old DownTown Clemson (College Town) has been completely renovated and beautifully landscaped and is crowded with interesting pubs, shops, art stores, book stores, and multi-cultural restaurants. Fairly strict zoning has helped to keep the immediate Clemson area free of Walmarts, KMarts, Mobile Home Lots and so forth. It's a very nice town.
Pickens County Heritage Day at the Hagood Mill The festival at the historic Hagood Mill in Pickens celebrates the local heritage through music, crafts, foods, and living history of the upcountry region. For more information, call The Pickens County Museum of Art & History at (864) 898-5963.
Pumpkin Festival Founded in 1979 with an attendance of 7000, this community festival has grown to be one of the largest, attracting visitors from many states to its historic crafts and traditional foods. The festival is held the second weekend in October. For more information, call the Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce at (864) 878-3258.
Dacusville Farm Days Widely known for including a large and varied historical display of farm implements and machinery. For more information, call the Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce at (864) 878-3258.
Pendleton
Our oldest non-indian settlement in the area and even prettier than Clemson in many ways. This is a very pleasant town to walk around. Lot of ancient shade trees. Sandwich shops, antique shops, art and craft stores, old churches, and the Pendleton Play House surround the old town square.
Wahalla
Rich in History
Full of Small Town Hospitality
Walhalla was founded in 1850 by the German Colonization Society from Charleston.
The name 'Walhalla' (pronounced Val-hal-la by our founders) was derived from Norse mythology. Walhalla, the Garden of the Gods, was a paradise where slain warriors were taken to spend eternity as a reward for their valor. According to the legend, beautiful young maidens endowed with goddess-like powers (valkyries) came down after battles and gathered all the dead warriors from the "Field of Valor" to carry them to Walhalla. In Walhalla the valiant heroes recovered from their mortal wounds and lived happily ever after, drinking mead (beer) and feasting on roast beef.
In the foothills, tucked against the Blue Ridge, you can see why our German founders considered this area to be the 'Garden of the Gods' - Walhalla
Oktoberfest Every third weekend in October, Walhalla celebrates its German Heritage with traditional German music and foods, children's rides, arts, crafts, hot-air balloon rides and fireworks
More coming soon.
Westminster
Like Seneca, Westminster is being renovated and is getting prettier and more prosperous quickly. More about this town soon. Meanwhile, a little about the Apple Festival that Westminster is famous for.
Apple Festival Since 1961, the SC Apple Festival has celebrated the beginning of the apple harvest season in Oconee County, the largest apple producing area in the state. From Labor Day through the following weekend, Westminster's Old Main Street comes alive with crafts booths, food vendors and a variety of attractions for the entire family.
Beginning Labor Day and running through the following weekend, the South Carolina Apple Festival celebrates the beginning of apple harvest season in Oconee County, the largest apple-producing area in the state. The annual festival has drawn thousands of visitors to the Westminster area since its first appearance in 1961.
In July 1961 a group of interested citizen gathered to discuss the beginning of the South Carolina Apple Festival. The proposal was enthusiastically and unanimously received and plan for the first festival were made.
The folks in Westminster are eager to show the hospitality of Oconee County and treat all visitors as special guests. The festival has changed in many ways during the years, but the warmth and hospitality shown has remained unchanged.
Apple Festival Events
Apple Festival King & Queen Contest -- Ages birth-12.
Classic Road Race -- 10K, 5K Runs, 1K Run/Walk
Rotary Apple Festival Golf Tournament
Chattooga River Float -- sponsored by Wildwater, Ltd.
Bridge Tournament -- at the historic Depot
Street Dance -- on Old Main Street
Apple Baking Contest -- Westminster Baptist Church
World Championship Rodeo <rodeo.htm> -- seven IPRA sanctioned events
Talent Show -- at the Depot on Main Street
Apple Festival and Kiddie Parades -- on Main Street
Arts & crafts and food vendors -- at Depot parking lot
Live Entertainment -- throughout the weekend
Mountain Rest
More coming soon. But if you like BlueGrass Music; stay tuned
Salem
More coming soon.
A Little History
The Cherokee were a presence in upper South Carolina (or "the Upcountry") until fairly late. As growth in lower South Carolina pushed the Cherokee boundary further north, they made their last stronghold in the Upcountry following the Cherokee War (1759-61).
Increasing Scots-Irish and other migration from the northern U.S. further pressured the Cherokees' holdings. One story says that a canny Scot traded Cherokee Chief Woolenoy a single pony for half of his valley (now Oolenoy) -- along with hunting and fishing rights.
The Cherokees' alliance with the British during the Revolutionary War spelled their end. On August 1, 1776, Andrew Williamson, Andrew Pickens and Robert Anderson led a raid that destroyed the Cherokee town of Essenneca (Seneca), and patriots continued to burn the crops and villages of the British allies. Eleven days later, Pickens participated in the "Ring Fight," so known for the circular defense he designed to hold off Cherokee attackers, until his brother Joseph arrived with patriot reinforcements.
By the Treaty of DeWitt's Corner, in 1777, the Cherokees had ceded their remaining land except for an area largely bounded by Sumter National Forest. Finally, in 1817, they left forever what had become the state of South Carolina. Oconee Station and the neighboring William Richards House stand as reminders of this early period.
Early Economy
With European settlement, farming became the backbone of the economy, supported by small industry such as sawmills, gristmills and other businesses. While a number of larger farmers were slave owners, the area's cotton-based agriculture was shaped more by the yeoman farmer than by the plantation system popular in the lower part of the state. In fact, the Civil War era saw real political differences between the Upcountry and the Lowcountry, based partly on the varying economic dependence on slavery.
But blood runs deep, and links to the Lowcountry remain in nearby antebellum homes such as Ashtabula and Woodburn, built by Charleston-area families seeking relief from the malarial fevers of coastal summers.
John C. Calhoun (1782-1850) was South Carolina's premier nineteenth-century statesman-as well as a farmer. Today, Calhoun's house and 1100-acre farm, Fort Hill, form the spine of Clemson University's campus. There visitors can get a sense of the spirit of the house he loved, and a glimpse of an era evoked by the Calhoun and Clemson families' belongings.
Early African Americans left their mark in the labor they provided to local agriculture; after the Civil War, some freedmen remained in the area to become independent farmers themselves. "Little Liberia," near Pumpkintown in the Oolenoy Valley, is one such freedmen's settlement, though now nearly deserted.
Industrialization
For decades after the Civil War, cotton continued as the region's primary cash crop. Cotton mills and industrialization fueled a growing cash economy. Just as earlier towns had been named for statesmen and soldiers such as Pickens and Anderson, now places were named for industrialists and business people -- Norris, Easley, Pelzer, Belton, and Williamston.
Today this increasingly diverse region measures its worth in people and its wealth in a broad range of enterprises and industries. Honoring its heritage in memory, and shaping its future in thoughtful action, northwest South Carolina's legacy includes beautiful natural scenery, exciting outdoor activities, history-haunted places, and regionally distinctive food, shops, galleries, and entertainment.
In the words of Ben Robertson, a native son and noted journalist tragically killed in WWII: "Someone is always keeping the home place.... And no matter how seldom or unexpectedly we may come in, we know someone will rise to give us our welcome." In other words, this tapestry of mountains, mills, and memories endures.
Mountains...
"The hills were eternal. Always they gave us strength...."
Thickets of rhododendron and mountain laurel, vistas that recede in blue and purple waves, waterfalls shimmering like angel hair against granite crags, rivers spilling silverly into bottomless lakes, narrow trails opening up to views of time-forgotten valleys... .
William Bartram (1739-1823) was one of the first Europeans to walk the wilderness of this area, and a gracious plenty of natural beauty and recreation remains as a heritage for modern explorers to enjoy. The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (SC 11) provides access to lovely views and nearby sites of interest, including two of the highest points in the state: Sassafras Mountain and Table Rock.
The South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University, a 270-acre cultivated natural wonder, grows thousands of native, rare, and endangered plants, and boasts the only nature-based sculpture collection of its kind in the country. Its Geology Museum, located next to the Fran Hanson Discovery Center, features a collection of minerals, fossils and gems from around the world and helps interpret the origin and significance of the region's natural landscape.
Mills...
"[Cotton] fields blossomed like islands in the South Seas...."
Lumber and shingle mills, grist mills, textile mills: Mills of all sorts have driven this region's economy.
Harnessing widely available water power, grist mills ground grain for local farmers, producing staples such as cornmeal, flour, and grits. The miller retained a portion of the product ("the miller's tithe") to use himself or sell. Such mills reflected the region's early economy, which was independent, self-sustaining, and based on the family farm.
A few of these grist mills survive in renovated or reconstructed form. Built c. 1825, Hagood Mill in Pickens boasts many of its original components. Easley's Golden Creek Mill not only still operates but also houses a museum.
The introduction of another kind of mill -- the industrial or textile -- sparked the exodus from the farm and agriculture-based economy. Powered by water-produced electricity, these mills transformed the region's face, peppering the landscape with huge brick and stone buildings and the little mill villages that clustered about them like chicks around a hen.
The town of LaFrance, near Pendleton, is the site of Pendleton Factory, this area's first textile mill and the oldest continuously operating mill in the state.
While textile manufacturing is no longer king, the mill villages that provided housing and other amenities to workers fresh off the farm still remind us of its legacy. These villages have a distinctive architectural heritage, and at least one, Newry, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It and other mill towns such as Pelzer provide snapshots of a life that seems frozen in time, when the mill was the heart of the community, shaping the lives of generations.
A region's history is an intricate web woven of the lives and memories of the people who lived there. Many vestiges of this area's heritage remain in its historic buildings, churchyards and museums. The diversity of the area's heritage is honored by such sites and activities as Keowee-Toxaway State Park's Cherokee Indian Interpretive Center and Pendleton's African American Heritage Walking Tour.
In an astonishing array of festivals, local people celebrate everything from clogging to pig pickin', from spring flowers to fall apples. There's even a festival that interprets backwoods life and craft during the Revolutionary period. The arts are celebrated and practiced, too, in local theaters, auditoriums, museums, galleries, and special events.
Visitors can become a part of northwest South Carolina's tapestry
A little about the surrounding area; the beautiful lakes, mountains, parks, National Forests, National Wilderness Areas, our white water rivers, and our farm land.
The lower Blue Ridge Range that extends into this area enchanted the first inhabitants centuries ago -- and they left their stamp upon the land and waters in stirring Native American place names: Oconee, Seneca, Keowee, Tamassee, Tokeena, Chauga, Chattooga, Oolenoy, Issaqueena... .
Waterfalls
More than 50 waterfalls are found in the region, ranging in height from 40 to 700 feet. Some are located in the area's parks and are easily reached, while others are hidden away and must be hiked to over rugged terrain.
Whitewater Falls, located off secondary road S-39-171 north of Salem, is a set of two falls and is the highest series of falls in eastern America, plunging close to 700 feet in more than half a mile before emptying into Lake Jocassee.
Raven Cliff Falls, located off Hwy. 276 in Greenville County, is a 420-foot high cascade in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness and Recreation Area and one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in SC. A 2-mile hike is necessary to reach the area. A guide to 25 Upcountry waterfalls is available through the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, PO Box 167, Columbia SC 29202. Call (803) 734-3944.
White Rock Scenic Area Located in Sumter National Forest, this 3,416-acre area encompasses some of the most secluded and rugged terrain in the Upcountry. There are numerous waterfalls and streams here, as well as the Winding Stairs Hiking Trail which follows the path of an early stagecoach road. Winding Stairs Road is off Hwy. 107 above Oconee State Park. A small parking area adjacent to the trail is about 100 yards down the road.
Issaqueena Falls
Off SC 28, 5 miles north of Walhalla
A nature trail leads from Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel Park to Issaqueena Falls, a beautiful 200-foot cascade. Legend has it that the Indian maiden, Issaqueena, rode to the nearby fort to warn of a pending Indian attack and then escaped from pursuing Indians by pretending to leap over the falls, but actually hiding underneath them. Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel, now sealed, was an 1850s attempt to link the port of Charleston to the cities of the Midwest by rail. The park has picnic facilities and trails.
Open daily, during daylight hours. (864) 638-2727.
Rivers
Chattooga National Wild & Scenic River
Designated the South's first National Wild & Scenic River in 1974, the Chattooga is one of the premier whitewater rafting rivers in the Eastern United States, dropping an average of 49.3 feet per mile. Made famous in the movie Deliverance, the Chattooga is one of the longest and largest free-flowing mountain rivers in the Southeast that remains in a relatively undeveloped condition.
Chattooga Town, an important Cherokee Indian archaeological site, is located on the banks of the upper portion of the river. The Chattooga forms the boundary between S.C. and Georgia and offers wonderful boating, fishing and rafting experiences. For regulation information, call (864) 638-9568.
Chauga River Scenic Area
Fourteen miles of the small but rugged Chauga River flow through this 3,275-acre area in Sumter National Forest. The Chauga River is a whitewater river, with a 700-foot drop in elevation from Land Bridge to Cobb Bridge. Between Blackwell Bridge and Cobb Bridge, the river drops an average of 46 feet per mile and two well-known waterfalls are located here, the Chauga Narrows and Riley Moore Falls. A primitive fishing trail runs down portions of the west bank and several primitive areas are designated for camping. (864) 638-9568.
Middle Saluda River Located in Northern Greenville County, this was the first river in South Carolina to be given the State Scenic River designation. It flows through portions of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness and Recreation Area and is a popular site for participating in recreational activities and enjoying scenic vistas. Mountain Bridge State Natural Area Containing more than 11,000 acres, the "Mountain Bridge" refers to the land connecting the two Greenville watersheds known as Table Rock and Poinsett. The scenic vistas are spectacular and the unspoiled environment provides shelter for many rare and endangered plant and animal species. Located in this area are Raven Cliff Falls, Cleveland Cliffs, Ashmore Heritage Preserve, Caesars Head and Jones Gap State Parks. Hiking trails, primitive trailside camping, picnic areas, trout fishing and nature study all add to the beauty and enjoyment of the area. Located off Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy. 11. For more information, call Caesars Head State Park at (864) 836-6115 or Jones Gap State Park at (864) 836-3647.
Lakes
LAKE HARTWELL:
With nearly 56,000 acres of water and a shoreline of 962 miles, this lake affords rewarding fishing opportunities for the avid sportsman. The lake has an abundance of species including largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill bream, hybrid bass, walleyed pike, white and striped bass, and chain pickerel.
Lake Jocassee
With thousands of acres of cool, clear water and hundreds of miles of shoreline, the lake provide a number of species including rainbow and brown trout, small, large and white bass, black crappie, bluegill and threadfin shad.
Lake Keowee
This man made beautiful lake is only 35 years old and was built by Duke Power Company to generate nuclear-hydroelectric power. Lake Keowee covered the Town of Keowee, which was originally the capital of the Lower Cherokee Nation. The water is so clear many have called it the Lake Tahoe of the East.
18,500 acres of water and a 300 mile shoreline make Keowee a popular place for boating, fishing, water-skiing, swimming, camping and picnicking. Keowee stretches across both Oconee and Pickens County.
Lake Keowee is located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and The Cherokees called this mountain range The Great Blue Hills of God.
The watershed encompasses 377 square miles in South Carolina. Lake Keowee is extremely clean and clear due to the watershed of the Jocassee Valley and the Sumter National Forest . Fresh water streams and springs flow from the mountains of the upstate to Lake Jocassee and eventually to Lake Keowee!
Along with Jocassee, Keowee forms the primary headwaters of the Savannah basin and South Carolina's "Heritage Corridor". More about the Heritage Corridor below.
The lake supports a large power generating operation, serves as an increasingly important source of drinking water for municipalities including Greenville, and has become a magnet for tourism, recreation, and many thousands of new residents. Regional population growth rates have increased four fold since the lake was formed in the early 1970's.
STATE PARKS:
Fair Play Recreation Area: Fair Play, SC - I-85 Exit 2 then south.
Hart State Park: Beach, trail. Hartwell, GA 706-376-8756
Lake Hartwell State Park: I-85 at Exit 1 - Ramp, trail - 864-972-3352
Keowee-Toxaway State Park
SC 11 and SC 133 at Lake Keowee
The history of the Upper Cherokee Indians, who once lived in this area, is recreated in the park museum and four outdoor kiosks. This 1,000 acre park features outstanding rock outcroppings and views of the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. An interpretive center and boardwalk with artifacts and historical exhibits commemorate the Cherokees, to whom this land belonged.
Mullins Ford Ramp & Picnic area: Blackjack road to Dr John's road.
Oconee State Park: Mountain Rest 864-638-5353
This popular Upcountry state park rests on a high plateau among tall pines and hardwoods in the foothills of the Blue Ridge. Among the park's 1,165 acres are two mountain lakes and a variety of recreational facilities for visitors to enjoy, including campgrounds, cabins, picnic areas and hiking trails. The park also serves as the western terminus for the 85-mile Foothills Trail, which crosses the state's crown and ends at Jones Gap State Park. Developed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Oconee State Park still features the craftsmanship of the CCC in preserved buildings and stonework.
Devils Fork State Park: Salem, SC - Lake Jocassee 864-944-2639
Located along the southwestern shore of Lake Jocassee, this park provides outdoor recreation amid the beauty of the Blue Ridge at the Jocassee Gorges. Lakefront camping, hiking and picnicking are among some of the favorite activities, along with vacationing in the park's contemporary mountain villas. The park provides access to the cool deep waters of the Jocassee, where anglers try their luck for trout and other species, and boaters drive to remote islands or sites of waterfalls spilling into the lake.
Stevens County Ramp: Toccoa, GA - Hwy 123 at GA/SC line (Fishing pier)
Tugaloo State Park: Lavonia, GA - Mini-golf, tennis - 706-356-4363
South Carolina State Parks: http://www.southcarolinaparks.com
South Carolina Trails: http://www.sctrails.net/Trails/ <http://www.sctrails.net/Trails/>
Sumter National Forest
Quality hunting for deer, turkey, rabbits and squirrels is provided by the forest, and cold water streams provide excellent trout fishing, primarily for stocked fish. Contact the local game and fisheries biologist at (864) 654-6346 for fisheries and (864) 654-1671 for game.
(864) 944-9016
South Carolina State Parks
Fishing at the state parks is free of charge year-round, and launching from parks with boat ramps is also free at state parks located in the Upcountry. Fishing boat rentals are available at several of the parks as are boat ramps and tackle shops. A fishing pier is located at Table Rock State Park. A South Carolina fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older. (803) 734-0156.
SC Wildlife Management Areas
The following Wildlife Management areas provide excellent hunting grounds: Caesars Head Area, spanning the Northern extremities of Greenville County; the Franklin L. Gravely Area, portions of which lie in Pickens County; the Fairforest Creek and Broad River Areas, portions of which lie in Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties; the Fants Grove Area and the Keowee Area, both on Clemson University property and located primarily in Anderson County; the Foothills Area, also in Anderson County; and the Chauga Area, located in Oconee County. Found in these areas are populations of deer, wild turkey, black bear and, for the small-game hunter, populations of squirrels, quail, rabbit and grouse. Mourning dove fields are located in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens counties. The Lake Cunningham Waterfowl Area, in Greenville County, offers duck hunting during state waterfowl season. Contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202. (803) 734-3888 or (864) 654-6346 for fisheries and (864) 654-1671 for game.
About our Heritage Corridor
http://www.sc-heritagecorridor.org/
More about this cool project coming soon
A little about our local artists, song writers, and authors. About our several area community theaters.
Coming soon.
About the amazing amount of industry hidden away in our area.
coming soon...
Engelhard
Jacobs Chuck
Jantzen
Michelin
Mulliken
Schlumberger Serna
Tyco
Westpoint Stevens
BASF
About our nearby Clemson University, Technical College, Christian College, and Vocational Schools.
Clemson University
http://www.clemson.edu/
How Clemson's Programs Stack Up
U.S. News and World Report ranked Clemson the leading national university in South Carolina and 39th among the nation's top public universities.
Kaplan/Newsweek College Catalog 2002 lists Clemson as one of the nation's top schools that offer the best value for your tuition dollar, are academically challenging, are hot and trendy, and have the best Web sites.
TIME magazine selected Clemson as its 2001 "Public College of the Year" on the strength of its Communication-Across-the-Curriculum program.
Clemson was the first state-supported institution in South Carolina to be recognized in Peterson's Competitive Colleges: Top Colleges for Top Students.
Yahoo! Internet Life ranks Clemson as one of the nation's 100 most-wired colleges.
Of Clemson's full-time faculty, 84 percent hold doctoral degrees or terminal degrees in their field.
Clemson is among the top 25 universities nationally in income earned from patents and intellectual properties. It hit a new high in sponsored research funding -- $69.1 million in 1999-2000.
Clemson's six-year graduation rate is 72 percent. The retention rate for the 1999 freshman class is 87 percent.
In fall 2000, the freshman class had the school's highest average SAT score -- 1172 14 points higher than the year before. And 37 percent of these freshmen were in the top 10 percent of their high school classes.
The Tigers won three ACC Championships in the 2000-2001 academic year in women's soccer, men's indoor track and men's outdoor track.
The National Science Foundation has designated Clemson's Center for Advanced Engineering Fibers and Films as a national Engineering Research Center, which is expected to generate more than $100 million in research support and solidifies Clemson's standing as a national research university. Clemson is one of only 25 Engineering Research Centers in the nation and the only one to deal exclusively with fibers and films.
The Program for Educational Enrichment and Retention (PEER) helped bring Clemson's graduation rate of African American engineering students to the 5th highest in the nation.
As a primary member and fiscal agent for the National Textile Center, the School of Textiles, Fiber and Polymer Science is one of the foremost leaders in textile education and research in the nation.
"Call Me Mister" teams Clemson, the state's leading producer of teachers, with four historically black colleges to increase the number of
African-American men in elementary classrooms.
The School of Architecture has a higher percentage of faculty recognized as Fellows in the American Institute of Architects and more Distinguished Professors as recognized by the National Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture than any of the 135 accredited schools of architecture in the country.
Clemson's business programs are among the 25 percent accredited internationally by AACSB, the International Association for Management Education. The accounting programs of the School of Accountancy and Legal Studies are among the 120 separately accredited by the AACSB.
The graphic communications and packaging science programs are two of the leading programs in the country, producing graduates for the printing, publishing and packaging industries. Both programs enjoy a 100 percent placement rate for graduates.
The Department of Marketing is ranked 13th nationally in terms of success in publishing in the advertising field's three leading journals, according to the Journal of Advertising.
The Arthur M. Spiro Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership offers a growing array of courses in the field of entrepreneurship and leadership, and fosters key alliances with successful entrepreneurs to give students and faculty firsthand experiences developing and leading new enterprises.
The Tile Council of America, which represents over 70 percent of all U.S. tile manufacturers, is co-located with Clemson's Center for Engineering Ceramic Manufacturing. The pair is working together to improve tile manufacturing processes.
The interdisciplinary R.H. Brooks Sports Science Institute offers academic programs, internships, research projects, continuing education and service programs in motor sports engineering, sports management, sports marketing and sports communication.
The Joseph F. Sullivan Nursing and Wellness Center earned the Provider Facility of the Year Award by the S.C. Best Chance Network for their commitment to women's health programs.
The Pearce Center for Professional Communication helps students prepare for
professional communication challenges through faculty workshops, interdisciplinary collaboration and outreach to industry and public schools.
Summer residential camps at the Outdoor Laboratory average 100 participants each week. The camps serve children, teens and adults with special mental and physical needs.
Clemson aquaculture scientists have developed a revolutionary approach to aquaculture production that exceeds conventional technologies by almost 400 percent and improves feed efficiency by 25 percent.
The newly established Clemson University Genomics Institute has been awarded more than $10 million from public and private sources to discover and analyze important genes from crop plants and their pests.
Clemson's College of Engineering and Science grants more than two-thirds of all engineering degrees in South Carolina and enrolls nearly 75 percent of the state's engineering students.
Clemson University History
Clemson is a South Carolina land-grant institution located on a 1,400-acre campus that once was the Fort Hill plantation of statesman John C. Calhoun. The John C. Calhoun House, a National Historic Landmark, is located at the heart of the Clemson campus. The University was founded by Calhoun's son-in-law, Thomas Green Clemson, who bequeathed the plantation and a considerable sum from his personal assets to South Carolina for the establishment of an agricultural college.
Established in 1889, Clemson is governed by a board of 13 members, including six elected by the state Legislature and seven self-perpetuating life members in accordance with Clemson's will. The college was an all-male military school until 1955, when the change was made to a civilian, coeducational institution. In 1964, the college was renamed Clemson University in recognition of the school's expanded academic offerings and research pursuits.
And believe it or not; Clemson University is famous for producing Blue Cheese!
HISTORY OF CLEMSON BLUE CHEESE
The first Clemson University Blue Cheese was cured in Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel in 1941. Since then, the homemade gourmet item has worked its way into the hearts and stomachs of an ever growing number of aficionados. The history and folklore surrounding this scenic spot in the Blue Ridge mountains is legendary in the Piedmont area of South Carolina. The name Stumphouse originated from the Indian Legend of Isaqueena.
THE INDIAN LEGEND
The Indian maiden Isaqueena fell in love with David Francis, a silversmith who lived near what is now Ninety Six, South Carolina. Learning that her tribe planned a surprise attack on her lovers settlement, Isaqueena mounted her pony and hastened to warn the settlers. On that fleet, silent ride through the forest, she mentally named the landmarks she passed en route : Mile Creek, Six Mile, Twelve Mile, Eighteen Mile, Three and Twenty , Six and twenty, and finally Ninety Six.
Today in South Carolina there are the post offices of Six Mile and Ninety Six, and the creeks bearing these names that Isaqueena conferred upon them. She estimated her journey at ninety six miles. It is actually 92 miles from her starting point in Ninety Six, South Carolina.
Isaqueena and David, according to the legend, fled into the mountains to escape the fury of her betrayed tribe. The lovers lived in a large hollow tree or Stumphouse. Finally tracked down by her tribesmen, Isaqueena raced to a nearby falls (now Isaqueena Falls) and plunged out of sight into the cataract. Believing her dead the warriors gave up the search, but Isaqueena later joined her husband and fled to Alabama to live happily ever after.
THE TUNNEL
Pioneers of Southern industry dreamed of a railroad connecting the fertile Midwest with the busy port of Charleston, South Carolina. The tunnel through Stumphouse Mountain was to be a vital link in that road. The work was begun in 1852, and in 1859 the completion of the tunnel was anticipated within 2 years.
It was the Blue Ridge Railroad (now the Anderson division of the Southern-affiliated Carolina and Northwestern Railway) that attempted to construct this line through and over the mountains to Knoxville, Tennessee.
The War Of Northern Aggression halted the work. After the war, efforts to reactivate the project failed and the tunnel was abandoned. Clemson College bought the tunnel in 1951.
The south entrance of the tunnel became a historic landmark in South Carolina. The cool, refreshing breeze which blows out of the tunnel is long remembered by summer visitors.
The tunnel measures 25 feet high by 17 feet wide and extends 1600 feet through a granite formation into the heart of Stumphouse Mountain. At the midway point, a 16 by 20 foot air shaft extends upward 200 feet to the surface. Cold air moving out of the mouth of the tunnel pulls warm air down the shaft. The moisture in this warm air is condensed by the cold air in the tunnel to produce a constant wetness in the tunnel, which is favorable for curing blue cheese.
THE CHEESE RESEARCH PROJECT
The unfinished Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel lay idle for 80 years, visited by tourists and picnickers through the years, but serving no useful purpose. In 1940 an alert Clemson College professor recognized the possibilities of curing blue mould cheese in the tunnel. With this thought in mind, the Clemson College Dairy Department began experimenting with the manufacture of blue cheese and curing it in the tunnel. The debris which had accumulated during three quarters of a century was cleared out, equipment for cheese curing was moved in, and the project was off to a successful beginning.
The outbreak of World War II in 1941 limited production, and the work was discontinued in 1944. Clemson lost skilled specialists; the milk used for cheese was needed for aviation cadets quartered on campus; and litigation arouse as to the ownership of the tunnel.
In 1951 Clemson College was successful in purchasing the tunnel. With adequate milk supplies again available, Operation Blue Cheese was re-initiated. Operations were resumed on an experimental basis in 1953. Selected Brown Swiss and Holstein milk from Clemson dairy herd consisting of 680 animals was used to make the Roquefort-style blue mold cheese. The cheese was manufactured on campus, transported 30 miles, and cured in the tunnel. In October 1953, some 2500 pounds of Blue cheese was curing in the depths of Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel.
The production was directed by D.H. Graham, a native of Mississippi and a recent Ph.D. from Iowa State College. He joined the Clemson Dairy staff in August, 1953, to initiate the manufacture of Blue cheese and carry on other dairy products research. Indications were that the product would be ready for market in April or May 1954. The Clemson Dairy Department was pleasantly anticipating the time when cheese connoisseurs over the country could again enjoy the tangy, piquant flavor of Clemson Blue Cheese. Blue cheese was cured in the tunnel from 1953 to 1956. The environmental conditions in the tunnel were carefully analyzed, mold strains suited for these conditions were developed, and curing procedures were investigated. Curing in the tunnel was suspended during the summer months because of the warm temperature.
The Agricultural Center in Newman Hall was built at Clemson in 1956. Air conditioned cheese rooms were designed to duplicate the tunnel's high humidity and temperature. Research studies were begun on the campus early in 1956. The air conditioned rooms have eliminated the need for suspending operations during the warm summer months, which was necessary in the tunnel. In 1958, all manufacturing and curing of Blue Cheese was conducted on campus. The continuing search for new and more efficient methods is a contribution of modern agriculture to our nation's economy.
In 1970, the tunnel was leased to the Pendleton Historical District Commission, which converted the area into a picnic spot and tourist attraction. The south entrance of the tunnel was a historic landmark in South Carolina for many years. After a rockslide inside the tunnel in the mid 1990's, the tunnel was closed to visitors. After strenuous safety testing, the city of Walhalla has reopened the tunnel as a landmark site.
Clemson Blue Cheese was always been an artisanal cheese, made the old fashioned way. Each 288 gallon vat makes a batch of about 240 lbs, which is then salted, waxed and aged for 6 months. When it is ready, each hoop is scraped and packaged by hand. Each lot is kept separate, and strenuous record keeping assures quality at every step.
About our many service clubs and organizations.
Hopefully people will eMail me (foxnest@metacrawler.com) with pertinent information about our many service clubs for posting here. Meanwhile, I've made a hugh list of charities and service organizations in our area on another site called People in Trouble
A little about the increasing amount of Horse, Mule, and Llama raising going on. About our huge Garrison Arena and all their activities.
As a veterinarian with a wife that is big into weaving, I know there are lots of little farms hidden among our hills raising and enjoying horses, mules, llamas, and an interesting assortment of other creatures. I'll try to get you more information soon.
HORSEBACK RIDING:
Chattooga Ridge Stables: Mountain Rest, SC - 864-638-9479
Camp Toccoa: Toccoa, GA 706-886-2457
Croft State Park
450 Croft State Park Rd., Spartanburg SC 29302
(864) 585-1283; FAX (864) 585-2913
A show ring and stable located in the park are available for rent. There is also a bridle trail, and horse shows are sponsored by the Spartanburg County Horsemen's Association. An Olympic size pool, tennis, camping, picnicking, hiking and a 156-acre fishing lake with dock.
Kings Mountain State Park
1277 Park Rd., Blacksburg SC 29702
(803) 222-3209
Stables are available for groups renting Camp York, a group camp facility.
Riverbend Equestrian Park
175 Riverbend Rd., Travelers Rest SC 29690
(864) 288-6470; FAX (864) 288-6499
S.C.'s only public equestrian park. Instructional classes, therapeutic programs, horse shows and special events. Open year round. The 65-acre park is operated by Greenville County Recreation District.
Sumter National Forest
The Rocky Gap Trail offers the most scenic horseback riding and hiking in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains. The 12.5-mile trail joins the Willis Knob Horse Trail in Georgia, providing a total of 26 miles of riding experiences through the Chattooga Wild & Scenic River corridor. The trail has several loops, and riders may begin their trip at Whetstone Horse Camp. Contact the Andrew Pickens Ranger District Office at (864) 638-9568.
A little about the incredibly beautiful and prosperous neighborhoods, retirement communities, golf courses, and clubs scattered around our lakes and foothills.
GOLF:
We have a lot of really nice golf courses in our area. Several of them World Class.
I'll try to get some pictures soon.
Meanwhile, here's a list with phone numbers and web sites if available:
Blue Ridge Golf Center (9): 2499 Blue Ridge Blvd, Walhalla, SC - 864-882-7949
Boscobel CC (18): Hwy 76, Pendleton, SC - 864-646-3991
Cateechee Golf Club (18): Hartwell, Ga - (706) 856-4653
Chickasaw Point (18): Hwy 11, Westminster, SC - 864-972-9623
Cobb's Glen (18): <http://www.cobbsglen.com/club/index.html> Anderson, SC - 864-226-7688
Falcons Lair (18): Hwy 11, Walhalla, SC - 864-638-0000
Foxwood Hills (9): Westminster, SC - 864-647-9503
Hollywood Hills (18): <http://www.eaglegreens.com/holly.html> Old 441, Hollywood, Ga - 706-754-2255
Oconee Country Club (18): Hwy 123, Seneca, SC - 864-882-8037
Sandy Creek (18): <http://www.eaglegreens.com/sandy.html> Hwy 98, Commerce, Ga - 706-335-8101
Shoal Creek Driving Range: I-85 Exit 59 Lavonia, Ga - 706-356-5257
Table Rock Resort (18): <http://www.tablerock.com/> Hwy 11, Pickens, SC - 864-878-2030
The Pines (9): Hwy 17, Toccoa, Ga - 706-886-1915
Victoria Bryant State Park: Royston, Ga - 706-245-6770
Walker GC (18): <http://virtual.clemson.edu/groups/madren/toc/walker/intro.htm> Clemson University, SC - 864-656-0236
Woodhaven (9): Hwy 76, Pendleton, SC - 864-646-9511
Misc
Berry Picking - The Happy Berry (864-350-9345)
Birding in The Upstate of South Carolina <http://www.sccsi.com/sc/birds/birding-mnt.html>
BIKING & RIVING TOURS: East of Hwy 11 is farmland & rolling hills. To the Northwest are country roads along the lakes and rivers. North are the mountains. Most back roads are paved, perfect for family bicycle trips. The National Forests have many trails for mountain biking. The Curiosity Shopp stocks a complete line of guide books, directions, and topo maps <http://www.lake-hartwell.com/services/Shopping/TheLakeStore/> to help you find the trails that match your skill.
Mountain Bike Depot: Highlands, NC - Spring & 5th St. - Bike Rentals 704-526-4401
Mountain Waters Scenic Drive <scenicdr.htm> - This 125 mile loop covers three states and several waterfalls.
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway <../Scenic11/Scenic11.htm> - This 115 mile scenic drive parallels I-85 from Exit 1 to Gaffney.
Trap & Skeet - Sportsmans Gun and Archery Club - Hwy 172 Royston, Ga - 800-451-7626, 706-245-5010
RACING:
Hwy 17 Kartway: Go Kart races Sat 2:00-6:00 Fri (After 4/1) 7:00pm 706-779-3666
RAFTING & CANOEING:
Broad River Canoe Outpost (Broad River) - Athens, GA - 706-795-3242
Chattooga River Adventures: Raft and Funyak rentals - Mountain Rest, SC - 800-UGO-RAFT
Chau-Ram Park <chauram.htm> Whitewater Slalom Course - 864-638-4212
Headwaters Outfitters <http://www.headwatersoutfitters.com> (Lake Jocassee scenic canoe & kyack tours) North Carolina Float Trips 704-877-3106
NOC Rafting <http://www.nocweb.com/default.htm> (Chattooga River and others) - 800-232-7238
The Sand Bar - Royston, GA 706-245-5397
South Eastern Expeditions <http://www.mindspring.com/~see/> (Chattooga & Ocoee River) 800-868-7238
Wild River Country <http://www.mindspring.com/~lei/wildriver/wildrivr.htm> Chattooga River information page
Wild Water Rafting <http://www.wildwaterrafting.com> (Chattooga River and others) - 800-762-2463
Wildwood Canoe Outpost (Chattahoochee River) - Helen, GA - 706-865-4451
SIGHT SEEING & HISTORICAL AREAS:
Bad Creek Visitor Center: Tours - Highway 130 (864-885-4600)
Cherokee Indian Center: Keowee- Toxaway State Park - 864-868-2605
