Do you want to start your summer with an outdoor adventure?
No matter if you’re a resident or planning a visit, South Carolina provides numerous enjoyable activities for those who love nature, such as observing songbirds and turtles in Beaufort or going horseback riding in McClellanville.
And the Lowcountry isn’t the only part of the state worth exploring. The Upstate is just waiting to be explored, too.
Begin your day with more knowledge. Receive all essential news directly in your mailbox every morning.
Here are
World Atlas’ 10 Most Picturesque Small Towns in the Palmetto State
for nature lovers.
Pause and savor the scent of the roses at Clemson’s botanical gardens.
Nestled in South Carolina, Clemson stands out as a charming locale primarily recognized for housing Clemson University. Throughout the town, you’ll see orange tiger paw symbols adorning various surfaces—whether they’re painted on building facades, displayed in store window fronts, or even etched into street pavements. These emblems pay homage to the university’s triumphant NCAA Division I FBS college football team which has claimed multiple national championships. However, athletics aren’t the sole draw here; Clemson also boasts an array of captivating natural attractions worth exploring.
A tour of the South Carolina Botanical Garden, offered by Clemson University, is a must for nature lovers visiting the area. As you wander through this picturesque setting, admire beautiful seasonal blooms such as the state flower, Carolina jessamine, along with various camellia and magnolia plantings. Additionally, a short 15-to-20-minute trek through Clemson’s Experimental Forest brings you to what was previously called Clemson Falls but now goes by Waldrop Stone Falls, according to reports from World Atlas.
To enjoy a “pleasant evening out,” the guide suggests refueling at downtown eateries Delish Sisters or Rick Erwin’s.
Walhalla teems with countless waterfalls.
Nestled within the Blue Ridge Escarpment, the quaint town of Walhalla sits at the boundary between mountainous terrain and the Piedmont region. For those planning to spend a relaxing weekend here, the Majestic Treehouse at Bolt Farm offers an adults-only retreat (“a haven in woodlands” as per their site). Amongst Walhanna’s natural attractions are the picturesque waterfalls such as Issaqueena and the impressive 50-foot-high Yellow Branch Falls; hence, hikers will definitely wish to bring along sturdy footwear. According to World Atlas, visitors looking for aquatic fun may opt for swimming at Lake Keowee during summertime, yet this body of water equally serves well for thrilling pursuits including jet boarding, wakesurfing, and waterskiing.
Zip-line through Travelers Rest
In Travelers Rest, families can enjoy an array of activities thanks to its distinctive boutiques and numerous chances for outdoor exploration. If you haven’t explored the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail yet, consider loading your bicycle onto your vehicle when you arrive. Alternatively, you could pick up a rental from places such as Sunrift Adventures situated at 1 Center Street along the path. The trail also features several rest spots equipped with gazebos specifically designed for cyclists looking to take a breather during their ride.
And cycling isn’t the sole activity visitors can anticipate enjoying at Travelers Rest.
The World Atlas mentioned, “Two of the most thrilling methods to explore the Upstate region include ziplining and whitewater rafting.”
To experience genuine Upstate fare, consider dining at Chicora Alley Firehouse Restaurant, Coastal Crust, or Shortfields.
World Atlas’ Top 10 Picturesque Small Towns in South Carolina for Nature Enthusiasts
- Beaufort
- Edisto
- Georgetown
- Walhalla
- Aiken
- Travelers Rest
- McClellanville
- Clemson
- Walterboro
- Camden
Nina Tran reports on current trends for The Greenville News. You can contact her through email at ntran@gannett.com.
The article initially appeared on Greenville News:
These picturesque small towns in Upstate offer the best natural beauty for nature enthusiasts: Where to go to explore them
Leave a Reply